100% natural latex mattresses do not off gas. Synthetic Latex is made from two petroleum-based compounds, styrene and butadiene. These chemicals, which have been shown to cause severe health problems, leach out during use. But regardless of what mattress company you choose, we want to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. The long term effects of these chemicals are still unknown. [Source]. The production of Vinyl uses toxic, harmful chemicals from start to finish. These VOCs have been linked with cancer, organ damage, and endocrine disruption and create a truly toxic mattress. And the leniency of federal regulations in the U.S. certainly doesn’t help the situation. The second definition refers to a synthetic product made from petroleum. These do not contain any harmful chemical additives, feature organic cotton covers, wool fire barriers, and unglued layers. The harmful chemicals used to make foam break down over time. Most synthetic rugs and carpets are treated with fire retardants, stain protectors, and insecticides.They also have VOC's that release the ‘new carpet’ odor and this could trigger serious health complications from allergies to nausea. Here’s a short list: Foam is widely used in mattresses because it is inexpensive and lightweight. Little research has been conducted into how these types of chemicals affect us, to what degree our bodies absorb them, and what consequences exposure will have down the road. Natural latex is the safer alternative to synthetic latex. Almost all carpet is made from synthetic fibers and those fibers have been treated with synthetic chemicals that "outgas" into your home. The term latex refers to one of two possible definitions. Your email address will not be published. It was started by a Mom to make sure her daughter had a safe, non-toxic mattress. Some fire marshals have even nick-named foam “Solid Gasoline.” As a result, these beds are often soaked in the most powerful and dangerous chemical flame retardants. They can be found in memory foam beds, innerspring beds, and latex mattresses. Water-based adhesives are simply solvent-based glues diluted in water for spraying, so they still contain the same toxins. There are two-ways mattresses companies try to market foam, but don’t be fooled. So let’s begin our countdown of common, but toxic mattress materials. Natural Latex can also contain fillers and most natural latex mattresses do. Vintage or antique rugs are free of VOC's. Still, it can off-gas over time. [/li], [li]Water-based adhesives are not healthier or free of chemicals. Several types of synthetic latex exist but SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the most common type of synthetic latex used in the production of synthetic latex foam. Common additives used in making Vinyl include Phthalates and heavy-metals (like Antimony, mentioned above). Also, additional toxic chemicals may be used during processing. However, cover materials like cotton can be certified organic and an organic cotton cover will eliminate pesticides and other chemicals from your bed. Polyester is a synthetic material which has many toxic chemicals embedded in it. How can this be? How can you protect yourself and your family from exposure? ... Natural Latex. Propylene oxide and TDI (two chemicals used to make Polyurethane Foam) have been shown to, The EPA considers polyurethane foam fabrication facilities potential major sources of several hazardous air pollutants including methylene chloride, toluene diisocyanate (TDI), and hydrogen cyanide. An organic latex mattress uses raw materials that are grown sustainably without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other synthetic chemicals. What is natural latex? Blended latex foam contains both natural and synthetic latex typically in a proportion of 80% synthetic and 20% natural. Synthetic blend latex foam can also become deformed over time by being compressed in the same place. Here’s a few of the effects found from studies of HFRs : Mattress companies add these chemical flame retardants because it is an inexpensive way to meet federal flammability standards. Natural latex requires growing and harvesting the Hevea-Brasiliensis tree (better known as a rubber tree), which is time-consuming and costly. Synthetic latex, made with SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber,) is primarily used to complement the benefits and features of natural latex: SBR used in synthetic latex has some superior properties, such as the ability to resist heat aging, abrasion and softening. [/list], [list type=”plus”] The average person can spend 6-10 hours a day in bed, and we often expect that manufacturers make mattresses safe or at least benign. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Manufacturers often use glues to hold different layers together and keep fabrics in place. 100% natural latex mattresses are not toxic and are not known to off-gas when you unwrap them. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. The other 80-95% is still good ‘ol Polyurethane Foam! In fact, a polyurethane foam mattress loses HALF its weight over ten years of use! Synthetic latex contains fewer chemicals than memory foam, though it is often blended with a relative, polyurethane. After all, we created SleepLily because it’s the mattress we wanted for our own family! Synthetic latex. The safer choice when it comes to avoiding toxic chemicals. Synthetic fibers, like nylon, are created by people. Some of the problems surrounding toxic mattress concerns stem from Federal laws and requirements surrounding flammability. [li]Formulations considered safest include wool covers and silica-treated rayon covers. Antimony is a toxic heavy metal which can cause eye, heart, and lung problems. If your rug has a backing, look for natural latex. Both Polyurethane Foam and Memory Foam are petroleum-based. SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber or synthetic latex) does have some properties however that can be superior to NR (Natural Rubber latex) in some of its formulations which is its ability to resist heat aging, abrasion resistance, and softening (which in some combinations can reduce body impressions). Synthetic latex is made using two petroleum based compounds – styrene and butadiene. Boric Acid (also called Borate Powder) can cause eye and respiratory irritation. In fact, mattresses that are off-gassing harmful VOCs, and emitting toxic chemicals seem to be the norm, and not the exception. Avoid beds with latex over poly-foam or springs, as these will almost always contain toxic chemicals and adhesives. In this article, we’ll show you 4 common mattress materials that you should avoid. Only 100% natural latex mattresses are non toxic, if synthetic latex is mixed, a mattress will still have toxic chemicals. According to CertiPUR-US’s own literature, “The Guidelines were established with guidance from the global foam industry.” That’s right. Information from reports by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Water based Adhesives Technology Review and Aerias – Air Quality Sciences. Toxic Chemicals in Commonly Used Fabrics and Your Health. It is necessary to address each of these to fully understand the toxic mattress issue, and to learn how to choose a safe non toxic mattress. Organic latex sap is certified to usual organic standards. Look for Oeko-Tex 100 certification. That would be like letting the Global Tobacco Industry create their own guidelines for “safer cigarettes.” Not surprisingly, the CertiPUR-US certification still allows for VOC emissions! The attraction of these pillows is that they are able to mold to each individual body shape. [/li] Keep reading to learn more. Synthetic latex and PVC materials are not only toxic but also stick or stain and damage hardwood floors. They’re pretty nasty, with some serious health risks. Synthetic Latex is a synthetically produced compound that mimics the properties of natural latex. Synthetic blend latex foam is less expensive to produce, but does not breathe as well as organic and is less durable. The fact that synthetic latex mattresses are made using toxic chemicals makes it toxic. People who suffer from breathing problems including asthma and allergies should avoid breathing volatile organic compounds. They are also Eco-Institut certified. While solvent-based formulations prove considerably worse, water-based adhesives still contain the same chemicals of concern. [/li], [li]Avoid Antimony, Decabromodiphenyl Oxide, Melamine Resin, Boric Acid, Formeldahyde, Vinylidene Chloride, Brominated chemicals and other chemical additives. Some imported rug pads have clay fillers mixed with the latex. [source]. It’s made by mixing two main chemicals together (Tyrene and Butadiene), both of which are classed as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). [Source]. Use these tips while shopping to choose a safe non toxic mattress. While flame retardants remain a hot topic, of equal concern are the adhesives and glues used to manufacture many mattresses. Vinyl production uses toxic chemicals and additives which have been linked to major health issues. May or may not contain adhesives. [li]Avoid brands who will not disclose how they achieve flame standards, as they are likely using potentially concerning chemicals. Don’t be fooled. The issue of toxicity is not limited to one particular type of bed. Foam is made from petroleum using a “witches brew” of toxic chemicals. Synthetic Latex: Typically contains around five non-toxic chemicals (2-chloro-1–3-butadiene, diphenyl diisocyanate, metallic oxides, Phenol-melamine resins, sulfur, Tellerium). Squandered by Sleeping In: How Oversleeping Affects People, Astrabeds’ 100% natural, organic latex mattresses. The finished foam and mattress cannot be. Why do mattress companies use materials known to be toxic? Are These Toxic Materials In Your Mattress? The second marketing strategy for foam is the “CertiPUR-US” certification. While rubber includes some natural rubber (called latex) from rubber trees, it also contains phthalates (chemicals that affect hormones, see Phthalates and Children’s Products), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals known or suspected to cause adverse health effects. It’s released into the air around you and you breathe in this chemical dust. To ensure you get the best mattress, look for 100% natural latex. In addition to the concerns regarding glue and fire retardants, the composition of the material used to create the mattress itself is also important. [li]Look for mattresses in which the layers can be pulled apart, and the cover removed. They then will market the blended latex as “natural latex,” even though it is still primarily synthetic latex. Also, in the descriptions of our non-toxic mattresses, we show you EXACTLY what we use inside the mattress. First, that means they are made with a “witches brew” of toxic chemicals (more on that soon). Synthetic Latex. While both of these compounds could be enough to cause someone serious harm, many synthetic latex mattress companies add even more toxic chemicals during the actual mattresses making process. Because Chemical Flame Retardants don’t fully bind to materials, they are released over time into your bedroom. They aren’t required to list this, so there is a chance it is present, even if not listed. Rubber made from natural latex is biodegradable but synthetic … [/li] Make sure the product has organic certification from a recognized body. However, there are actually a wide range of chemicals and toxins present in modern mattresses that can pose significant short and long-term health risks. Guess who came up with the guidelines? Where does the weight go? Taking the time to research what goes in to your home will offer you peace of mind and sweeter dreams. The word latex is used for various combinations of latex and polyurethane foam. [/list]. Both of these are VOCs and can do serious harm. Knowing what exactly is in your mattress will help you determine the danger levels. Similar to foam mattresses, companies will often start with synthetic latex, then add a bit of natural latex. They’re also not as soft as latex pacifiers. Synthetic latex is made from petroleum-based products. Synthetic Glycerin Dangers. Synthetic Latex is WAY cheaper to produce than natural latex. How can these chemicals harm you? Your email address will not be published. This Store is Secured With 128-bit SSL Encryption, CertiPUR-US certification still allows for VOC emissions, US Department of Health and Human Services], National Center for Biotechnology Information, International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health, it’s the mattress we wanted for our own family, How To Throw an Awesomely Organic Baby Shower, 6 Must-Follow Mommas & their Top Tips for Non-Toxic Living, Finding the Perfect Materials for Non-Toxic Mattress. [/li] Synthetic latex is another common offender in the world of toxicity. Rather than being harvested from rubber trees it is produced from petrochemicals. Natural fibers, like cotton, are those which come directly from nature. The VOCs off gassed from foam can irritate the eye, nose, and throat, cause headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea, and damage the liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Look for mattresses that utilize wool or rayon covers as fire barriers rather than chemicals. Below are the categories of toxic chemicals used in the carpet fibers and backings of most synthetic carpet sold today. If a mattress brand tells you their latex foam is certified organic, question the validity of their claims. Latexes are found in nature, but synthetic latexes are common as well.. Latex as found in nature is a milky fluid found in 10% of all flowering plants (angiosperms). Synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are made from chemicals such as thermoplastic, which outgas plastic molecules whenever they are heated. Latex – If you are told that a mattress contains “latex”, this statement means nothing. There are alternatives to chemical flame retardants. Natural latex means that it’s sourced from the rubber tree and contains other natural ingredients; it isn’t blended with synthetic fibers. For instance, Wool is able to act as a natural flame retardant, but this is more expensive and time-consuming to produce, and thus not commonly used. Do … While both come from the rubber tree, natural latex may have various chemicals used in the growing or processing of the sap, which are mostly unknown. ... Isn’t the latex fill also a carcinogen? Acrylic latex caulks are among the least toxic types of general construction caulks. And is it toxic? When these fillers are added, synthetic latex is the final product. Actually, most Natural Latex in the mattress marketplace is synthetic. This means the product has been certified to be free of harmful chemicals. May or may contain polyurethane fillers. Surprisingly, synthetic latex is a more expensive (raw cost) component than graphite latex. Also, because foam is highly flammable, a large amount of toxic flame retardants are often added. Synthetic Latex. 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