How much is your baby breathing?

What’s the Problem?

A chemical called Phthalate.

Phthalate chemicals are conclusively harmful and can be found within one inch of your baby ten or more hours every day. In the past few years, there have been an increasing number of reports linking phthalate to male reproductive damage, plus asthma, allergies, malformations, liver damage, and more. Just 30 or 40 years ago, for example, these types of chronic conditions used to occur in 1 in 5,000 children.

Today, babies are being attacked at unprecedented rates. As an example, asthma is striking 1 in every 20 children.

Background

Phthalates (pronounced “thalates”) are endocrine disruptive chemicals used in vinyl.

“Vinyl” is short for polyvinyl chloride or PVC, with the addition of phthalates to make it soft and flexible. Vinyl/PVC is one of the most unfriendly plastics for the environment. It cannot be recycled without releasing carcinogenic dioxins into the environment. Another common source of phthalates can be found in the vinyl waterproof pad placed directly under the baby in a crib.

When phthalate chemicals are added to PVC, it makes the plastic soft and flexible (usually called vinyl). When phthalates are not added to the mix, the plastic is hard and firm (usually called PVC).

Meanwhile, Phthalates are Legal

In 1998, the National Environmental Trust, together with other environmental groups, asked the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) in products intended for children under age 5.

While the CPSC could not entirely ban PVC, the CPSC did ask manufacturers of baby products to voluntarily discontinue the use of phthalate plasticizers, particularly regarding toys which can be mouthed.

Many manufacturers are complying regarding toys.

However, manufacturers are not removing phthalate plasticizers from crib mattresses (as this would turn the crib mattress surface into hard plastic and make it unusable).

Again, this all boils down to money at the expense of our children.

Where are Phthalates Found in the Home?

All soft and flexible vinyl generally contains phthalates. In the environment of a baby and small child, the single most prominent source of phthalates may be the crib mattress that a baby sleeps on. Another common source of phthalates can be found in the vinyl waterproof pad placed directly under the baby in a crib. You you need to make the right decision yourself and buy your baby a organic mattress.

Here are some very GREAT and INEXPENSIVE Organic Products from Walmart.

Organic Cotton Crib Bumper, Natural

Safari Adventures Organic 4-Piece Crib Bedding Set

Here is a great organic mattress company out of San Francisco, California.

Healthier baby mattresses can be found at: A Happy Plant http://www.ahappyplanet.com/store/baby/index.html

In an effort to preserve our own health, and the environmental health of the planet, many people are choosing a simpler, more natural way of life. Since 1996 A Happy Planet has been proud to bring you quality merchandise, made with respect to humanity and the earth. They provide sensible, durable products created only by those manufacturers who are committed to using organic and natural materials.