Five Problems with crib mattresses: Potential Allergens

Many baby crib mattresses contain “natural” latex/rubber, a well documented allergen not appropriate for babies and children.

“Labeling of medical devices containing natural rubber latex that is likely to come in contact with humans must state in bold print: ‘Caution: This
Product Contains Natural Rubber Latex Which May Cause Allergic Reactions.’ Labeling of … devices that contain natural rubber likely
to come in contact with humans shall not contain the term ‘hypoallergenic.’”
(Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 62, Page 51021)

“Allergy to latex … has become a major health concern … The presence of allergic manifestations to natural rubber latex indicates an increased
risk for anaphylaxis … it can progress rapidly from swelling of the lips and airways to shortness of breath, and may progress to shock and death…”
(U.S. Department Of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

“Latex allergy – an immunological reaction to natural rubber latex … poses a serious health risk for some patients … In rare cases, latex
allergies can be fatal. Approximately 1,000 cases of allergic or anaphylactic reactions to latex-containing medical products have been
reported to the FDA since 1988.”
(ACAAI, American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology)

“Allergy to latex was first recognized in the late 1970s. Since then, it has become a major health concern … The presence of allergic
manifestations to natural rubber latex indicates an increased risk for anaphylaxis. This Type I reaction can occur within seconds to minutes of
exposure to the allergen … When such a reaction occurs, it can progress rapidly from swelling of the lips and airways to shortness of breath, and
may progress to shock and death, sometimes within minutes … Moreover, some affected individuals continue to experience
asthmatic symptoms even without contact with natural rubber latex.”
(U.S. Department Of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, D.C. 20210)

“Latex allergy is a medical term encompassing a range of allergic reactions to natural rubber latex.”

• Type 1 – The most serious and rare form, type 1 is an immediate and potentially life-threatening reaction, not unlike the severe reaction some people have to bee stings. Such reactions account for a significant proportion of perioperative anaphylactic reaction, especially in children with myelomeningocele.

• Type 4 – Also known as allergic contact dermatitis. This involves a delayed skin rash that is similar to poison ivy with blistering and oozing of skin. This type is caused by chemicals used in the processing of rubber products. (Note: Toxic chemicals, including toluene, ammonia, and/or sulfur are generally used in the processing of natural latex.).
• Irritant contact dermatitis – The common type of reaction. This causes dry, itchy, irritated areas on the skin, most often on the hands.”
(Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia: Latex Allergy)

Babies can be harmed by latex even without direct contact.
“…Some affected individuals continue to experience asthmatic symptoms even without contact with natural rubber latex…”
(Food & Drug Administration (FDA) Final Rule, Federal Register, Vol. 62, Page 51021)
Natural latex requires various chemicals to be added (e.g. sulfur, ammonia, and/or toluene) in order to turn the sap into latex foam. Furthermore, there is no certification agency under the U.S.D.A. National Organic Program that will certify “natural latex” as organic. Note that all commercially available coir (crushed coconut husks) contains a significant amount of latex to hold it together. Wool and other animal hairs are also a concern for many parents and physicians. Wool has long been associated with allergies, particularly in children. For example, wool intrinsically contains lanolin and certain alcohols known to have allergenic properties. Other allergens originate not with the wool itself, but with the chemical treatments applied to it when processed. Extensive processing of wool is commonly required becuase “raw wool” contains sand, dirt, grease and dried sweat. The weight of these contaminants can account for as much as 30% of the fleece’s total weight. To remove these contaminants, the wool is typically scoured in a series of alkaline baths.