Our children spend over 50% of their early life snuggled in sweet slumber on their crib mattresses. There is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping baby, and nothing more disturbing than learning there are poisons just below the thin crib sheet. Nearly all baby mattresses today contain polyurethane foam, vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals. Phthalates, a group of chemicals known to affect a child's developing endocrine (hormonal) system, and which may cause asthma, allergies and even cancer, are so hazardous that they have already been banned in many countries around the world. While the recent ban of three types of phthalates in America is a milestone, it doesn't eliminate the risk associated with the millions of older crib mattresses containing these banned chemicals still in our homes today.
In a report almost two years ago, WXYZ ABC's Channel 7 in Detroit featured mattress manufacturers admitting to using poisonous chemicals as flame retardants necessary to pass the extreme government blow-torch test. Disturbing indeed. The chemicals being applied to mattresses in most cases are more dangerous than the potential fire they are "protecting" us from.
"I think the biggest reason to invest in an organic mattress is to avoid exposure to bromine, which is used in the fire retarding process. Since bromine competes with iodine in our tissues, exposure to bromine can predispose people to diseases of the thyroid, breast, and prostate." explains Katherine Erlich M.D. Holistic Pediatrician at Healing The Whole Child located within the Center for Holistic Medicine in West Bloomfield.
What now? If possible older crib mattress and their vinyl pads should be carried to the curb as they may contain banned substances. These mattresses should be replaced with a non-toxic solution, like organic cotton, wool or natural latex (if there is no allergy). If that's not feasible, using a heavy organic cotton or wool mattress pad is better than allowing your little one to curl up so close to known toxins.
There are several safer solutions available in a range of prices. Most of the big box baby stores are carrying organic mattresses and mattress pads, but be sure to check that it doesn't have brominated or chlorinated flame retardants. A line I trust is Naturepedic. Naturepedic products are made in Cleveland, Ohio and are endorsed by Healthy Child, Healthy World, a non-profit organization specializing in educating parents on how to provide a non-toxic environment for their children.
Check the WXYZ Report here: http://www.wxyz.com/content/news/investigators/story/Is-Your-Mattress-Toxic/uyyqc8qDak-PG9GrM4wPqw.cspx
Dr. Erlich, Healing the Whole Child website: http://healingthewholechild.com/
Healthy Child Healthy World website: http://healthychild.org
Naturepedic Website: http://www.naturepedic.com
Root and Sprout in Birmingham carries Naturepedic products: http://www.rootandsproutbirmingham.com
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