Sleep Tight, Don’t Let the PBDEs Bite
According to the fine folks at The Green Guide, conventional mattresses can potentially offgas toxic chemicals:
Mattress foam is treated with fire-retardants. The greatest potential health risk is posed by one class of fire retardants: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). These have been widely used in polyurethane foam and other plastics. Due to the health risks and public pressure, use of these chemicals is declining and less toxic alternatives are becoming more common.
PBDEs are similar in makeup to PCBs—their chemical cousins that have been banned for nearly three decades, because they cause immune suppression, endocrine disruption, cancer, and behavioral problems, among other ill effects.
In California, two PBDEs are being phased out, with a total ban to go into effect after 2006. The Great Lakes Chemical Corporation, the only manufacturer of penta- and octa-varieties of PBDEs, agreed to stop production in 2004. Exposure to PBDEs may be especially harmful to infants and fetuses, with human studies revealing that these compounds accumulate in breast milk. Infants are always more vulnerable than adults to exposure to toxic substances.
You want to avoid mattresses and pillows that contain moisture- and stain-resistant finishes, PFOA (Teflon), flame-retardant PBDEs, and synthetic materials (including “hypoallergenic” down). Choose instead mattresses made with wool casings or organic cotton fills, and pillows stuffed with natural fills such as kapok, buckwheat hulls, synthetic-free latex, untreated wool, or, again, organic cotton (can’t really go wrong there).
To help you sleep better at night, the magazine has compiled a muy excellente foldable Smart Shopper’s Mattress and Pillow Card you can print out and tuck into your wallet for the next time you go shopping. (It also has a list of recommended retailers you can check out.)
Local alert:
New York/New Jersey residents can also peruse the offerings of NJ-owned and -operated White Lotus, which has locations in New Brunswick and Princeton.
juanita said,
June 21, 2006 at 6:27 pm
But, aw man, White Lotus is way way WAY beyond a student’s budget.
carolita said,
June 21, 2006 at 11:52 pm
I totally notice the nasty chemical smell coming from new mattresses, so I bought myself an organic cotton (wool padding for fire resistance) futon. I highly recommend it! Futons are also good for fitful sleepers (or fitfully sleeping boyfriends spending the night) as they don’t bounce around everytime someone moves!
As for price, have you seen how much a decent “normal” mattress costs? My futon was cheaper than Sleepy’s mattresses! And better for the back. Start out with a thin one, stick it on top of a box spring and you’ll be okay till you can afford another one to put on top (or a nice new thick one, and save the thin one for houseguests!) Next time I have money left over after taxes, I’m getting another thin one to add one more layer.
(If you have a few thin layers, they’re easier to air out eventually).
The Worsted Witch » Blog Love: Ideal Bite said,
November 13, 2006 at 2:37 pm
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