In a previous post, I wrote about the benefits of sleeping on an organic mattress. Since I realize that not everyone can afford to buy one, especially in our current economic climate, I wanted to add a follow-up post.
To review the prior information, conventional mattresses (and bedding) can leach a host of synthetic chemicals into your bedroom air as you sleep. These chemicals include fabric treatments, Toluene, and PBDE- all of which have been linked to cancer and other health hazards. This is disconcerting information especially considering the number of hours we spend in bed…not you and me, but we collectively…Anyway, if purchasing an organic mattress is out of reach for you, here are 3 less expensive organic bedding options to help detox your sleeping quarters. Read the rest of this entry »
No, I don’t really need to know about your love life…unless it’s really interesting and you feel compelled to share. But, if you have a standard mattress, even an expensive one, you may be unknowingly cozying up every night with a Mr. Toluene or a Ms. Polybrominated Dephenyl Ether (you can call her Polly for short).
Who are these strange bedfellows? They’re just two of the toxic chemicals in most standard mattresses. Toluene is a petrochemical solvent with a rap sheet as long as…well, trust me, it’s long. It’s carcinogenic, neurotoxic, causes reproductive harm, and can be an eye and skin irritant. “Polly” (better known as PBDE Flame Retardants) is frighteningly similar to Dioxins and PCBs, dangerous chemicals banned in the 70′s. Also carcinogenic, it can disrupt hormone function and is finding its way increasingly into breast milk, and thus coming to a baby near you. California even authorized a ban on its production in 2003 which became active in 2008. Read the rest of this entry »
