Over the last 30+ years, baby crib mattress materials have been replaced with petroleum-based synthetics. Nearly all crib mattresses in use today contain polyurethane foam,
vinyl (PVC), phthalates, chemical fire retardants, and an extensive list of added industrial chemicals. Recent studies have questioned the use of these materials.
Some of these chemicals have even been shown to leach out into the surrounding air.
“The results of the study demonstrated that some crib mattresses emitted mixtures of chemicals capable of causing respiratory-tract
irritation and generating combinations of SI [sensory irritation],
PI [pulminary irritation] and AFL [airflow limitation]...
chemicals involved in the manufacture of the mattress and cover... have toxic properties... to lung, liver, and brain... respiratory tract irritants...
carcinogenic and neurotoxic.”
(Anderson, Rosalind C., PhD, “Respiratory Toxicity of Mattress Emissions in Mice.” Archives of Environmental Health Jan. 2000:,
www.andersonlaboratories.com)
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Babies and toddlers spend 10-14 hours a day sleeping and playing on a crib mattress. Furthermore, a child’s every breath inhales
air
no more than six inches away from these chemicals. As such, for the first few years of a child’s life, the mattress is the single most prominent
object in the child’s environment.
The vinyl surface of a typical baby crib mattress, which is actually polyvinyl chloride (PVC), is originally a hard plastic. In order to make
it soft and flexible,
chemical plasticizers must be added. Vinyl covered crib mattresses contained these plasticizers which typically accounted for 30% by weight of the vinyl surface.
As of Feb. 10 2009, the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) issued a ban on certain varieties of phthalates. However, other phthalates have only been banned for teethers and other
objects expected to be placed into a child’s mouth, so they still may be present in vinyl crib mattresses. Another phthalate chemical
known to cause cancer (DnHP) has not yet been banned at all. Since the ban, other plasticizer substitutes are now being used whose safety has yet to be demonstrated.
“Phthalates are animal carcinogens and can cause fetal death, malformations, and reproductive toxicity in laboratory animals...
children may be at higher risk of adverse effects of phthalates because of anticipated higher exposures during a time of developmental and physiologic immaturity...
Phthalates are not covalently bound to the plastic matrix and leach out of PVC...”
(Shea, Katherine M. MD MPH and the Committee on Environmental Health. “Pediatric Exposure and Potential Toxicity
of Phthalate Plasticizers.” American Academy of Pediatrics.
Pediatrics Volume 111 No. 6. June 2003. Pg. 1467.
http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;111/6/1467)
“Although DEHP plasticizes numerous products, roughly 95% of the current production is used in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (National Toxicology Program 2003), where it
typically constitutes 30% of PVC by weight... phthalate (DEHP) was associated with asthma. This study shows that phthalates, within the range of what
is normally found in indoor environments, are associated with allergic symptoms in children.”
(Bornehag, Carl-Gustaf, et al. “The Association Between Asthma and Allergic Symptoms in Children and Phthalates
in House Dusts.”
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Environmental Health Perspectives. Oct. 2004.
http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/docs/2004/7187/abstract.phpl?section=children)
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A study of phthalates in hospital settings revealed the following:
“Other potential respiratory exposures to DEHP in the NICU include off-gassing from... mattress covers... DEHP exposures continue when the neonate arrives
at home... off-gassing of indoor vinyl products.”
(Brody, Charlotte. “Neonatal Exposure to DEHP and Opportunites for Prevention.”
Health Care Without Harm. July 13, 2000.
http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?type=document&id=379)
“The CDC report provides definitive evidence that phthalates in soft PVC plastic are getting into virtually all of our bodies.”
(Brody, Charlotte. “New CDC Report Finds Phthalates and Other Chemicals Commonly Used in Hospitals at Highest Levels in Children.”
Health Care Without Harm. February 5, 2005.
http://www.noharm.org/details.cfm?type=document&id=707)
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All plastics are not created equal. PVC is made from vinyl chloride, which is a combination of petroleum
(ethylene) and chlorine.
This particular plastic is far more toxic than the plastic bag you might use to pack your lunch.
“The chemical composition of PVC includes two features. First, PVC is the only plastic that contains chlorine... Second, plasticizers, i.e., additives,
are used in PVC, mostly diethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP), from 0 to almost 50% of the weight... In conclusion, in our case-control study of testicular cancer,
a somewhat surprisingly high risk was observed for exposure to PVC plastics.”
(Hardell, Lennart, et al. “Occupational Exposure to Polyvinyl Chloride as a Risk Factor for Testicular Cancer Evaluated
in a Case-Control Study.”
International Journal of Cancer. 73, 828-830 1997.
www.mindfully.org/Pesticide/Occupational-Exposure-PVC.php See also
National Library of Medicine)
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In a study that made the front page of USA Today, phthalates were linked to reproductive effects:
“Consistent toxicologic evidence indicates association between several of these phthalate esters and reproductive effects... DEHP has been shown to... reduce testosterone...
commonly used phthalates may undervirilize humans.”
(Swan, et al, “Decrease in Anogenital Distance Among Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure.” University of Rochester School of Medicine,
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Environmental Health Perspectives, June, 2005.
www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYP/is_8_113/ai_n15343367)
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Some of the chemicals frequently added to the PVC surface of a typical crib mattress can include lead, cadmium, phosphorus,
and others. In particular, antimony,
the primary fire retardant used on the vinyl plastic surface of most crib mattresses, can be
quite harmful even at low levels.
“... animals that breathed very low levels of antimony had eye irritation, hair loss, lung damage and heart problems. Problems with fertility were also noted...
Where is antimony found?... Most antimony oxide produced is added to textiles and plastics as fire retardant... ”
(“Antimony and Antimony Compounds.” Pollution Prevention Factsheet. Ohio EPA. Number 102. September 2002.
www.epa.state.oh.us/opp/mercury_pbt/fact102.pdf)
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According to Health Care Without Harm, "many hospitals are reconsidering their use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) medical products. Their concerns with PVC products
relate to patient safety or potential environmental health effects."
(http://noharm.org/details.cfm?type=document&id=741).
Nearly all baby crib mattresses today use polyurethane foam (also known as urethane foam or just “foam”) as internal filling.
Polyurethane foam is a petroleum product, and as such, is highly flammable.
“Avoid heavily chemically treated mattresses filled with polyurethane foam... Polyurethane foam offgasses VOCs, especially toluene... Formaldehyde and other VOC
offgassing is associated with... mattresses.”
(“Green Birthdays.” American College of Nurse-Midwives.
www.midwivesofwa.org/greenbirthdays.pdf)
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Some of the health hazards listed on manufacturer material safety data sheets (MSDS) for polyurethane foam include: possible cardiac arrhythmias, breathlessness,
chest discomfort, irritation of mucous membranes, headache, coughing, asthma-like allergic reaction, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, and reduced pulmonary function.
Polyurethane foam is produced by combining a polyol (petroleum based) with an isocyanate (usually toluene diisocyanate or TDI), which is a highly toxic substance.
The EPA has identified several chemicals used in the fabrication of polyurethane foam as hazardous air pollutants.
“Exposure to these substances has been demonstrated to cause adverse health effects
such as irritation of the lung, eye, and mucous membranes,
effects on the central nervous system,
and cancer.”
(“National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: Flexible Polyurethane Foam Fabrication Operations.” Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
40 CFR Part 63, Final Rule, Federal Register/Volume 68, No. 71/Monday,
April 14, 2003/Rules and Regulations, Pg 18062)
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“Organotin compounds – Found in... polyurethane foams... can disrupt the hormone, reproductive,
and immune systems. Animal studies show that exposure early
in life can also have long-term effects on brain development.”
(“Hazardous Chemicals Found in Household Dust Across U.S.” Health Care Without Harm. March 24, 2005.
www.noharm.org/details.cfm?ID=1037&type=document)
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The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 goes a long way in prohibiting the use of certain phthalates and lead in many juvenile products. However, other phthalates,
phthalate substitutes and many other chemicals remain in use for baby crib mattresses and have yet to be regulated.
Regarding polyurethane foam and its chemical constituents and additives, it should be noted that the Consumer Product Safety Commission has not regulated any of these
chemicals, and certainly not regarding their use in baby crib mattresses. In fact, there is poor transparency and few details as to what chemicals are actually being used
to make polyurethane foam today. While U.S. manufacturers have begun taking note, imported foam may contain ingredients that even U.S. manufacturers have stopped using
(e.g. PBDEs).
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Problem #2: Potential Allergens |
Many baby crib mattresses contain “natural” latex/rubber, a well documented allergen not appropriate for babies and children.
“Labeling of medical devices containing natural rubber latex that is likely to come in contact with humans must state in bold print: ‘Caution:
This Product Contains Natural Rubber Latex Which May Cause Allergic Reactions.’ Labeling of … devices that contain natural rubber likely to come in contact
with humans shall not contain the term ‘hypoallergenic.’”
(Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 62, Page 51021)
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“Allergy to latex ... has become a major health concern ... The presence of allergic manifestations to natural rubber latex indicates an increased risk for anaphylaxis ...
it can progress rapidly from swelling of the lips and airways to shortness of breath, and may progress to shock and death...”
(U.S. Department Of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
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“Latex allergy – an immunological reaction to natural rubber latex … poses a serious health risk for some patients … In rare cases, latex allergies can be fatal.
Approximately 1,000 cases of allergic or anaphylactic reactions to latex-containing medical products have been reported to the FDA since 1988.”
(ACAAI, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)
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“Allergy to latex was first recognized in the late 1970s. Since then, it has become a major health concern … The presence of allergic manifestations
to natural rubber latex indicates an increased risk for anaphylaxis. This Type I reaction can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure to the allergen …
When such a reaction occurs, it can progress rapidly from swelling of the lips and airways to shortness of breath, and may progress to shock and death, sometimes
within minutes … Moreover, some affected individuals continue to experience asthmatic symptoms even without contact with natural rubber latex.”
(U.S. Department Of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, D.C. 20210)
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“Latex allergy is a medical term encompassing a range of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex.
- Type 1 – The most serious and rare form, type 1 is an immediate and potentially life-threatening reaction, not unlike the severe reaction some people have to bee stings.
Such reactions account for a significant proportion of perioperative anaphylactic reaction, especially in children with myelomeningocele.
- Type 4 – Also known as allergic contact dermatitis. This involves a delayed skin rash that is similar to poison ivy with blistering and oozing of skin.
This type is caused by chemicals used in the processing of rubber products. (Note: Toxic chemicals, including toluene, ammonia, and/or sulfur are generally used
in the processing of natural latex.).
- Irritant contact dermatitis – The common type of reaction. This causes dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, most often on the hands.”
(Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia: Latex Allergy)
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Babies can be harmed by latex even without direct contact.
“...Some affected individuals continue to experience asthmatic symptoms even without contact with natural rubber latex...”
(Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 62, Page 51021)
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Natural latex requires various chemicals to be added (e.g. sulfur, ammonia, and/or toluene) in order to turn the sap into latex foam. Furthermore, there is no certification
agency under the U.S.D.A. National Organic Program that will certify “natural latex” as organic. Note that all commercially available coir (crushed coconut husks)
contains a significant amount of latex to hold it together.
Wool and other animal hairs are also a concern for many parents and physicians. Wool has long been associated with allergies, particularly in children.
For example, wool intrinsically contains lanolin and certain alcohols known to have allergenic properties. Other allergens originate not with the wool itself,
but with the chemical treatments applied to it when processed. Extensive processing of wool is commonly required becuase “raw wool” contains sand, dirt, grease
and dried sweat. The weight of these contaminants can account for as much as 30% of the fleece’s total weight. To remove these contaminants, the wool is typically
scoured in a series of alkaline baths.
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Problem #3: Flammability |
Due to the high flammability of polyurethane foam, chemical fire retardants and/or barriers are added to meet the minimum flammability standards set by government agencies.
While there are no laws or regulations regarding the materials or chemicals permitted to be used in crib mattresses (other than the CPSIA and basic labeling requirements),
the government does mandate minimum flammability standards. The flammability of polyurethane foam poses a significant danger.
“If ignited, polyurethane foam can burn rapidly, releasing great heat
and consuming oxygen.
In an enclosed space, the resulting deficiency of oxygen can
present a danger of suffocation
to the occupants. Smoke and gases released by
burning foam can be incapacitating to human
beings if inhaled in sufficient quantities.”
(Polyurethane Foam Industry-Wide Warning Label)
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Polyurethane foam decomposes into deadly and hazardous gases when ignited.
“Thermal decomposition products from polyurethane foam consists mainly of carbon monoxide, benzene, toluene, oxides of nitrogen, hydrogen cyanide,
acetaldehyde, acetone, propene...”
(OSHA Hazard Information Bulletins. “The Fire Hazard of Polyurethane and Other Organic Foam Insulation Aboard Ships and In Construction.” U.S. Department
of Labor. Occupational Safety & Health Administration. www.osha.gov/dts/hib/hib_data/hib19890510.phpl)
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“Hazardous decomposition products [from flexible polyurethane foam] include: carbon monoxide, acetaldehyde, acrylonitrile, 2,4-toluene di-isocyanate, polymer fragments,
oxides of nitrogen, and hydrogen cyanide. Fire retardant foams may generate emissions of hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, hydrogen flouride, or phosphoric acid...”
(“National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for Flexible Polyurethane Foam Production” U.S. EPA. Federal Register. October 7, 1998. Vol. 63. No. 194.
www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-AIR/1998/October/Day-07/a25894.php)
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According to Jonathan R. Barnett, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Fire Protection Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, “polyurethane foam produces ten
times more carbon monoxide for each gram burned than does wood.”
http://encarta.msn.com/text_761563809___13/Fire.phpl
Thousands of innocent people are killed or severly injured from bedroom fires each year.
Sadly, children comprise the majority of these casualties.
“In 1995, CPSC [Consumer Product Safety Commission] conducted a field investigation study to learn more about cigarette-ignited fires and open flame fires.
The report, issued in 1997, showed that about 70% of the open flame fires involved child play and that 68% of the open flame deaths were to children playing with
lighters, matches, and other open flame sources.”
(Consumer Product Safety Commission “Standard to Address Open Flame Ignition of Mattresses/Bedding; Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.” 16CFR Part 1633.
Federal Register/Vol. 66, No. 197/October 11, 2001, Pg. 51886)
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While the above studies did not involve crib mattresses per se, it is nonetheless clear that polyurethane foam constitutes
a widespread concern, especially in those products
impacting babies and young children.
Additionally, the details of the flame barriers being used to protect polyurethane foam are becoming increasingly proprietary. The manufacturers of these flame barriers
routinely refuse to divulge ingredient lists and material safety data sheets associated with their barriers.
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