GRAND Magazine - February 2009 - (Page 23) Check the mattress: A typical crib mattress’s “waterproof” properties are frequently due to flexible PVC plastic (polyvinyl chloride) vinyl coverings. The EPA classifies vinyl chloride as a human carcinogen. (Additionally, PVC plastics may contain other toxic substances such as lead, cadmium or phthalates.) organic cotton; a possible drawback to cotton mattresses is that they are vulnerable to mildew and dust mites. Best buy: Bed, Bath & Beyond offers Naturepedic® No-Compromise™ Organic Cotton Ultra Baby Crib/Toddler Mattress. Inside the mattress: Crib mattresses (as well as pillows, changing table pads, bassinet pads and rocking chair cushions) are often filled with PU foam (polyurethane foam). Hazardous VOCs can off-gas as vapors or dust particles from these foam-filled products as they are exposed to heat and general wear and tear. Additionally, products containing PU foam are highly flammable and therefore are generally treated with toxic flame retardants. Some animal studies suggest halogenated flame retardants suppress the immune system and may be neurodevelopmental toxins, endocrine disrupters and possible human carcinogens. If we only have enough money to buy or reuse a conventional PVC vinyl/PU foam type mattress: Improve its safety by removing its plastic shipping materials and airing the mattress to get rid of as much off-gassing of VOC chemicals as possible. The mattress should be placed upright on protective covering against a wall to keep it clean or leaned against a wall inside a well-ventilated room for a few days until the mattress is odor free. After airing, the mattress can be installed and covered with a safer type of mattress cover pad. classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a known human carcinogen. A safer option is solid wood, such as pine or maple, and naturally finished with water-based VOC-free paints, nontoxic oil rubs or natural waxes. Solid wood furniture can be expensive (to reduce expense, purchase an unfinished crib and finish at home with an environmentally friendly product). The healthiest mattress cover pad: Avoid plastic PVC vinyl “puddle” protectors and those labeled “waterproofed.” Instead, protect baby’s crib mattress from moisture by using mattress cover pads made from naturally sourced materials such as wool, hemp and organic cotton. Best buy: “O-Wool organic fleece crib mattress cover pads (and cradle-size pads), crafted from sheared wool tufted to an organic cotton fabric backing” is available from Dax Stores online. The advantages of wool: Air circulates well through the fibers so it breathes well, dries quickly—which makes it mildew resistant—and doesn’t harbor dust mites, and wool is naturally flame-retardant. FEBRUARY 2009 GRAND 23 If budget limitations require us to make do with a crib that contains pressed particleboard wood or plywood materials, we can block off-gassing from those components by applying a water-based, formaldehyde-free, acrylic sealer, such as Safecoat Acrylacq. (After the sealer is applied, the crib should be well aired until no odors are detectable before baby is allowed to use the crib.) The National Geographic Green Guiderecommended Safecoat Acrylacq may be used on wood, vinyl flooring, metal and plastic surfaces. Safer options: Eco-friendly, natural mattresses are more expensive than their synthetic counterparts, so we need to shop around and compare prices. Fortunately, even big-box stores offer eco-friendly crib mattresses that are manufactured from naturally sourced materials such as Talalay latex (the premier material from the sap of rubber trees), organic cotton, wool, and soybean foam. Best buy: A green runner-up to natural latex is a mattress made from certified Click and connect to more resources instantly where you see this symbol: http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?order_num=-1&sku=15638400 http://www.daxstores.com/baby-cribs--mattresses-and-bedding-organic-crib-bedding.html http://www.evo.com/content/environmental_home_center/48141/safecoat_acrylacq http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=9863294
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