The Hidden Secret of Flame Retardants In Your Mattress

The truth about what is in your mattress may surprise or startle you.

Knowing what’s inside your mattress can be critical for comparing beds when shopping, getting a good value and for peace of mind.

What Synthetic Materials and Chemicals Are Used In Your Mattress?

Mattresses today are increasingly using petroleum-based components in the form of foams, plastics and a variety of volatile chemicals – including the controversial flame retardants.

It is very likely you are sleeping on a mattress that uses a layer of polyurethane, polyester or memory foam as they are the most widely used material in mattresses.

These foam-based products are manufactured using a variety of resins, catalysts, solvents and adhesive. Mattress manufacturers love using synthetic foam for its cushioning support but also as a cheap filler to bulk up the thickness (and of course, the price). Because of its flammability, it has to be treated with flame retardants, almost all which are considered harmful to humans and the environment.

A quick Google search show it is well-documented that scientific research have raised health concerns over the link between people becoming ill by the repeated and continuous exposure to flame retardants.

In mattresses and pillows, when these materials slowly degrade or are disturbed, it causes “off-gassing” of particles to be dispersed in the air. These vapours are easily absorbed through the skin or inhaled as you lay asleep marinating in its fumes every night. The exposure to these various chemicals can have an adverse effect on your health, weakening and damaging the immune and nervous system, particular sensitive to babies, children and the elderly. Note, newly purchased foam mattress tend to off-gas vapours and it is recommended to open the windows and let it air out.

Playing With Fire – The Danger of Fire Retardants

It is required by law, for product safety that all mattresses meet flammability standard (i.e. level of fire resistance), meaning many manufacturers use flame retardants. Ironically, though fire retardants are meant to protect us from preventing the spread of fire, in some cases, ineffectively, they pose more of a health risk itself.

For example, the flame retardant, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is commonly used today in dozens of consumer products, include mattresses. However, leading scientists have listed it as one of the “worlds most dangerous toxic chemicals” linking it to cancer, reduced IQ and development problems and impaired fertility. In 2012, the United Nations issued a global ban on HBCD encouraging countries to phase out its usage. Unfortunately, Australia has not heed the warning and has enforced no such restrictions on its manufacture, import and use of HBCD.

Other harmful chemicals found commonly in synthetic mattresses:

Formaldehyde – used in synthetic foams and as an adhesive to hold mattress layers. The United Nations has classified formaldehyde as being “carcinogenic to humans”.
Boric acid – flame retardant and a pesticide.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – used as flame retardant. Be especially careful with polyurethane foam products manufactured prior to 2005, such as upholstered furniture, mattresses, and pillows, as these are most likely to contain PBDEs.

The Health Effects – Symptoms of Toxic Sleep

The effects to these chemicals have on your body depends on the level of exposure and length of time you are exposed. Breathing in these toxic vapours can result in irritation of nerves in the eyes and noses . This can lead to:

burning, stinging or itching sensation
a sore throat
teary eyes
blocked sinuses
runny nose
sneezing

In occupational settings, where people have significant daily exposure to these chemicals, they may also suffer:

headaches
depression, mood changes
insomnia
irritability
attention deficit
impairment of dexterity and memory

In extreme cases, flame retardants have been linked to increased risk of cancer and SIDS. It is recommended that parents wrap their synthetic baby mattresses in specialised sleeves to prevent chemicals from off-gassing near babies.

Take the Precaution – Make a Safe and Sensible Decision

If it so happens your shopping for a new mattress, looking for comfort (not cancer) in a non-toxic mattress. You can minimise your health risk by considering these key points:

Look to see the complete breakdown of all the materials used in the mattress. See what foams are used and try to minimise the amount of synthetic materials.
Ask what flame retardants the mattresses are treated with. Research on its toxicity and health effects.
Avoid mattresses with lots of layers as they may use adhesives/glue (which contain formaldehyde) used to hold the mattress together.
Ask what tests and certification they have. Research about the certifications to see what they claim. For Look for Oeko-Tex certification as it indicates the product is free from harmful substances.

The best option is to make it a priority to shop for organic mattresses, topper pads or pillows.

Though, organic mattresses cost slightly more – some organic materials pays for itself in the long run. For example, natural latex mattresses last longer than any other mattress material (+10 years), so you don’t have to keep replacing it. Also, natural latex does not need any chemicals as it is naturally fire resistant, hypoallergenic and antimicrobial, providing many other health and comfort benefits due to its special properties.

Avoid the risk of sleeping on mattresses that use synthetic materials and chemicals. Choose organic materials for a safer, healthier and more comfortable night’s sleep.

What are your thoughts on the uses of flame retardants in the mattress industry? Is it something we should be wary about? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources

The Hidden Secret of Flame Retardants In Your Mattress

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