"Natural" Mattresses - How Natural Are They?
Organic and natural mattresses are all the rage, for adults and especially for babies, with models made from soybeans, stuffed with husks and infused with green tea, according to a recent NY Times article. But how do you know what you're really buying? It turns out that no governmental agency regulates the labeling of mattresses as "organic" or "natural," and various trade groups don't offer guidelines either.There is also disagreement about the toxicity of conventional mattresses, varying from the opinion that they are a source of great exposure to toxins, to the opinion that mattresses are nothing to worry about. Polyurethane foam used in mattresses can emit volatile organic compounds (V.O.Cs). Manufacturers did voluntarily stop using fire retardants like P.D.B.E.s, however questions remain about the fire retardants that replaced them. There are also concerns about the mattress covers, which are often made of vinyl. Natural mattresses are often made of latex foam, but even that is often blended with a synthetic.
As for now, customers are on their own trying to figure out what they're buying, but one thing is certain, one can't rely on the label "organic" or "natural" in this category.
Mary's Gone Crackers Sesame Snack Review
Make Your St. Patrick's Drink Really Green
Green Baby Shower and Gift Ideas
