California Dept of Consumer Affairs wrote:
Bug Warning - Importance of Sanitizing Mattresses
Bed Bugs are becoming a common pest again – Bureau emphasis to not buy used unsanitized mattresses.
The Department of Consumer Affairs' Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation are reminding residents that the re-infestation of the Bed Bug might prompt families and hotel businesses to do some inspecting and cleaning. In addition, buying used mattresses or mattresses that have not been certified, could provide the perfect environment for the bug.
Bureau Chief Laura Zuniga stresses the importance of making sure you buy mattresses that have the sanitation label, "We urge consumers to check for the label, especially on mattresses being resold. Now, more than ever we need to take precautions that will ensure that we are not spreading unwanted critters."
On the East Coast, and possibly on the West Coast, there are small bed bug epidemics brewing. About 20 years ago the bed bug was no longer a problem. The scourge had been wiped out with chemicals, pesticides, purchase of new mattresses, and good cleaning standards. However, the bug has made an alarming come back.
Usually the bug is more annoying than harmful, but it could cause some painful welts from the bites, as well as itching and discoloration of the skin. The bugs invade your warm bed area and hide in cracks and crevices of the sheets, mattress and furniture – then come out at night.
What To Do - The Bureau would like to remind consumers, residents and hotels that there are precautions that can be taken to help prevent this pesky creature from spreading:
Do not buy unsanitized mattresses – there are times that mattresses are sold without being certified as being sanitized. It is the law that all mattresses resold must be sanitized BEFORE they are given to the consumer. Be careful and look for the sanitation label on the mattress before you purchase. Mattresses purchased that are unsealed can be contaminated. California Law mandates that all manufacturers, retailers and vendors be licensed by the Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation and follow the standards set in offering mattresses for sale. Explore the Bureau's Website for details on the laws and regulations or educational materials on what consumers should know about mattresses and labeling at
http://www.bhfti.ca.gov/consumer/rebuilt.pdf