Question from Barry A Cik
I just wanted to tell all of you about some changes that are occurring regarding crib mattresses.
In the State of California, it is illegal – as of January 1, 2009 – to sell a crib mattress containing phthalates. Local retailers in California may not sell them. Phthalates are a group of chemicals known to affect a child’s developing endocrine (hormonal) system, and may cause cancer. Phthalates are so toxic that they have already been banned in many countries of the world.
But America is not safe from phthalates in crib mattresses, yet. For all states besides California, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) allows mattresses with phthalates to be manufactured through February 9, 2009, and to continue to be sold indefinitely until stocks are depleted. This could take months, or even years.
So it’s critical to know how to distinguish a mattress that contains phthalates from one that is phthalate-free. It’s important to note that not all toxic phthalates have been banned, although more bans are likely. It’s also important to note that even if all phthalates are removed, other questionable chemicals are likely to be substituted.
Most crib mattresses have a vinyl waterproof plastic covering. Babies wet and spit up, and their mattresses are especially vulnerable to dampness. Too much moisture in a mattress, and it becomes an unhealthy haven for bacteria, mold and mildew.
It is in this vinyl plastic covering that phthalates are found. Vinyl is a plasticized form of PVC. By itself, PVC is toxic enough; it’s widely considered to be one of the most toxic and environmentally unfriendly plastics in use today. However, PVC is a hard plastic, made soft and pliable for the surface of a crib mattress by adding very toxic phthalates.
