Serving Size: 4.92 MB Servings Per Container: 1 In Your Body On Your Body For Your Home For Your Family Seeking Medical Treatment How to Detoxify Your Body Guide to Symptoms A Healthy House Values, Vision & Mission Background & History Staff & Advisors News & Upcoming Events Join Our Mailing List Contact Us Recommended Resources Index of Terms Works Cited This product contains 100% natural ingredients. Back to Index of Terms The product Mattresses is in the following categories: For Babies & Children  |  Home Furnishings Mattresses CHEMICALS CONTAINED: Polyurethane—isocyanates and diisocyanates (collectively, NCO). Pesticides. PBDEs (Flame retardents). One study identified VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) emitted by conventional children’s mattresses to include solvents and other chemicals involved in manufacturing—styrene, isopropylbenzene, limonene, trimethylbenzene, nitrobenzene, ethylbenzene, dichlorobenzene. HEALTH CONCERNS: Conventional mattresses are made from a combination of foam padding, cotton, and metal springs and supports. Chemicals in the foam padding, coverings, and cotton can outgas and cause health concerns. Mattresses are also treated with chemical fire retardants. Emissions from conventional mattresses have been observed to cause sensory and respiratory irritation, and neurological effects in laboratory animals. Recent research suggests that NCO chemicals in consumer products such as mattress foam may cause or contribute to substantial health effects including onset/triggering of asthma, decreased lung function and respiratory problems, elevated immune response, sensory irritation, and dermatitis. TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: Look for mattresses or futons made from unbleached organic cotton and wool and natural rubber foam padding. Wool has natural fire retardant properties. If you choose a conventional mattress, let it air out outdoors before using. Back to Index of Terms