Rubber made from natural latex is biodegradable but synthetic … Acrylic latex caulks are among the least toxic types of general construction caulks. 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. Synthetic Latex. Because silicone is made with synthetic materials, we strongly recommend natural rubber pacifiers over silicone. The global foam industry created their own guidelines for certifying that their foam is safe. Look instead for “100% Natural Latex.”. While solvent-based formulations prove considerably worse, water-based adhesives still contain the same chemicals of concern. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. [/li] It’s made by mixing two main chemicals together (Tyrene and Butadiene), both of which are classed as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). May or may not contain adhesives. 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. For synthetic latex rug pads, plasticizers in latex coating can transfer to the wood’s finish and cause discoloration. Recent recalls of beds, including the mattresses made for baby’s cribs, have demonstrated just how dangerous and prevalent some of these chemicals can be. In addition to the concerns regarding glue and fire retardants, the composition of the material used to create the mattress itself is also important. Tyrene – Causes headaches, weakness, fatigue, and hearing loss 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. Natural Latex can also contain fillers and most natural latex mattresses do. Pregnant women should be aware that the chemicals can be transferred to their baby. Traditional handmade Persian rugs are a great non-toxic … Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are vapors or gases emit from chemicals of products. These VOC's gas off-gas for up up 5 years!. Synthetic latex is another common offender in the world of toxicity. Squandered by Sleeping In: How Oversleeping Affects People, Astrabeds’ 100% natural, organic latex mattresses. 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. Some VOCs may even cause cancer, after prolonged exposure. Blended latex foam contains both natural and synthetic latex typically in a proportion of 80% synthetic and 20% natural. However, that’s only half the story as many potential toxins remain completely legal for us in the United States, and manufacturers are not typically required to disclose them chemical contents of their products. Synthetic Glycerin Dangers. Where does the weight go? How can these chemicals harm you? Common additives used in making Vinyl include Phthalates and heavy-metals (like Antimony, mentioned above). 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. 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. What’s the Best 4th of July Mattress Sale? Organic latex mattresses have a guaranteed seal of environmental approval so you can be sure that your mattress is free of man-made products and chemicals. Also, additional toxic chemicals may be used during processing. These chemicals include plastics or vinyl, toxic flame retardants, synthetic latex, and various petrochemicals that, unfortunately, are found in many conventional mattresses. SleepLily is a different kind of mattress company. The other 80-95% is still good ‘ol Polyurethane Foam! These chemicals, which have been shown to cause severe health problems, leach out during use. Synthetic fibers, like nylon, are created by people. Your email address will not be published. Below are the categories of toxic chemicals used in the carpet fibers and backings of most synthetic carpet sold today. And it is especially difficult to know exactly what is inside when the company is using a “proprietary” formulation. Over time, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from foam are released into the air where you are exposed to them. It is a complex process that may begin with substances such as allyl chloride, acrolein, propylene oxide, polyalcohols, fats, or epichlorohydrin. Information from reports by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Water based Adhesives Technology Review and Aerias – Air Quality Sciences. The second marketing strategy for foam is the “CertiPUR-US” certification. Foam is made from petroleum using a “witches brew” of toxic chemicals. If you are looking to buy a natural latex mattress or sofa, make sure that the company is using 100% natural latex. [Source]. Vinyl production uses toxic chemicals and additives which have been linked to major health issues. Surprisingly, synthetic latex is a more expensive (raw cost) component than graphite latex. Synthetic Latex is a synthetically produced compound that mimics the properties of natural latex. They aren’t required to list this, so there is a chance it is present, even if not listed. So let’s begin our countdown of common, but toxic mattress materials. Synthetic latex. If your rug has a backing, look for natural latex. [/list]. While flame retardants remain a hot topic, of equal concern are the adhesives and glues used to manufacture many mattresses. Boric Acid (also called Borate Powder) can cause eye and respiratory irritation. So what they are really making is Polyurethane Foam mattresses with a tiny bit of plant oils added for marketing purposes! Almost all carpet is made from synthetic fibers and those fibers have been treated with synthetic chemicals that "outgas" into your home. Taking the time to research what goes in to your home will offer you peace of mind and sweeter dreams. Two different types may be used: solvent-based adhesives and water-based adhesives. First, that means they are made with a “witches brew” of toxic chemicals (more on that soon). Latex – If you are told that a mattress contains “latex”, this statement means nothing. The second definition refers to a synthetic product made from petroleum. 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! Look for mattresses that utilize wool or rayon covers as fire barriers rather than chemicals. We are exposed to so many toxic chemicals on a day to day basis, and the last place we want to find them is in our beds. Synthetic mattresses are also available on the market, which are manipulated with synthetic latex to create a wider variety of firmness. 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. When these fillers are added, synthetic latex is the final product. One of the most surprising things about toxic chemicals in mattresses is how incredibly common they are. It is speculated that common flame retardant additives might include antimony oxide (carcinogen) or melamine resin (contains formaldehyde). How can this be? Unfortunately, Mattress companies are not required to disclose what flame retardants they are using. Some companies use a blend of both natural and synthetic latex but market the product as natural. A water-based product, acrylic latex caulks have virtually made solvent-based acrylic sealants obsolete. Also, additional toxic chemicals may be used during processing. Prices start around $1299, and beds come in multiple firmnesses and heights. This chemical is toxic, and other chemicals are added to the blend to stabilize the foam. Natural latex is the safer alternative to synthetic latex. They are linked to severe problems that can span generations. Sadly, this makes them especially common in baby mattress! Antimony is a toxic heavy metal which can cause eye, heart, and lung problems. 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. Also, because foam is highly flammable, a large amount of toxic flame retardants are often added. Still, it can off-gas over time. We’ll show you exactly why you should avoid them. Second, they break down over time, causing major off-gassing of VOCs into the air you breath. Non-Toxic Mattress = No Off Gassing So what are the qualities of a nontoxic mattress? Halogenated Flame Retardants may be the worst of the bunch. Synthetic Latex is made from two petroleum-based compounds, styrene and butadiene. Natural rubber (latex). After all, we created SleepLily because it’s the mattress we wanted for our own family! May or may contain polyurethane fillers. 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. Natural latex requires growing and harvesting the Hevea-Brasiliensis tree (better known as a rubber tree), which is time-consuming and costly. Your email address will not be published. A synthetic latex mattress is made with man-made materials and additives with chemicals - those mattresses typically off gas. The finished foam and mattress cannot be. If you have any questions, or need recommendations, please don’t hesitate to contact us! Keep reading to learn where these components come from and how to avoid getting a toxic mattress. There are alternatives to chemical flame retardants. Be sure to ask mattress companies if they use any vinyl in their mattresses. Only 100% natural latex mattresses are non toxic, if synthetic latex is mixed, a mattress will still have toxic chemicals. People who suffer from breathing problems including asthma and allergies should avoid breathing volatile organic compounds. 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. Both of these are VOCs and can do serious harm. ... Isn’t the latex fill also a carcinogen? Dioxin has been shown to: Vinyl is a cheap way for manufacturers to make beds waterproof & bacteria resistant. 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. Synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, and polyester are made from chemicals such as thermoplastic, which outgas plastic molecules whenever they are heated. Don’t be fooled. If you have a spring or foam bed, chances are you sleep on a toxic mattress. If a mattress brand tells you their latex foam is certified organic, question the validity of their claims. According to CertiPUR-US’s own literature, “The Guidelines were established with guidance from the global foam industry.” That’s right. The word latex is used for various combinations of latex and polyurethane foam. The most common type of synthetic latex contains a styrene-butadiene rubber. Off-gassing increases in the presence of body heat. [li]Formulations considered safest include wool covers and silica-treated rayon covers. An organic latex mattress uses raw materials that are grown sustainably without the use of pesticides, fertilizers, or other synthetic chemicals. The first definition refers to the milky, white product of the rubber tree that is used to make natural rubber. And cause discoloration own guidelines for certifying that their foam is widely used in the same place free... 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