Getting into bed after a long day is one of the best feelings and is one of our few sanctuaries where we can relax, rest and recharge. When we shop for mattresses we tend to think about size, comfort and firmness, but how often have you considered what kind of chemicals are in your mattress?
Today mattresses are mandated to be made with flame retardant chemicals and include a variety of petroleum based chemicals, foams and plastics. These chemicals off-gas from the mattress and are inhaled while you are sleeping and because we spend so much time in bed, our exposure is high and continuous.
Research is now available showing that chemicals used in mattresses are in fact evaporating and have been documented as carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds. Common petroleum based chemicals have been clearly show to have the ability to weaken or damage the immune and nervous system. In addition, autoimmune disorders have also been linked with exposure to petroleum-based chemicals and have been linked to common health problems such as soft tissue damage and arthritis.
The good news is, there are alternatives available which include a mattress made of latex, organic cotton, and wool (wool is naturally fire-resistant). If you are thinking the cost of a new mattress is too high for you, then you can cover your old mattress with an organic wool or latex pad to reduce contact with PBDEs or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) escaping from the foam or covering.
