A couple was asked if they would like their 2 young children (ages 18 months and 5 yrs) to be part of a cutting-edge study to measure the chemicals in their little bodies. The parents were fascinated and not worried at the onset. However, the test results revealed they should now be worried about their children - as they had chemical levels up to 7 times greater than their parents. What were some of the chemicals they were worried about? Part 1 mentions the first 2 problems and here are more.
Problem # 3: One of the concerns of all parents with baby beds (and all beds) is they are made from petroleum products called polyurethane foam or "foam" which is the internal filling. This foam, containing hazardous ingredients will break down over time into small dust like particles that become easily airborne. The mattresses will also off-gas or emit highly toxic gases which your baby will breathe daily. One of the gases is VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that have caused health problems as irritations of the lung, eye, nose, causing headaches, coughing, asthma & allergic reactions, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, blurred vision, cancer and many other health problems. One of these compounds, organotin messes with the hormone, reproductive and immune systems and causes long term effects on brain development.
Problems # 4: This foam is a petroleum product and is highly flammable and causes much danger. Ignited, the foam will burn rapidly, releasing great heat, many gasses and consuming the oxygen. The lack of oxygen to the baby for breathing leads to smoke and toxic gas inhalation which causes suffocation to anyone in the room. One of the deadliest gases emitted is carbon monoxide; this gas will kill you before the flames ever reach you.
If what's already in your baby mattress is not bad enough, let's add some more chemicals to the pot. The chance of a baby mattress going up in flames is possible, however, the gases your baby will have to breathe daily need to be a concern of yours also. Thus to reduce the flammability of the mattress, various industrial strength chemicals are added to the foam to reduce this tendency of fire.
What are these toxic chemicals and what are they doing to our children? What can we as parents do to reduce the exposure to these toxic chemicals and yet protect our children? There are options available to you as a parent that will help protect your child. Going organic is the best way to eliminate your child's exposure to these harmful chemicals.