| Modern mattresses are a health hazard hiding in | | | | became the primary concern - for example, |
| plain sight. Many people don't realize that | | | | children playing with matches - that's when |
| mattresses contain flame retardants and other | | | | polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were |
| materials that can constantly release gases into | | | | developed. Since then, researchers have found |
| the air, potentially harming one's health. Thankfully, | | | | concentrations of PDBEs everywhere from seal |
| organic mattresses offer a safe, healthy | | | | blubber to breast milk. After some animal studies |
| alternative. | | | | indicated that PDBEs impaired the reproductive |
| Volatile Organic Compounds | | | | and nervous system's development, PDBE |
| A pivotal issue of mattress toxicity revolves | | | | manufacturers voluntarily stopped making them |
| around volatile organic compounds (VOCs). | | | | for inclusion in mattresses. Since then, new flame |
| They're incredibly common, but for regulatory | | | | retardants have been developed, using synthetic |
| purposes, the term is generally applied to | | | | fibers to block fire. Unfortunately, people don't |
| compounds that vaporize under normal conditions, | | | | know what those synthetic fibers are comprised |
| entering the air and potentially harming human | | | | of because their make-up is proprietary; |
| health. Unbeknownst to consumers, many | | | | manufacturers don't need to disclose them. |
| everyday items produce VOCs. Studies have | | | | Mattress Covers |
| shown that long-term exposure to certain VOCs | | | | The cover of a mattress is called its ticking; it |
| increases the relative risk of some cancers. In the | | | | may also be a source of dangerous chemicals. |
| short-term, VOCs can irritate the eyes and | | | | Children's mattresses are often covered with |
| respiratory system; they're especially irritating to | | | | vinyl. In producing vinyl, manufacturers take a |
| those with respiratory conditions like asthmatics | | | | hard plastic and treat it with other chemicals in |
| as well as those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. | | | | order to make it malleable. Often, manufacturers |
| Both the Occupational Safety and Health | | | | use phthalates to soften the plastic; this presents |
| Administration and the Environmental Protection | | | | problems given studies have shown |
| Agency link VOCs to respiratory irritation, along | | | | concentrations of phthalates in human tissue and |
| with several other health issues. As larger | | | | have linked phthalates to health problems. On |
| numbers of Americans are trying to limit their | | | | January 1, 2009, California became the first state |
| exposure to chemicals, they may overlook one | | | | to enact a ban on the use of phthalates in |
| particularly important source of such VOCs: their | | | | children's mattresses. In February of the same |
| mattress. | | | | year, a federal law went into effect, banning |
| Mattresses Deconstructed | | | | three varieties of phthalates in children's products, |
| Modern mattresses are typically made from | | | | mattresses included. In all of these areas - |
| metal springs nestled between polyurethane foam | | | | mattress composition, flame retardants, and |
| or simply the foam itself. What most people don't | | | | covers - potentially-hazardous chemicals are used |
| realize is that polyurethane foam is made from | | | | with little warning. |
| petroleum, which off-gases - it evaporates at | | | | Alternatives |
| normal temperatures over long periods of time, | | | | There is an alternative to these chemical-laden, |
| continually releasing chemicals into the air. Memory | | | | unhealthy mattresses. Due to the health concerns |
| foam, which has become very popular in recent | | | | presented by the many toxic chemicals, organic |
| years, is a high-density type of polyurethane | | | | mattresses and mattress covers have become |
| foam; it, too, is made from petroleum. Mattresses | | | | more widely available, like those offered by |
| made from foam can emit the very VOCs people | | | | Royal-Pedic. These are made from all-natural |
| are seeking to eliminate in other areas of their | | | | ingredients, such as organic cotton, organic lamb's |
| lives. And since so much of one's life is spent | | | | wool, and organic latex. They don't use the harsh |
| asleep, it's not an insignificant issue. While the | | | | chemicals or problematic foam in their |
| Polyurethane Foam Association may insist the | | | | construction, so there is no concern about |
| foam is safe for consumers, other researchers | | | | petroleum offgassing. They even satisfy fire |
| note that mattresses eventually end up in landfills, | | | | safety regulations by using a wool wrap as a |
| presenting environmental concerns, as well. | | | | natural flame retardant. Some companies offer |
| Flame Retardants in Mattresses | | | | orthopedic versions or even organic pillows to |
| In the 1970s, flame retardants became widely | | | | match. |
| used in mattresses in order to reduce the risks | | | | Chemical exposure is a constant concern in |
| from cigarettes. At the time, polyurethane foam | | | | today's world. Consumers seeking to limit their |
| was believed to be an effective fire retardant | | | | exposure to toxic chemicals should consider |
| because cigarettes can't ignite the foam. Thus, it | | | | purchasing an organic mattress, both for peace of |
| began to be commonly used. When open flames | | | | mind and for better sleep. |