Toxic Dreams

What can be cuter than your little angel, all fresh and clean from his nightly bath, swathed in his favorite cozy fleece pajamas for a night of sweet dreams? If you are a parent, you know that you would do anything to protect your little one from danger, but the common scenario just described is a dangerous one.

Chemicals on baby clothes – chemicals on baby
If you buy children’s clothing, including sleepwear, you should know that there are dangerous chemicals lurking between the fibers—chemicals linked to thyroid, immune system, reproductive, and liver damage. These dangerous chemicals have been detected in blood, urine, and breast milk, and have been studied by agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since they were introduced in the 1970s.

These chemicals, called polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are mandated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) throughout the United States and Canada for children’s sleepwear, mattresses (including crib mattresses), plastics in electronics, furniture, wallpaper, and carpeting, and are added to materials to reduce the chances of the product catching fire.

However, these chemicals likely do more harm than good. According to some medical experts, PBDEs are linked to causing disturbances in brain development, are contributing factors in learning disabilities, may cause an imbalance in hormonal functioning, and can cause cancer, hyperactivity (ADD & ADHD), obesity, diabetes, and permanent behavioral changes.

Since the advent of these toxins, the prevalence of products treated with PBDEs have skyrocketed, and can now be found in virtually every home. In 1999, Swedish researchers revealed a study that showed much greater amounts of PBDEs in human breast milk than had been detected 25 years earlier. Studies since then have shown an even sharper rise in PBDEs in American women, with some researchers concluding that PBDE levels in North America may be 10 to 20 times higher than levels of European countries and may double at a rate of every four to six years.

What makes these chemicals so dangerous is that they are readily absorbed through our largest bodily organ—our skin, and the younger the child, the higher the chance for the dangerous effects to take place at a higher and faster rate, due to their immature immune system and little bodies. Reducing exposure to PBDEs is critical for your family’s health.

Savvy consumers demand toxin-free clothing
There are as many as 209 individual PBDE compounds in use today. Currently, federal law requires that all children’s sleepwear fitting children ages 9 months through 14 years be treated with PBDEs, but health-conscious and eco-friendly consumers are paying attention, and demanding products that are made with natural organic fibers free of chemicals. Companies have listened and responded, with an influx of organic and eco-friendly companies manufacturing baby clothing and accessories free of toxins.

Choosing organic sleepwear made with natural fibers is the healthiest option. And, since wool is a fabric that is naturally flame retardant, choosing clothing made of organic wool or organic wool components is a smart choice for clothing. The weight and weave of the fabric will also affect how easily the material will ignite and burn, so recommended fabrics include materials made with a tight weave. Heavy, tightly woven fabrics will burn more slowly than loosely woven, light fabrics of the same material.

And remember; protect your baby or toddler’s organic sleepwear and accessories by using chemical free laundry products instead of traditional commercial detergents which contain dangerous chemicals!

Helping you create a happy, healthy home for your children
At Your Organic Bedroom, we do not believe toxins belong in the products you purchase. We only carry products from manufacturers dedicated to full disclosure in their product lists, and those who get their materials from companies that do the same. We share your goal in protecting the health of your family and the environment by offering toxic free mattresses and top of the bed products from Crib to King Size.