What's Inside My Baby Mattress?

What's inside my Baby Mattress? { Most non-organic baby mattresses contain chemicals of concern: antimony, polyurethane, vinyl, materials likely to contain volatile organic compounds – like synthetic latex, proprietary commercial waterproofer or antibacterial formulas, undisclosed flame retardants, antibacterial additives or other unknown components. Baby mattresses that contain flame retardant chemicals 8% are made without chemicals of concern or allergens 20% offer some "green" components but do not take meaningful steps to ensure products are free of toxic chemicals. 22% use proprietary formulas for waterproofers, flame retardants or antibacterials, keeping potential health impacts secret. 72% 40% use vinyl coverings. use one or more chemicals of concern: antimony, vinyl, polyurethane, and other volatile organic compounds. Mattress Components CRIB MATTRESSES Flame retardant materials May contain chemicals of concern in any of the four layers. Middle layer of padding Structural core Ticking (cover) O Natural Latex: VOCS (volatile organic compounds) may be added during processing. Proteins in natural latex can trigger rare, but serious allergic reactions. O Synthetic Latex: Made from two petroleum-based compounds (styrene and butadiene). Contains added VOCS. O Polyethylene Foam: Petroleum-based Core Safer core materials include innerspring coils, certified organic cotton, and wool. O Polyurethane Foam: Burns easily and may contain toxic chemicals including VOCS and toxic flame retardants: (wood sealant, minwax). Innerspring Coil/Metal: Non-toxic, can be recycled O Visco-Elastic Foam (AKA memory foam): Made from polyurethane. Coir: Natural material O "Soy" or "plant- based" Foam: Polyurethane foam with a low percentage of plants like soy and castor bean oil replacing petroleum-based elements. Wool: Naturally flame resistant Cotton: A natural fiber, made into densely packed batting Interior Padding Wrapped around the core and can be made of many of the same materials: cotton, wool, or polyester. Safer padding includes certified organic cotton and wool. Safer flame retardants include hydrated silica and wool. Flame Retardants Hydrated Silica: Chemically inert and non-toxic Manufacturers often add chemical flame retardants to linings or padding to meet federal flammability standards. These additives are not bound to the material and are released. Wool: Natural material and meets federal flammability standards when densely woven or packed O Antimony: A toxic heavy metal Boric Acid: Can cause eye and respiratory irritation O Halogenated Flame Retardants: Synthetic chemicals are added to foam or fabric, linked to many severe, lifelong health problems. Safer cover materials include certified organic cotton and wool. Ticking (Cover) Cotton: Soft, breathable fabric The exterior cover that envelopes the mattress core and provides a comfort- able sleeping surface. Waterproofing and antibacterial chemicals may be used in this layer. Wool Naturally water repellant and flame resistant Water Proofers: Always choose water proofers that fully disclose materials/chemicals. O Polyester: A petroleum product that may contain hidden additives and contaminants such as antimony O Vinyl: Toxic chemicals are necessary for production and often leach out during use. O Antibacterial Chemicals: Can spur growth of resistant bacteria. Mattresses can be safe for children without these chemicals. Keep in mind that by sticking to natural materials like cotton and wool (rather than foam), your mattress is already less flammable. Polyurethane foam is, after all, basically solid fuel. Which materials are safe? Organic Wool Organic Cotton Metal Coir (for an innerspring mattress) (can be an allergen for some) (can irritate skin for some) Effects of Harmful Chemicals LIRS Vinyl Polyurethane Foam Antimony Is produced with many toxic chemicals including cancer-causing chemicals, asthma triggers, and developmental toxins. Made with a potentially cancer-causing chemical and may emit harmful VOCS, which can irritate eyes, nose and throat, cause headaches and Long-term inhalation of low levels is linked to eye irritation and heart and lung problems. (in some cases) cause cancer. Beware of "Greenwashing" Greenwashing is the unethical practice of advertising misleading environmental claims to boost sales. A good way to understand which components ofa mattress are certified is to read the actual certification. Sources Sponsored by theorganicmattressstore.com womensvoices.org greenopedia.com cast coast The Organic Mattress Store®