When checking out online customer reviews of crib mattresses - the traditional varieties made with polyurethane foam, fire retardants, and PVC/vinyl with phthalates, just to mention a few of the chemical components - it's clear that many parents think a crib mattress is safe simply because it's firm and fits snugly in the crib. While these are vital safety elements, many experts believe that to be truly safe, a crib mattress also has to be free of potentially toxic chemicals.
Generally, parents are not aware of the potentially dangerous chemicals in crib mattresses. Nor are they aware that the fumes from those chemicals can be emitted into the air your baby breathes for 12 to 15 hours every day.
In fact, the chemicals used in most crib mattresses, including some crib mattresses labeled 'organic' or 'natural,' have been linked to so many illnesses and other conditions that even retailers like Walmart are jumping on the bandwagon to reduce our exposure.
What are these dangerous chemicals?
* Vinyl / PVC: PVC requires plasticizers - chemical additives that make the waterproof cover soft and pliable. In addition to hormone disruptor chemicals known as phthalates, vinyl can also contain antimony fire retardants and antibacterial chemical treatments.
* Nylon, Damask or Polyurethane: Also used in the outside cover of mattresses, some of these coverings contain a polyurethane backing or a waterproof coating similar to Teflon®. They may also contain added fire retardants and antibacterial chemical treatments.
* Polyurethane Foam: A highly flammable petroleum product used as the primary material of many crib mattresses, polyurethane foam also usually contains fire retardant chemicals. These volatile organic compounds can break down into small particles which become airborne. Many "Eco", "Soy", "Bio" and "Plant Derived," crib mattresses also contain polyurethane foam. They are made with some natural materials, but the primary ingredient is still polyurethane foam.
* Natural Latex / Rubber or Coir: Natural latex/rubber has been linked to allergies, particularly in children. Most allergists recommend that babies and young children steer clear of latex. The situation is common enough that, according to the FDA, a product containing latex (particularly natural latex) cannot be labeled as "hypoallergenic." Coir (or coconut husks) also contains latex as a bonding agent. Many U.S. hospitals are in the process of removing materials and equipment that use latex.
* Wool, Mohair or Horsetail Hair: Wool is a natural fire retardant material used in many organic mattresses, but it can also be allergenic. Chemical treatments used to clean these fibers, remove dirt, sand, grease and dried sweat, can also be a problem.
* Fire Retardant Chemicals: PBDEs, which are being banned in products sold by Walmart, brominated or chlorinated fire retardants, antimony, modacrylic, polyacrylonitrile, respirable crystaline silica, boric acid and many other fire retardant chemicals are commonly found in crib mattresses.
Many of these chemicals have already been banned in other countries based on scientific evidence of their potential dangers. However, very few have been restricted in the U.S. This is largely because, in the U.S., the process of regulating chemicals is so difficult. Phthalates, for example, which have been banned in Europe for over a decade, were only recently banned in the U.S. And that was only a few of them. Many are still in use.
If you don't want to take chances with your little ones, get an organic crib mattress made with materials you don't have to worry will endanger your baby's health.
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