Natural fibers like untreated wool are an alternative to PBDE fire retardants

Studies presentedby the Environment California Research and Policy Center earlier this yearhave linked PBDE fire retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ether) tolearning disorders and ADHD in children, and to disruption of thyroidhormone balance, as well as a host of other environmental concerns. Byusing wool, which is naturally flame-resistant, and natural fibers likecertified organic cotton, Lifekind Products, Inc. (www.lifekind.com) isable to manufacture a chemical free alternative mattress.

Consumers may not be aware that alternatives exist or even that theirmattresses are a potential health risk. But one study demonstrated thatPBDEs are found in the breast milk of nursing mothers at alarming levelsand that the levels are growing exponentially. That study promptedAssemblywoman Wilma Chan, D-Oakland to draft a bill prohibiting PBDEs fromproducts manufactured for sale in California. Gov. Gray Davis signed thebill into law in August, to go into effect in 2008.

In the meantime, as PBDEs are used in most mattresses with foam padding,customers have few alternatives. Lifekind Products is the onlymanufacturing company of its kind in the U.S. and is a full circleenvironmental company making only chemical-free products in its Californiafacility.

PBDEs have already been banned in the European union and have been calledthe PCB of the new millennium because they remain in the environment andbuild up in body tissues over a lifetime. The EPA is still evaluating theassociated risks and has yet to act.

Author Notes:

Marcus Sharp contributes and publishes news editorial to http://mattressreviews.us. Choose from a large variety of mattress types and get a good night’s sleep!