What now?? Well, our mattresses could be killing us.
Ok, well maybe it’s a little bit of an overstatement but most mattresses have been made from a petroleum-based material called polyurethane foam that emits volatile compounds that can cause respiratory problems and skin irritation. In addition, the adhesives used to hold the mattresses together (formaldehyde) has been linked to asthma, allergies, and lung, nose, and throat cancers.
Oh and it doesn’t stop there, there are the cotton pesticides and flame-retardants chemicals used in mattresses, many of these are known to potentially cause cancer and nervous-system disorders.
For those memory foam users the story is more frightening because a memory-foam model was found to emit 61 chemicals, including the carcinogens benzene and naphthalene.
Where’s the proof?
Of course as with most of these health risks there is no proof that there are health risks from the substances used in mattresses, this is because to track their long-term effects is virtually impossible. But should we risk this especially when it comes children? A baby can sleep up to 18 hours a day!!
Help is at hand?
Good news is that there are alternatives out in the market, there are several mattresses made with organic and non-toxic materials such as wool and latex from rubber trees. These are both naturally fire-resistant, negating the need for any chemical flameproofing. What’s the catch? Of course the price!
Another advantage of using natural non-toxic alternatives is the cost to the environment of making them is less than the cost of traditional mattresses and recycling them would be easier.
Steps to safer measures
If you are like me and are now concerned about toxins but not ready to replace your old mattress due to either money or convenience there are certain steps you can take steps to improve indoor air quality:
- A barrier cloth cover (made from tightly woven cotton and typically used for allergy protection) to keep some compounds from escaping can help with seeping chemicals from your mattresses.
- If a mattress or pillow is noticeably odoriferous, letting it air out in a shed for a few days will at least help keep the chemicals out of the bedroom.
- Finally, stocking up on such houseplants as spider plants and ferns, which absorb airborne pollutants, can help you rest easier.
Goodnight!
Useful Links
Web retailers: http://www.theorganicmattressstore.com, http://www.abacaorganic.co.uk/index.html
Web articles: Toxic Sleep, Should you ditch your chemical mattress?
