UC Berkeley's Green Science Policy Institute presented this research Tuesday to an international symposium. It's all about flame retardants used in mattresses, pillows, and baby products.
Video from the California Department of Consumer Affairs showed a comforter in flames a couple of minutes after it was set on fire. One treated with chemicals burned more slowly.
However, the Berkeley researchers say the fire protection is small compared to the health risks. It says the flame retardants increase the risk of cancer and can slow brain development in children.
