What Chemicals Are In My Matress?
I recently saw an article on some of the chemicals found in our mattresses, especially the ever prevalent fire retardants, formaldehyde and VOC's.
According to davidsuzuki.org mattresses made in Canada "generally do not contain these flame retardants" but many imports do. Sadly the mattresses made with organic cotton, hemp, wool and other natural products can be very very expensive (did I mention expensive?). Apparently what makes "regular" mattresses more affordable is the petroleum based materials they are made of.
Most of the information I have been able to find comes from the US, but there have been a few helpful articles such as the one I mentioned above and the one I found at nowtoronto.com. Both giving some recommendations, helpful information on manufactures and what chemicals are used in their products.
For instance did you know that there are alternatives to chemical fire retardants?
Wool and PLA fiber (made from plant starch) are safe alternatives. PLA fiber, according to healthychild.com is hypoallergenic, soft, wicks away moisture and even performs well in the wash.
In an article from usatoday.com they recommend looking at mattresses for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard or the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 labels. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label means that certain chemical fire retardant as well as allergic dyes were not used. It also guarantees that the mattress was tested to meet the standards for harmful chemical emissions.
Just because the mattress claims that it is "Natural" doesn't actually mean anything as there are no standards behind such a claim.
Personally my mattress is still in reasonably good shape and I had no plans to replace it anytime soon, nor frankly is it in my budget. So thankfully there is something we can all do to provide a protective layer between us and the mattress. An organic cotton or wool mattress cover is an easier and much less expensive option than replacing your mattress all together.
If you have little ones don't forget about crib mattress covers too. They tend to spend more time sleeping, and since they're still developing they are more vulnerable to these chemicals.
Buying a mattress is no small purchase so, spend the time and do a bit of research.
For suggestions on mattress brands and manufacturers in Canada check out:
davidsuzuki.org
nowtoronto.com
Sources:
nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/ecoholic/sleep-on-it-the-mattress-guide/
davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2014/02/whats-off-gassing-in-your-bedroom/
https://www.healthychild.com/kids-beds-are-a-source-of-chemical-exposure/
usatoday.com/story/money/business/consumer/call-12-for-action/2015/11/03/chemicals-in-your-mattress/75079808/
According to davidsuzuki.org mattresses made in Canada "generally do not contain these flame retardants" but many imports do. Sadly the mattresses made with organic cotton, hemp, wool and other natural products can be very very expensive (did I mention expensive?). Apparently what makes "regular" mattresses more affordable is the petroleum based materials they are made of.
Most of the information I have been able to find comes from the US, but there have been a few helpful articles such as the one I mentioned above and the one I found at nowtoronto.com. Both giving some recommendations, helpful information on manufactures and what chemicals are used in their products.
For instance did you know that there are alternatives to chemical fire retardants?
Wool and PLA fiber (made from plant starch) are safe alternatives. PLA fiber, according to healthychild.com is hypoallergenic, soft, wicks away moisture and even performs well in the wash.
In an article from usatoday.com they recommend looking at mattresses for the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS), Global Organic Latex Standard or the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 labels. The Oeko-Tex Standard 100 label means that certain chemical fire retardant as well as allergic dyes were not used. It also guarantees that the mattress was tested to meet the standards for harmful chemical emissions.
Just because the mattress claims that it is "Natural" doesn't actually mean anything as there are no standards behind such a claim.
Personally my mattress is still in reasonably good shape and I had no plans to replace it anytime soon, nor frankly is it in my budget. So thankfully there is something we can all do to provide a protective layer between us and the mattress. An organic cotton or wool mattress cover is an easier and much less expensive option than replacing your mattress all together.
If you have little ones don't forget about crib mattress covers too. They tend to spend more time sleeping, and since they're still developing they are more vulnerable to these chemicals.
Buying a mattress is no small purchase so, spend the time and do a bit of research.
For suggestions on mattress brands and manufacturers in Canada check out:
davidsuzuki.org
nowtoronto.com
Sources:
nowtoronto.com/lifestyle/ecoholic/sleep-on-it-the-mattress-guide/
davidsuzuki.org/blogs/queen-of-green/2014/02/whats-off-gassing-in-your-bedroom/
https://www.healthychild.com/kids-beds-are-a-source-of-chemical-exposure/
usatoday.com/story/money/business/consumer/call-12-for-action/2015/11/03/chemicals-in-your-mattress/75079808/
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