Natural, Organic, and Green Bedding - The Flame Retardant Chemicals Within Our Mattresses

If you type natural bedding or organic bedding into Google, both queries will receive over two million hits. As a society, America has grown increasingly concerned about the chemicals and unnatural products within our consumer goods. There is a fear that these chemicals might be harmful or linked to cancer. These concerns have become so great that many organizations are looking into the safety of everyday items like deodorant, perfumes, and make-up. Of course, this concern is going to apply to our mattresses, an item that the average individual will spend a third of their life in.

These concerns grew July 1, 2007 when the United States' Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) enacted a new flame retardant standard for all mattresses. All mattresses produced after July 1, 2007 needed to be able to withstand an open flame and only release a certain amount of energy and heat during a set time of burning. The CPSC did not specify how mattress manufacturers were going to comply with these new standard, and this is why many people are worried. These regulations, on the surface, appear to be beneficial because it is estimated that over 270 people will be saved from bed fires every year.

The problem is that most manufacturers are unable to meet these standards without using a series of chemicals such as Boric Acid (Roach Killer), Antimony (Arsenic), Decabromodiphenyl Oxide (Deca), Ammonium Polyphosphate, Melamine, and Formaldehyde. Many individuals find this worrisome.

Individually, all these chemicals are known to be harmful to humans; however, no conclusive study has been done about the amount of chemicals that leak from the mattress and into our bodies. The CPSC claims the new standards are safe, and the manufacturers often claim that none of these chemicals are harmful in the tiny amounts that leak from mattresses and get absorbed or inhaled.

However, to some individuals, it is terrifying to see what chemicals are used in the production of mattresses. Moreover, unlike food, the chemicals used in mattress production do not have to be listed or revealed. This is unfortunate to the consumer because it makes it harder to know what chemicals you are coming in contact with during the night. Also, the CPSC did not use children under the age of five because they believed the vinyl sheets covering most children's mattresses would protect them. No study has confirmed or denied any of these claims.

Many individuals want to be safe. Therefore, they are turning to organic bedding or natural bedding. Latex mattresses are a prime example. Some companies are offering organic, natural latex mattresses that have no chemicals used within the curing process. These beds offer a comfortable and long-lasting mattress that is safe for you and good for the environment. Others are, also, turning to organic cotton sheets, natural silk sheets, or wool to help them live a chemical free lifestyle.

With latex mattresses, you need to be careful. Many manufacturers use chemicals within the curing process to create a blended latex product.

Everyone must understand we have currently been unable to judge the danger level of these new flame retardant chemicals; however, for anyone who is worried about the prospects of dangerous chemicals, there are several natural beds available.

Absolute Comfort on Sale has a wonderful selection of natural mattresses, organic sheets, and green bedding.

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