polyurethane foam mattress health risks

The isocyanate compounds researched were acetone, benzene, ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, methylene chloride and 1,1,1 -trichloroethane. The structure of memory foam displaces under pressure or applied force. SleepAdvisor.org is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. After choosing a safer mattress, let the mattress air out and breathe for a few hours before making the bed. Ask if the mattress materials are generally free of VOC and HAPs. Polyurethane foam emits toxic fumes if burned. They show harm in using industrial waste- grade chemicals for furniture and accessories. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)findings confirm the toxicity of these materials. Create a non toxic environment for yourself and your family. Seeing how most of the homeowners are switching to foam mattresses – we have to stop and ask ourselves. And if that alone isn’t bad enough they are carcinogenic to humans. (1). Groundbreaking hacks for practical nontoxic living. Avoid chemical flame retardants. Memory foam was first designed for NASA space program. What they discovered was that even the brief exposure caused damage. Diisocyanates are also found as ingredients that increase flame resistance in foam mattresses. Let alone long exposure over time. The health concerns are great. They suffer from the lack of concentration, frequent headaches, and respiratory issues. Most of the cheaper memory mattresses come from polyurethane foam. Several chemicals found in foam mattresses pose adverse health risks making them questionable toxic products. Avoid petroleum-based materials, like synthetic latex, vinyl, and polyurethane foam. One flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), contributes to lowered IQ , increased hyperactivity in young children, and disrupted hormones during pregnancy. According to the EPA ’s review of MDI and TDI , “Completely cured products are fully reacted and therefore are considered to be inert and non-toxic.” Health effects associated with VOCs range from eye, nose and throat irritation to headaches and organ damage, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This is a main reason why it's important to look for an affordable non toxic mattress and a quality non toxic crib when purchasing one for your infants or children. (1) (2)A to Z of D-Toxing, Works Cited Part 2, (3) (4)A to Z of D-Toxing, Works Cited Part 3 and 4. We can hardly say that it is meant for use as a mattress. Propylene oxide and TDI are found in polyurethane foam and memory foam, which is present in nearly all mattresses on the market today. Transparency Disclosure – We may receive a referral fee (at no additional cost to the buyer) for products purchased through the links on our site or other applicable pages. Several chemicals listed above can be found on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s list of Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs) or fall into the group of chemicals known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This can have serious consequences for human health. Learn budget-friendly tips to detox your home and habits of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and electromagnetic fields from your technology. In a world where profit matters more than human health, this does not come as too surprising. Open all windows and doors and make sure that the room where wood finishes and varnishes are being done is well ventilated. Below are a few guidelines for choosing safer mattresses. Most mattresses on the market are full of chemicals that can pollute your bedroom air and harm your body. This harkens back to a California law from the 1970’s that required foam furnishings meet certain flammability requirements. by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée. The number of other toxic chemicals include many harmful compounds. The government even appears to turn a blind eye to the many studies. It adds padding and coziness while providing the support and structure needed for a good night’s sleep. We are facing a serious health threat, and it seems no one from the industry is taking notice. Polyurethane foam is used in most mattresses on the market. Some manufacturers opt for not using harmful compounds. It is remarkable that no one is actually letting the public know about this information. This is especially true for infants that sleeping on a new mattress. Check certifications Polyols are binding compounds that are essential to creating the polyurethane foam. Or any type of product where humans would be longer exposed to it, for that matter. Polyurethane foam has been one of the materials for crib mattress pads for many year but questions remain about its safety. The air we inhale during our sleep each night should be of special focus. The thing is if you opt for higher-end products you will get eco-friendly materials and production process, better cooling and airflow and overall comfort and support. During the study, scientists utilized lab rats to breath in the fumes for a certain period of time. We agree that it does work wonders for those that experience pain. So, this is when side effects of the use of toxic compounds start to show. Not to mention the harm that these gases cause to the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system. It found them to emit 61 different types of chemicals. Exposure to this product can cause a long list of side effects, including asthma attacks and lung irritation. Covered with natural materials: organic wool or cotton. Polyurethane foam is made from petroleum-byproducts and is highly flammable. The core of the mattress should be comprised of natural latex instead of memory foam, polyurethane foam, or any number of blended foams. A lab in Atlanta analyzed several memory foam mattresses manufactured in the US. Their incredible popularity seems to be unstoppable. This causes the appearance of bad odors and obnoxious smell during use. These byproducts get dispersed into the air of the bedroom and can build up. If you see a waterproof mattress protector made with polyurethane plastic, you’ll need to dig deeper to … Go figure. From figuring out how to buy a mattress online, suggesting ones that are good for different needs and body types, or breaking down the newest science behind technology and wellness breakthroughs, Sleep Advisor has you covered. Finished with as few chemicals as possible. Furthermore, experts have discovered it can irritate skin and cause heavy breathing after extended exposure. The lab found the mattresses emit 61 different types of chemicals, some of which are highly toxic. Studies found that commonly used flame retardants were carcinogenic. Especially, since the materials used in making memory foam mattresses (learn more) are artificially made. High-quality, foam-based products are now available for way less money than before and with “green” and eco-friendly manufacturing process. They are usually detected by strong odor found in the air around the products. Many adults reported reduced intellectual performance and recurring respiratory problems. This works great for spreading the force throughout its surface area. Even the more expensive brands contain some of the most toxic substances. Are mattresses toxic? Some polyurethane foam contains non-renewable fossil fuels that adversely affect the environment. People with the weaker immune system are first to show symptoms. Best Mattresses for Hip & Shoulder Pain (Bursitis) – 2020 Review, Highest Rated Hypoallergenic Beds for Allergy Sufferers – 2020 Reviews, The 7 Highest Rated Beds for Arthritis – 2020 Reviews and Ratings. We will question their safety and expose possible concerns about their use. Therefore, when looking for a new mattress, the filling and padding materials are one of the first concerns because they might contain some toxic chemicals and additives that may pose a health risk. These studies show the negative effects. These volatile organic compounds make their way in almost all manufactured household products, including carpets, furniture and of course mattresses and even pillows. In summary, here’s what’s in standard foam mattresses: These chemicals in polyurethane foam do not necessarily stay contained in your mattress and can be adopted by your home and body. ... HEALTH HAZARDS TO CHILDREN. This question is sound and logical. These include morning headaches muscle pain, frequent nausea and the lack of concentration. Polyurethane foam, for example is highly toxic due to additives to make it into a foam. You definitely want to avoid mattresses made with polyurethane foam, but the plastic is a different story. HAPs and VOCs can pollute your bedroom and the rest of the home and could easily cause home health problems over time. Benzene and naphthalene are considered to be carcinogenic. Its primary function was to keep astronauts safe during missions in space. We do not recommend that you opt for any mattress that's below $400 or pillow that costs less than $50. The guidelines above for choosing a safer mattress or non toxic mattress topper can help determine which mattresses are made from natural and non toxic materials instead of those made from chemicals or synthetics. Usually from those made from polyurethane. (4) Then enjoy a restful night’s sleep knowing you chose a safer toxic free mattress. Even if you are on a budget, there are many good choices, so make sure to take a look at our reviews, and I'm sure you will find one that you like. To learn more, please read our full disclosure page here. #1 New Releases: Home Detox Workbook & EMF Detox Workbook , A to Z of D-Toxing, Works Cited Part 3 and 4. Polyurethane foam contains chemicals that may adversely affect a baby's health. Avoid waterproof- and stain resistant- mattress finishes. Some blowing agents in polyurethane produce greenhouse gases that have negative effects on the atmosphere. This compound comes from petroleum as a byproduct. Though it is not as toxic as many other chemicals, it still harms the environment. Avoid using polyurethane foam as your bed mattress and steer clear in your home where such job is still ongoing. Some of the isocyanates found in memory foam mattresses can cause harm to the skin. Organic mattresses are made of all natural materials, so there is virtually no risk of chemical off-gassing. Safer mattress choices are growing in popularity; especially ones that use safer toxin free products in their production. 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