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Great Lakes
Article:
Green Guide Recommends Chemical-Free
Bedding
AScribe Newswire
Published March 10th, 2005
NEW YORK-- A good mattress should give you a good night's
sleep-and keep you safe. Since 1973, the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has required that all
mattresses meet its standards for "cigarette ignition
resistance," meaning that when a lit cigarette is
applied to its surface, the fabric will not ignite or
show more than a 2-inch char. Since then, the majority
of mattresses have been treated with fire retardants,
typically polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), close
chemical cousins to long-banned polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), high levels of which have been shown to harm children's
development. This January, California has added a more
demanding open-flame test.
Recent animal tests show the damaging effects of PBDEs
in utero and on thyroid function, which can impair brain
development. Studies also reveal just how prevalent PBDEs
are in fatty tissue of humans, animals and fish. Levels
in breast milk of American women are thought to be the
highest in the world, at 40-60 percent higher than those
of women in Sweden, for example, where bans on these chemicals
are in effect. It also appears that among 5 percent of
the U.S. population, body concentrations are nearing levels
linked to the serious health effects revealed in the animal
studies.
In California, two PBDEs are being phased out, with
a total ban to go into effect after 2008. And the Great
Lakes Chemical Corporation, the only manufacturer of penta-
and octa-varieties of PBDEs, agreed to stop production
in 2004.
In the meantime, there are several PBDE-free bedding
choices. Look for mattresses wrapped in wool, which is
naturally fire-retardant, whose labels say they meet the
CPSC's and California's flammability-resistance standards.
To support the environment as well as your health, go
with organic cotton that has been cultivated without polluting
pesticides or synthetic fertilizers. Check labels to make
sure that bedding is also produced without bleaching or
stain- or water-resistant "finishing" (a process
that uses offgassing chemicals such as formaldehyde).
Undyed linens are free of the heavy metals found in conventional
fabric dyes.
Green Mattresses
Cores are made from natural latex, derived from the
sap of the rubber tree, or from cotton batting. Fabrics
that cover and bind mattresses are cotton and/or wool
that has not been chemically treated (look for the Pure
Grow label). Note: Any mattress that does not use fire-retardant
chemicals or the requisite composition and thickness of
wool cannot be purchased without a doctor's prescription
attesting that you have sensitivities to chemicals. Your
best assurance of safety in any case is a working fire
alarm for every bedroom.
Lifekind Organic and Naturally Safer Mattresses featuring
cotton-wool quilting and non-synthetic latex interiors
are currently manufactured in the U.S. (innersprings are
available too). Prices start at $995 for twin; a crib
size starts at $339.
In addition, Gaiam sells natural latex mattresses that
feature a wool topper (for fire retardancy) and an untreated-cotton
(but not organic) cover. $899 for a twin; a crib size
is $299 (gaiam.com, 877-989-6321).
Affordable Alternative: IKEA makes PBDE-free foam mattresses
for as little as $150 (ikea-usa.com).
Green Bedclothes: are made with organic cotton, undyed
or colored with non-petroleum-based, plant-derived dyes
and free of "finishes."
Under The Canopy sells sheets and blankets starting
at $90 for a twin-sheet set (spiegel.com and underthecanopy.com,
888-226-6799).
The Eco Bedroom has a full line of sheets, blankets,
baby bedding, mattress covers, bed skirts; $48 for a twin
sheet (ecobedroom.com).
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