An instrument to investigate consumer demand, use and care of flame resistant treated textile items

Abstract

Major purposes were: 1. assist in developing an instrument for Regional Research Project (NE-79) to determine consumer demand and use of flame resistant treated textile items; 2. test reliability of total instrument; 3. conduct a pilot study investigating factors influencing consumer demand for these textile items and practices relative to their use and care. Average reliability score of all items was 87.4 percent when tested and re-tested with 23 mothers of preschool children. Questions using an opinion scale to determine importance of availability of flame resistant textile items tended to be unreliable. Pilot study data from mailed questionnaires to 27 mothers indicated need for major revision of questions to determine styles of sleeping garments for children. Over 85 per cent of the mothers considered availability of flame resistant treated textile items important, and a large majority reported willingness to pay extra money for them. Most mothers did not indicate present use of flame resistant children's sleepwear and robes, mattress pads, curtains, draperies, carpets, rugs, and bedspreads; less than one fourth of the respondents had attempted to purchase them. Over one-half the mothers were unaware of federal legislation preventing future sale of flammable textile products. About one-third of the respondents did not know the correct definition of "flame resistant," and over one half could not define “inflammable.”