Question from L.A.
All the natural beds and sofas sound wonderful, but all contain things that would be a problem for me. I have never noticed having a reaction of any type to synthetics like foam or polyester etc., but I’m trying to reduce toxic chemicals in my environment.
Wool makes me very itchy so I avoid it, and even if covered and not in contact with my skin, my area is prone to little bugs that gravitate to wool and silk (my building sprays – unfortunately – but even that doesn’t stop those little critters, and the thought of lots of bugs crawling in my bed is too unpleasant). I have developed a latex allergy. I have had bad reactions after eating soy for a very long time, and even reading newspaper made with soy inks seems to make my eyes burn badly, even though most fumes don’t bother me, so I’m leery of natural foams containing soy. I think I get skin reactions to organic cotton, though I’m fine with most smooth or flannel cottons as long as they don’t have stiff, itchy sizings.
I sleep on a 100% cotton futon (probably has fire retardant – I bought it used so don’t know), but it developed deep indentations where my body is so due to chronic back problems I have to put a (polyester fill) pillow lengthwise under my back, which defeats my trying to avoid breathing chemicals.
I don’t have a sofa and need one. Someone offered me a nice one that’s about ten years old or so and has hardly been used, but it contains urethane and I’m trying to keep chemicals out of my environement.
I am allergic to almost everything natural, unfortunately. Countless food allergies, and lifelong severe pollen allergies to trees, flowers, etc. Am I doomed to using synthetics, and if that’s the best option can I seal them off so I don’t poison myself with chemicals even though I don’t have any reactions while using them that I’m aware of? With a bad back (I’ve managed to avoid surgery on both back of neck and lower back), I really need to sit and lie on soft materials.
Thanks for any help you can give me!
I understand your dilemma. It’s important to keep in mind the difference between a reaction and a toxic exposure. Toxic exposures cause damage to the body, reactions are unpleasant, but the material isn’t toxic and is not damaging the body. In the long run it is better to be around nontoxic materials even if they cause reactions, as eventually your body will heal. You need to make your own decision. I know it’s a difficult one.
Debra’s Answer
I understand your dilemma. It’s important to keep in mind the difference between a reaction and a toxic exposure. Toxic exposures cause damage to the body, reactions are unpleasant, but the material isn’t toxic and is not damaging the body. In the long run it is better to be around nontoxic materials even if they cause reactions, as eventually your body will heal. You need to make your own decision. I know it’s a difficult one.
