Question from Katie
Hi Debra, I am grateful for your site and the information it contains. I am trying to find safe bedding for my family.
I purchased some 100% cotton blankets (non-organic) but now am concerned that they may be treated with flame retardants or other chemicals.
In your opinion, are regular cotton blankets a good option for those of us trying find chemical-free bedding? (I can’t afford the organic kind, which I know would be preferable).
Thank you for your expertise and insight!
Debra’s Answer
It is always preferable to purchase organic cotton, because it is very well regulated to be free of toxic pesticides and other chemicals that contaminate the environment, adding toxics to our air, soil, and water which we then breathe, eat, and drink.
However, once the cotton is processed into yarn to make fabric or blankets, those chemicals are no longer there. There have been lab tests done on this.
To the best of my knowledge, regular cotton blankets are not treated with fire retardants. I have purchased a number of cotton blankets over the years and have never had a problem with any of them.
