List of Mattress Chemicals
Today's mattresses are made almost entirely of petroleum derived ingredients. Continued exposure to the chemicals found in mattresses can damage the nervous system and cause autoimmune disorders, respiratory irritation and numerous other health problems. Toxic fumes emitted from flame retardants and adhesives used in manufacturing mattresses have outpaced the toxicity levels that the pesticide DDT had before it was banned in the 1970s. These chemical toxins can even be absorbed through the placenta of a pregnant woman resulting in high concentrations in newborn infants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether
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PBDE is a toxic chemical used in flame retardant compounds that is known to cause memory impairment, thyroid problems and cancer. (Source 3) The European Union has banned 2 PBDE compounds that are still permitted in the United States. Flame retardant formulas are considered proprietary trade secrets and so there is no way to know what other toxic chemicals these compounds contain.
Xylene
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The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has identified xylene, a chemical in many adhesives used in the production of mattresses, as a cause of birth defects.
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Toluene Discarnate
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TDI is a chemical ingredient in many visco-elastic and polyurethane foams used in the manufacturing of mattresses that is known to cause respiratory problems and skin irritation ) and has been classified as toxic by OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration).
Formaldehyde
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This toxin can be found in the melamine resin that treats mattress fabrics and is a chemical in flame retardant compounds. It is known to cause headaches, insomnia, fatigue and respiratory problems.
Antimony Oxide
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This is another chemical found in flame retardant compounds that is a known carcinogen. In case of fire, the flame retardant may prohibit the mattress from immediately bursting into flames, but the fire will cause a chemical reaction in the flame retardant compounds that will produce poisonous gases such as cyanide and carbon monoxide.
PentaBDE
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PentaBDE is another chemical component in flame retardant compounds and is associated with neuro-behavioral dysfunction and hyperactivity in children.
Benzene
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This is one of 61 chemicals found in memory foam, a component of many mattresses today, and is also a known carcinogen.
Polyvinyl Chloride
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PVC is a material used to cover most baby mattresses and is considered to be one of the most toxic plastics in use today.
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