While scouting in your house for eco-peccadillos, you may not expect to find your bed guilty of many environmental crimes. However, your mattress may not be as innocent as it seems. Besides sometimes fostering tiny parasites like bed bugs (although we hope not), mattresses can also be a surprising source of dangerous emissions, especially some of the newer polymer foam versions designed to mold to your body.
These mattresses are made out of synthetic compounds that can be harmful in several different ways, to both adults and children. Some organizations, such as Prevent SIDS, have pinpointed toxic gases emitted by mattresses as a possible cause of crib death, and advise covering infant mattresses in hygienic mattress covers. Of course, this may not be a comforting remedy or a practical solution, so when it comes down to choices, buying an organic-based mattress may be the best alternative.
Why Toxic?
The problems with these synthetic mattresses can be brought down to three different issues: polymer-associated VOCs, protective chemical emissions, and manufacturing processes.
Many mattresses are made of synthetic polymers, the same basic compounds that are used to make plastic, albeit in a slightly different form. In one structure, they form the cells of memory foam now common in mattresses and pillows. In another form, they create the protective surfaces of normal mattresses. The problem is that some of the chemicals used to make these polymer materials stay on the mattress, caught in the plastic or left on the surface. These chemicals can seep into the air over time, and when breathed into the lungs in large amounts they can caused kidney, lung, and brain damage.
One of the most suspect qualities of these synthetic mattresses are the chemicals used to treat them, to make the foam and surfaces flame resistant. Almost all mattresses are required to be flame retardant by government regulation, but the chemicals used have been highlighted for a wide variety of problems, from encouraging fungus growth that can produce toxic gases to being poisonous in their own right. Of course, the processes used in manufacturing plants to treat these mattresses also result in waste products that are dangerous for the environment.
Alternatives
While protective coverings may be a temporary solution, one of the best alternatives is to simply replace the mattress with a safe organic version. There are even organic versions of foam mattresses made with all natural latex. These mattresses are often naturally hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites. OMI (Organic Mattresses, Inc.) is one company that specializes in making mattresses out of all-natural rubber with organic wool, which acts as a natural fire retardant and meets both government and state requirements. OMI also has Puddle Pads and mattress covers that are free of toxic water proofing materials.
When you have children or infants, waterproofing can be important, whether it is on mattresses, mattress covers, sleeping and changing pads…the list goes on. Waterproof coatings, sheaths, and materials help stop leaks from damaging fabrics and make all sorts of messes easier to clean up. Unfortunately, they also come with a high price, especially for children who are exposed to them. Fortunately, there are amazing products that you can switch to and we will cover that later.
a very safe and practical alternative to the diaper bag. It is free of PVC, lead, BPA, latex and it is formaldehyde free. The organic version is the way to go and the colors are beautiful. It is in a round shape that is completely cool for putting your baby in any position and it has inside pockets for storage. Just in case you were wondering, I am not being paid in any way to write this. I like what I use and I tell you about it.
