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WantonChrysanthemum t1_j68eium wrote

Not to make your search more complicated, but please be aware that many pillows are treated with flame retardants and formaldehyde that are really not good for long term exposure. If you live in the US, certain bedding and household materials are required to be treated with these chemicals to meet flame retardant standards. Additionally, certain foams off gas some pretty nasty stuff.

Certain materials are exempt from this chemical treatment, as they are naturally flame retardant. Wool and natural latex are two safer options.

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CDN_a t1_j68fo2d wrote

That's an interesting consideration thank you. But of course, one would think that the powers that be... that is, if one trusts the powers that be... must have determined what is/are acceptable levels of such and not harmful... soooo? But thank you very much! It's not any ONE particular recommendation I'm looking for... it's how to intelligently shop this product? Thanks!

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WantonChrysanthemum t1_j68k249 wrote

“It all began with the cigarette, the leading cause of fires in the United States. Against pressure to create cigarettes that safely extinguish on upholstery, the tobacco industry redirected the blame onto furniture manufacturers, claiming that they have a responsibility to make furniture less susceptible to fire. The door was opened for the chemical industry, which lobbied heavily for the use of flame-retardants in furniture. The very law supposed to protect our rights now required the use of toxic chemicals in household products. Investigative reporters at the Chicago Tribune first published this alarming series of events.

Research strongly connects the chemicals in flame retardants to cancer. Firefighters are disproportionately affected because of their consistent exposure to the chemical fumes released from furniture in fires. The toxins are found in human bodies and in breast milk; children are among the most susceptible.” Link: https://green.harvard.edu/news/uncovering-flame-retardant-scandal

Yeah I definitely don’t trust the government on this issue. It’s serious, linked to cancer, endocrine problems, all kinds of things. Plus they don’t actually prevent fires, and when they do ignite, they create serious health hazards for fire fighters, it’s seriously fucked. There’s hundreds of different kinds of FRs, and they’re still being studied individually. It’s very difficult to get a clear picture of one’s own personal risk. As a consumer, since there is no way of knowing which products contain which chemicals, I opt to avoid them as much as possible by choosing untreated alternatives. Why risk it.

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Front_Judge_5872 t1_j68v3bu wrote

Per your article private corporations are to blame. The government was manipulated by these corporations. Then it’s followed up with don’t trust your government? Don’t you mean don’t underestimate the will and ability of private corporations to pervert your government?

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WantonChrysanthemum t1_j69456q wrote

I mean yeah obviously, of course I do not trust a government that caves so readily to corporate interests and lobbying and does not put the health and safety of its people first. Why are you splitting hairs of two sides of the same coin.

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CDN_a t1_j68oijh wrote

Dunno... I just trust.. anyway fires ARE a good reason.. aren't they? Suppose I could sleep on one of those Chinese wooden block things... lol! Anyway I've been exposed to God knows what in my career... still breathing... lol! Thanks.

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DarkObserver t1_j68o5vc wrote

The ‘how’ is to spend hours researching and comparing and reading anecdotal events then making a purchase. Trying it. Then returning it. Repeat.

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