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 Bedding is in the following categories: For Babies & Children  |  Home Decor Bedding CHEMICALS CONTAINED: Most synthetic pillows are made from polyurethane and other foams. Polyurethane also contains and releases isocyanates and diisocyanates, including but not limited to toluene diisocyanate (TDI). These are collectively referred to as NCO. Mattress pads are made from a combination of cotton and synthetic fibers and foams. Sheets may be made from a blend of polyester and cotton—combining synthetic fibers and bleached cotton (which is probably heavily treated with pesticides) into a fabric that will rub against your skin all night. Most sheets are treated with a formaldehyde resin finish to prevent wrinkling. HEALTH CONCERNS: Formaldehyde emissions decrease greatly after a product treated with it is washed, but out-gassing of formaldehyde will continue indefinitely. Recent research shows that NCO emissions or skin contact from common consumer products containing polyurethane may cause respiratory effects including: triggering/onset of asthma, dermatitis, elevated immune response, and others. Synthetic fibers break off as skin rubs against the fabric, and can cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation. TIPS & ALTERNATIVES: Ideally, choose 100% organic cotton sheets that haven’t been treated with formaldehyde resin. Flannel sheets that are 100% cotton have not been treated with formaldehyde resin, but all cotton/polyester blends, and some 100% cotton non-flannel sheets have been. Use of formaldehyde resins doesn’t have to be included on labels—instead, look for clues, such as the words “Permanent Press” or “No Iron” on the tag. You can buy nontoxic pillows made from natural latex foam, organic cotton, or wool. Back to Index of Terms