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Posts Tagged ‘fire retardants’

Dr. Greene Recommends Naturepedic Crib Mattresses – Find Out Why

Tuesday, June 29th, 2010


Dr. Alan Greene, renowned pediatrician, Professor of Pediatrics and author, was recently a guest on Parenting, the CBS news show with Ann Pleshette Murphy. The program featured the best organic baby products. Among other products, Dr. Greene discusses crib mattresses, and why he recommends Naturepedic.

According to Dr. Greene, a respected and outspoken proponent of raising our children in an environment that is not over-burdened with harmful chemicals, there are three ‘points of entry’ we have to watch out for: the mouth, the skin, and the air – especially indoor air, which is 2 to 5 times more toxic than the air outside.

Dr. Greene points out that there are 80,000 chemicals out there and parents would be overwhelmed trying to protect their children from all of them. He recommends that if we can only change one thing to protect our children, it should be their crib mattress.

Why? Dr. Greene describes the environment created by traditional crib mattresses – which contain polyurethane foam, flame retardants, and vinyl – as a ‘cloud of chemicals’ our babies breath.

We’ve excerpted the approximately 8-minute portion of the broadcast in which Dr. Greene discusses crib mattresses, but you can also watch the entire newscast, entitled The Best Organic Baby Products, on ABC News Now.

Do you want to create a healthier environment for your child – follow Dr. Greene’s advice and check out Naturepedic crib mattresses, the only crib mattresses he recommends.

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Posted in Green your home and nursery, Naturepedic, PVC/vinyl, going green, phthalates, polyurethane foam, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Could Your Baby Crib Mattress Cause Your Child to be Obese?

Friday, May 28th, 2010


Chubby little kids used to be just that – chubby little kids. Big deal. But research in recent years has shown that childhood obesity can lead to serious health problems. The common solution is to try to get the kids to eat less and play more – which, in many cases, simply doesn’t work. Is there hope on the horizon? Yes. A new study has discovered a link between obesity and phthalates – the chemicals used to make children’s toys, personal care products, the PVC vinyl used as waterproof coverings on baby crib mattresses, and many other things that are part of our everyday lives.

How much of a problem is childhood obesity? In the U.S., on average, 30% of children are overweight or obese. In some states the numbers are much higher. In Mississippi, for example, nearly half of the kids have a weight problem.

Not only can this be very hard on a child socially by interfering with relationships and self-esteem, it also increases the risk of heart disease, asthma, liver problems and diabetes. It’s really worth doing something about.

How do phthalates fit into the picture?

As we have covered in several other blog posts, check Phthalates Effect Hormonal Development in Little Girls and Increase Risk of Health Problems in Later Life for more info on what they can do to little girls, phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they affect the glands and hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including those relating to fat metabolism.

Several animal studies have shown mice to become obese when exposed to endocrine disruptors. But the new study on 400 girls aged 9 to 11 has now linked endocrine disruptors – specifically, phthalates – to obesity in humans.

To investigate the link, researchers measured the girls’ exposure to phthalates through urine testing. According Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, one of the lead researchers on the study and professor of pediatrics at New York’s Mount Sinai Medical Center, the girls with the highest exposure to phthalates were also the most overweight.

Dr. Landrigan told the New York Times that even though there is some recognition of the role chemicals play in childhood obesity, it is generally thought of as a ‘calories eaten vs. calories burned’ issue. Dr. Landrigran thinks the link to chemicals may be far more significant.

The evidence of the health consequences of chemicals in our everyday lives is mounting. Pesticides, fire-retardants, phthalates – they are everywhere. In some cases they’re used for convenience; in others we’re told they’re necessary to protect us.

At Naturepedic we don’t use those chemicals in our baby crib mattresses. But we meet and exceed government health and safety regulations. And there are hundreds of companies that do the same with their various products.

So … are the chemicals really necessary? In light of all the recent research, they are doing more harm than good. For the health of your children, check out Naturepedic toddler and baby crib mattresses – the kids spend a lot of time there so it’s a good place to start – then do what you can to get phthalates and other harmful chemicals out of the house!

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Posted in PVC/vinyl, Studies, childhood obesity, dangerous household chemicals, fire retardants, pesticides, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

What You Really Need to Know About “Safe” Crib Mattresses

Sunday, May 16th, 2010

New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress

Check out our New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress!

I was recently checking the customer reviews of crib mattresses – the traditional varieties made with polyurethane foam, fire retardants, PVC/vinyl with phthalates, just to mention a few of the chemical components – and found that many of the reviewers said they know their baby is safe with the crib mattress they chose because it fits snugly in their crib (which means no tiny fingers can get stuck in between the mattress and the crib), and it’s firm.

I was quite amazed to realize that the majority of people have so little information about the potential dangers of the chemicals found in crib mattresses and the toxic fumes they can emit into the air our babies breathe for 12 to 15 hours a day.

In fact, the chemicals used in most crib mattresses, including many of those labeled ‘organic’ or ‘natural,’ have been linked to so many illnesses and other conditions that even the President’s Cancer Panel – which is anything but ‘fringe’ – is jumping on the bandwagon to reduce our exposure. See President’s Cancer Panel Warns Against Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Life for information on the Panel’s latest annual report.

I thought it might be a good idea to write a blog listing the chemicals in crib mattresses and giving more information about each. But we actually have all that information on the What’s NOT in a Naturepedic Crib Mattress page of our website.

Many experts say you may be able to avoid cancer, ADD and ADHD, endocrine and hormonal problems, asthma and allergies, obesity, respiratory illness, and a host of other conditions if you have fewer chemicals in your life and in the life of your children.

This is vital information for parents. Please read it, and send a link to the page to your friends. And while you’re at it, also read What IS in a Naturepedic Baby Crib Mattress – and you’ll see the difference.

You can also download our excellent New Mom’s Guide to Crib Mattresses. It’s a quick and easy read, and probably answers every question you have.

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Posted in ADHD, Autism, SIDS, Naturepedic, New Mom's Guide to Choosing a Crib Mattress, PVC/vinyl, crib mattress firmness, fire retardants, phthalates, polyurethane foam, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Phthalates Affect Hormonal Development in Little Girls and Increase Risk of Health Problems Later in Life

Wednesday, May 5th, 2010


phthalates can cause early puberty in little girlsIf we could sum up what we want for our kids in two words, ‘happy’ and ‘healthy’ would probably be the winners. Raising children who are happy and healthy as they grow and when they become adults is no small feat! However, it is becoming more and more obvious that many chemicals we use every single day can thwart those goals. Check out the latest study on the effects of phthalates, phenols and phytoestrogens on little girls.

It’s been known for some time that phthalates – used to soften PVC/vinyl so it can be used as a waterproof covering on crib mattresses – can affect hormonal development in little boys. In some cases, it affects their behavior, and the physical damage can be so severe it can even cause structural changes. This information was pivotal in the recent banning of three types of phthalates in some children’s products. Others phthalates are still under investigation.

The new study shows that little boys aren’t the only victims – little girls are at risk, too.

The study, conducted at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, tested 1,151 girls, aged 6 through 8 at the time the study started, from New York, greater Cincinnati and northern California. The content of phthalates, phenols, and phytoestrogens was measured in the girls’ urine.

One year later, they measured the chemical content again, and checked for signs of early puberty – breast development and pubic hair. By then the girls were 7 to 9 years old and, yes, they were developing breasts and pubic hair! The more of the chemicals they had in their body, the more likely they were to be maturing prematurely.

This developmental problem can also lead to health problems in later life – increased risk of breast cancer, for example.

How can you help your children avoid these problems? To start with, Moms, and potential Moms, should be aware that chemicals in their body can pass to their children while still in the womb. Moms, and Moms to be, should study up on these chemicals and use products that don’t contain them. If Mom’s body is free of these chemicals, she won’t be passing them on to her children.

To help you get a good start on that process, be aware that all three chemicals are found in lotions, shampoos, cosmetics, nail polishes and many other consumer products – especially if they contain added fragrance. Perfumes are definitely out. Check into organic essential oils as an alternative.

Next, get a Naturepedic baby crib mattress – no phthalates, phenols, or phytoestrogens. And no other harmful chemicals like those found in fire retardants.

Additionally, always check for dangerous chemicals in everything that goes in or on your baby. Use natural soaps, lotions and shampoos exclusively. And watch out for the toys they play with – especially those made of PVC/vinyl (like rubber duckies); they usually contain phthalates to make them soft. If you have questions about personal care products, check the Environmental Working Group’s Cosmetics Database. You can also check the book Home Safe Home for a wealth of information on healthy alternatives for just about everything. It’s so hard to find this kind of information all in one place – this book is packed with stuff!

To find out more about the study, see Exposure to Three Classes of Common Chemicals May Affect Female Development on the Mt. Sinai site.

Getting rid of harmful chemicals in your life is good for you, your children, and the environment. Have fun finding healthy alternatives!

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Posted in Naturepedic, PVC/vinyl, dangerous household chemicals, phthalates, safe bath and personal care products for kids, toxic chemicals | No Comments »

Does Your Baby Mattress Label Say ‘Green’ or ‘Eco’? Do You Know What That Really Means?

Thursday, February 25th, 2010


So many products with ‘green’, ‘natural’ or ‘eco’ labels are made with toxic or hazardous materials that it’s hard to tell what you’re really buying. Labeling laws and practices make it even more difficult – the manufacturers of some products are required to reveal very little; even if they make baby mattresses or other products for children that could affect their health.

Manufacturers of many products are not required to put all the exact information on labels, nor do they have to give you the information if you contact them privately.

This might be a great tactic for maintaining a competitive edge, but it’s not good for consumers.

‘Natural’ or ‘eco’ on labels is obviously going to lead buyers to think they’re getting just that. Unfortunately, that is often not the case.

Crib mattresses are a good example. Labels now say things like ‘Green’ or ‘Eco’ or that the products are made with ‘Soybean Foam,’ ‘Soy Foam,’ ‘Eco Foam,’ ‘Bio Foam,’ or ‘Plant-derived Foam.’

True – they’ve got some soybean oil (or whatever) in them. But, the actual amount of soybean oil is often only about 20% of the content.

What does the other 80% comprise? The same old polyurethane foam, probably with toxic fire retardant chemicals, that you were trying to avoid by buying a ‘Green’ or ‘Eco’ product.

It’s easy to get discouraged about all this. Who has the time to go back to school for a degree that will enable you to decipher all this double-talk?

But, in fact, there is an easy solution. You may not be able to find out what materials a manufacturer uses, but you can find out that a manufacturer will not tell you what’s in their products.

When they won’t tell you, you simply move on to a manufacturer who will give you full information. Some quick research, and you can then find out if the materials used are safe.

For the record, we at Naturepedic will give you all the information you need about our crib mattresses, organic cotton bedding and all our other products. Just check our website, or give us a call. If you live in the area, you can even come by and we’ll show you just how, and with what materials, our products are made.

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Posted in Naturepedic | 1 Comment »

Is Your Baby Ready for a Pillow? Make Sure You Understand All the Health and Safety Issues.

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010


A pillow adds a very nice touch to a bed. It makes it look cozy and inviting – especially to adults who have warm memories of peaceful slumber. But, for a baby, it’s another story. A pillow can suffocate a baby – which is why doctors recommend not using one until your child is two years old. But suffocation is far from the only safety problem with pillows, whether your child is newborn, two years old, or twenty.

What are the other elements of a pillow that can affect health and safety? Primarily, the materials with which they’re made. Interesting enough, almost all of the materials are of the same type used in adult, toddler and crib mattresses.

  • Feathers and down. Down is the fine, soft, fluffy feathers on baby birds, and underlying the regular feathers of adult birds. Down is more expensive than regular feathers. Some pillows are made only of down, some are a mixture of down and other feathers, and some mix down or feathers with synthetic materials. The problem? Many people are allergic to feathers, whether down or otherwise, and feathers can really collect and hold dust – another common allergen.
  • Polyester. Polyester in itself may not be particular hazardous, but the same is not true of the chemicals with which polyester is treated. Polyester pillows could contain formaldehyde or dangerous fire-retardants. If you’re going to go with polyester, make sure you contact the manufacturer to find out all the details about every chemical used in processing. Unfortunately, the information will not be on the label.
  • Polyurethane foam. Many of the new pillows that conform to your shape are made with polyurethane foam – a petro-chemical that the National Association of State Fire Marshals calls ‘solid gasoline.’ Breathing solid gasoline all night is bad enough, but polyurethane foam can also contain toxic chemicals used as fire retardants. If you’re in California, where the addition of fire retardants to some polyurethane items is required by law, there’s not much chance of finding a polyurethane pillow without those chemicals. Fire retardants in polyurethane pillows are also common in other states, but you have to check with the manufacturer of the product. All in all, it’s probably best to avoid polyurethane foam pillows – they’re not quite the breath of fresh air you expect from a healthy, relaxing sleep.
  • Wool. Wool pillows may be okay for adults, but they’re not recommended for a baby. Wool is a common allergen and your baby, if not outright allergic, could develop a sensitivity to wool without you being aware of it.
  • Latex. Again, allergy is the primary issue. And, as with wool, latex sensitivity can develop with long-term exposure.

The other option is organic cotton – which is we use to make both our toddler and crib mattresses and our adult, toddler and baby pillows. Organic cotton is not an allergen and hasn’t been grown with synthetic pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers. Nor have any dangerous chemicals been added in processing.

When your baby’s ready for a pillow, make sure you choose one that is safe all around. As with all baby products, health and safety are the primary concerns.

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Posted in Naturepedic | No Comments »

 
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