What’s in Your Pillow? Here’s What You Need to Know
Are Your Pillows Toxic?
We are all aware of how vital it is to acquire a sufficient amount of sleep each night. On the other hand, have you ever given any thought to the surface that you are sleeping on?
Because the majority of us spend a third of our lives in bed, the pillows we use are quite important to the overall experience.
(1) A great number of individuals are not aware of the potential hazards that may be hiding in their pillows.
There are some pillows that contain chemicals that could be harmful to your health and could be detrimental to your wellbeing. Thank goodness, there are other options available.
Certain Pillows Contain Chemicals That Possibly Pose a Threat to Human Health
The majority of the time, when we think of things that are harmful to our health or that are considered “toxic,” we think of things that we might consume or that might come into touch with our skin.
Food goods, cleaning products, perfumes, and cosmetics are all examples of these possibilities.
The majority of us don’t give much thought to the fabrics that we come into contact with on a daily basis and how the materials that they are composed of can have an impact on our health.
Does anyone know of any unexpected potential sources of hazardous chemicals? A pillow for you.
There are a number of possible hidden risks that could be present in your pillows or that could be flowing from them. Flame retardants are among the most worrying of these substances.
It is common practice to add these chemicals to pillows in order to keep them from catching fire; nevertheless, these chemicals may also be hazardous to your health.
The use of flame retardants has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects, such as cancer, reproductive disorders, and developmental delays in children.
Because of the fact that their brains and other organs are still developing, children are more susceptible to the effects of harmful substances. Two (2)
Organic compounds that are volatile
VOCs, which stand for volatile organic compounds, are yet another threat.
These are chemicals that can be released into the air from your new pillows, and they have the potential to create a variety of health concerns, such as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory troubles.
In addition to the foam that is used in some pillows, the adhesives that are used to hold them together, and the fabric that covers the pillow, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can originate from a wide number of sources. (3),
Is it safe to cook with aluminum foil? Read more about it here. The potential risks and available options
Insects, fungi, mold, and dust mites are all harmful.
For months, if not years, the majority of us continue to use the same pillow.
Not only do they accumulate dirt, oils, and skin cells over time, but they also accumulate more troublesome things such as dust mites, mildew, germs, and fungi when they are left unattended.
Not using a pillow protector makes this situation even more severe, and the accumulation is even more severe for pillows made of synthetic materials.
These have the potential to produce spores that might cause respiratory difficulties in even the healthiest of individuals.
In the event that you have sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema, sleeping on a pillow that is contaminated with dust mites, fungi, and germs could be problematic. (four)
formaldehyde (F).
It has been asserted by some individuals that pillows may contain trace amounts of formaldehyde.
This is due to the fact that it is occasionally utilized in the production of textiles.
In spite of the fact that the probability of your pillow containing formaldehyde is fairly minimal, you should stick to pillows that are constructed entirely of organic materials if you want to be absolutely certain.
Can You Tell Me Which Pillows Have These Dangers?
The majority of pillows currently available on the market include, among other possible chemicals, flame retardants and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Pillows composed of memory foam are a common source of the problem because they are constructed from synthetic materials that have the potential to produce toxic substances.
It is possible that these hazards are also present in pillows that are produced from polyester or other synthetic fibers.
As a result of the possibility that they have been treated with flame retardants or other chemicals, even down pillows can be hazardous.
On the other hand, what can people buy instead?
Consequently, what steps can you take to safeguard yourself against these concealed threats?
Choosing pillows that are manufactured from natural materials, such as bamboo or buckwheat, is one of the several options available.
It is less probable that these materials would contain dangerous substances, and they have the potential to create a sleeping experience that is both comfortable and supportive.
In addition, several certifications on pillows, such as the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) or the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, assert that the pillows contain little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Before choosing a pillow, it is essential to conduct research in order to guarantee that it is risk-free and does not include any chemicals that could be detrimental.
Consider purchasing pillows that are labeled as organic, natural, or devoid of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and flame retardants.
You might want to think about purchasing a pillow that is created from natural materials that are sourced and produced in a sustainable manner.
To summarize, the bottom line
The hidden risks that are hiding in the bottom of your pillow can have severe repercussions for your health.
By selecting a pillow that is both safe and natural, you can protect yourself and the people you care about from the risks that are involved.
Do not undervalue the significance of getting a sufficient amount of sleep each night, and while you are sleeping, make sure that you are using a pillow that is beneficial to your health and well-being.
