Crib Mattresses - Most consist of Harmful Phthalates

Crib Mattresses - Most consist of Harmful Phthalates

The crib mattress that you pick for your baby should not contain phthalate chemicals.  Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are potentially toxic.  They are determined more harmful for infants since they are still developing and growing.  Studies on phthalates indicate they may cause an increased risk of asthma, allergies, and disrupt the reproductive improvement of babies.    

Phthalates have been added to original baby mattresses for decades.  Mattress manufacturers have been adding phthalates to Pvc plastics in order to create a flexible and soft waterproof vinyl cover for baby mattresses.  The hazard is created when phthalates often leach or gas out from the plastic mattress covers into the surrounding air.  

Babies may spend at least 10 hours on their crib mattress every single day.  This may continue for at least the first two years of a baby's life, which are also the considerable stages for wholesome development.  inspecting how close a baby will sleep to the mattress cover, combined with duration, the possible for high exposure to phthalates is great.  

In 2004, the consumer stock safety Commission (Cpsc) informed baby mattress manufacturers that they have the choice of voluntarily eliminating phthalates from their mattresses.  However, these fellowships did not listen.  Since the dismissal of phthalates from their mattresses, would have resulted in a very hard and unusable sleeping surface.  

Just recently, on February 10, 2009 the Cpsc came up with new guidelines.  These guidelines were created to minimize the use of six types of major phthalates (over 0.1%) in the production of mattresses for babies.  In my opinion, these guidelines are simply not good enough.  Especially since the Cpsc has not thoroughly prohibited phthalates in baby mattress production.  But they absolutely should, since scientific studies have proven the toxicity of these chemicals.  One of my main concerns is whether manufacturers will absolutely consequent these guidelines and how well will they be enforced.  

My guidance for parents is not to wait colse to for mattress manufacturers to turn their production habits.  I advise they avoid investing in any mattress that may contain even small traces of phthalates.  The risks are considerable.  The only viable clarification that I can think of is to spend in a 100% certified organic crib mattress.  Organic mattresses are produced without the increasing of harmful chemical additives or toxins.       

Phthalates should be banned from all baby products.  The well-being of our newborn babies should not be compromised due to convenience or old manufacturing practices.  Instead of ignoring the issue at hand, fellowships should do everything they possibly can to find a safe replacement for phthalates in the production of  baby mattresses.  Our costly babies cannot afford to be exposed to these toxic chemicals, especially when they are so vulnerable while peacefully sleeping on their crib mattress.