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Jan 01, 2018
by Angela Cummings and Sophia Ruan Gushée
Is memory foam toxic? Cushy and squishy, polyurethane foam gives us comfortable mattresses. It adds padding and coziness while providing the support and structure needed for a good night’s sleep. This is why it's so popular in conventional mattresses and the main attraction in memory foam mattresses.
But did you know that polyurethane foam can be a source of toxic fumes and toxic dust? 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.
Are mattresses toxic? Polyurethane foam is made from petroleum-byproducts and is highly flammable. “In fact, fire marshals refer to polyurethane foam as “solid gasoline,” according to the National Association of State Fire Marshals (2015) as cited in A to Z of D-Toxing. (1)
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Are memory foam mattresses toxic for my family? Several chemicals found in foam mattresses pose adverse health risks making them questionable toxic products. A to Z of D-Toxing provides a detailed overview of chemicals that can be found in polyurethane foam and their possible health effects. 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. 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). HAPs and VOCs can pollute your bedroom and the rest of the home and could easily cause home health problems over time. Those fumes become part of the air we breathe (and even the dust we inhale or ingest). The air we inhale during our sleep each night should be of special focus. Create a non toxic environment for yourself and your family.
What is the best non toxic mattress to buy? Safer mattress choices are growing in popularity; especially ones that use safer toxin free products in their production. Manufacturers of safer mattresses follow a few tried-and-true general guidelines in order to keep chemicals out of mattresses and out of our bedroom air. Below are a few guidelines for choosing safer mattresses. Consider ones that are:
Polyurethane foam mattresses, dubbed “solid gasoline”, can give off toxic fumes that may be linked to short- and long- term health conditions. 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. After choosing a safer mattress, let the mattress air out and breathe for a few hours before making the bed.(4) Then enjoy a restful night’s sleep knowing you chose a safer toxic free mattress.
If you'd like help getting started with detoxing your home, then consider Home Detox 101.
References
(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
Each month, we will "meditate" on a body part or system. The goal is to connect with our body, senses, and symptoms to rely on this curiosity and "listening" as guidance for a gentle, detox journey.
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and to the extent that it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. Views expressed in this article by an expert are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Nontoxic Living or Ruan Living.
Access Sophia's shopping list for her household staples. They're her favorite low toxic items that she can't live without. Also see which EMF protection products she uses.
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