1. Bader, W. (2010). Toxic bedrooms: Your guide to a safe night’s sleep SCB Distributors.

Background: This book discusses a variety of petrochemicals that appear in the bedroom, widely unknown to the average consumer who purchases products with synthetic materials. The petrochemical assault mainly focuses on mattresses, and the sheets consumers line their mattress with. The author, Walter Bader, goes into great depths of a mattress – its covering fabric, paddings, supporting core, and different types of foundation pieces. He condemns the modern mattress industry as memory foam sales continue to excel, but points to reasons why the standard needs to change. Bader draws from an abundance of sources, such as his own findings regarding mattress emissions, individual blood samples of individuals exposed to petroleum-based products after they sleep, and other outside academic studies.

Bader points to other toxic pathways, like the paint on our walls and the dust beneath our mattresses that increases the abundance of petrochemicals in our bedrooms.

Heavily relying on scientific terms, Bader spends a great deal of pages defining endless amounts of unknown petrochemicals that lurk in our bedroom, and their known health consequences. Through these definition claims, Bader illuminates the most frequent infiltrators. By reading this book, his audience understands what to look for when mattress shopping. He highlights the gold standard certification, the GOTS certification, to remind his audience that a restful and healthy sleep is attainable.

The final part of the book provides a discussion on the politics of the petrochemical industry, and public health initiatives, reviewing the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good comes in the form of private companies seeking third party testing more frequently for assurance that many of the known carcinogens no longer exist in common bedroom products.

How I used it: Although the book provided an extension to more than mattresses and bedding alone, a large part of the book still proved itself as useful. Testimonials from households that bought memory foam mattresses, experiencing symptoms relating to their skin or respiratory tract, found its way into my paper. The extensive definition claims inspired a load of discussion points in my definition/categorical argument. Also, the studies in Toxic Bedrooms that proved petrochemicals to be the culprit for many ill health consequences built the foundation for my causal argument. This book served as the most useful source to my paper because of the defining of unheard of chemicals and the scientific studies included in the book.

2) Petrochemical | industrial, manufacturing & energy applications | britannica. Retrieved Apr 14, 2024, from https://www.britannica.com/science/petrochemical

Background: This article provided an overview of the term petrochemical, and ensuing umbrella terms that fit under the category of petrochemical. This article did not take any sort of stand or look into consequences of petrochemicals, rather define and briefly describe some of the by-products of petrochemicals. As well, the article talked about the chemistry of petrochemicals. For instance, petrochemicals primarily consist of hydrocarbons. ‘Petrochemical feedstocks’ were classified into three groups: olefins, aromatics, and synthesis gas.

How I used it: Although short, the article served as useful. The parameters of the world petrochemical and specific classifications helped give my argument direction, drawing the line in the sand as to how to use the term. The article helped me understand petrochemicals surface in countless amounts of commercial products and get talked about as anything derived from petroleum or natural gas.

3) Boor, B. E., Järnström, H., Novoselac, A., & Xu, Y. (2014). Infant exposure to emissions of volatile organic compounds from crib mattresses. Environmental Science & Technology, 48(6), 3541-3549. doi:10.1021/es405625q

Background: This study looked at a specific target population, infants, and measured their TVOC concentrations in crib mattresses composed of polyurethane foam compared to the general concentrations of air in the room. Because infants spend the majority of their time sleeping, the study wanted to understand the connection between VOC’s in polyurethane foam and whether these concentrations sampled reflected the amount in the infants system. The findings discussed how infant cribs lined with polyurethane foam provide statistically significant higher levels of VOC’s compared to emissions of air in the room.

How I used it: As I learned about in my research, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) appeared as a problematic toxin found in petroleum products. Focusing on the specific population of infants, I sought to understand how infants respond to cribs with VOC’s. This study furthered my understanding of just how easily VOC’s find their way into everyday products the general public regard as safe. The conclusion led me to believe that our most susceptible population to respiratory problems, infants, due to the lack of formation of major organs, deserve closer attention to what they sleep in and on.

4) Doost, A. (2021). Texas families warn of possible bed-in-the-box mattress risks; class action lawsuit

Background: This article recaps a class action lawsuit filed by attorney Lloyd Cueto and the Environmental Litigation Group, representing 200 people covering all 50 states in the U.S. against the mattress company Zinus. Many symptoms ensued upon opening a mattress product from Zinus, including itchy skin and trouble breathing. The attribution to the ill health consequences of the mattress came from the component of fiberglass. This component supposedly provides strength and fire-resistant qualities but proved to be harmful to health. The company, Zinus, released statements defending their product, ultimately blaming their customers for opening the outer shell (i.e. the cover). Because of the damage the fiberglass had on these plaintiffs’ homes, an average of $15,000 was spent per family to remove the fiberglass.

How I used it: This source allowed me the opportunity to develop my rebuttal argument. The class action lawsuit filed eventually led this mattress company to make statements, which allowed me the opportunity to put on a pinata and swing away. The feedback I received on my rebuttal argument flagged me for not having a worthy opponent. This source provided me with the fuel I needed to attack the worthy opponent. Regarding the claims as weak, I argued the malfeasance of the manufacturing process behind Zinus’ mattress, arguing no sleep product deserves the addition of fiberglass because of its harmful effects.

5) Gibson, K. Amazon’s bestselling mattress is a health hazard, lawsuit claims – CBS news. Retrieved Apr 14, 2024, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/amazon-zinus-mattress-fiberglass-health-hazard-lawsuit/

Background: This article, published by CBS News, reports on a best selling mattress product, the ‘Green Tea’ mattress by the company Zinus. The article makes a bold claim in its opening sentence, regarding this popular product as a ‘health hazard’ .This claim set the stage for the serious consequences that ensued from its customers. Customers suffered wounds resulting in scars, and a loss in tens of thousands of dollars in fiberglass removal from the household.

Demonizing fiberglass as the problem to its product, the focal point of the lawsuit, the article talks about the origin of fiberglass and what it consists of. The article references quote(s) from spokespeople of the company Zinus, proving the shortcomings of the product that dominates the market.

How I used it: This article reported on the same class action lawsuit as source four (KXAN), but it provided details its counterpart did not. Specifically, it referenced a particular family having to pay $20,000 in damages for their daughter for a $400 mattress. In essence, the article spoke of the class action lawsuit in a more critical manner, referencing injury costs and putting the product into perspective – that is, the product sells for approximately $310 on Amazon and possesses 4.4/5.0 stars. This practical application demonstrated the public opinion regarding the Green Tea mattress by Zinus. Another couple suffered a loss of tens of thousands of dollars in property damage because of Zinus’ product. This article added more fuel to my argument in its reference to the gargantuan monetary losses these families suffered all because of a mattress product.

6) Scialla, M. (2016). It could take centuries for EPA to test all the unregulated chemicals under a new landmark bill. Retrieved Apr 14, 2024, from https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/it-could-take-centuries-for-epa-to-test-all-the-unregulated-chemicals-under-a-new-landmark-bill

Background: This PBS commentary allowed insight into the ineffectual petrochemical testing standards of the EPA. The rate in which petrochemicals undergo the vetting process seems like an eternity enabling a seven year review of a minimum of 20 petrochemicals at a time, allowing another five year period for industry to adapt to new regulations the EPA puts forth regarding the amount of usage of that particular petrochemical, if any at all.

The article not only talked about the undemanding vetting process of the EPA, but the general scope of how prevalent petrochemicals have become in our modern environment. They have climbed at rates not seen before. From a legislative standpoint, the article talked about the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976, playing on the notion that it was altered only 40 years later.

How I used it: This article allowed me insight into the mechanisms of petrochemical testing and regulators involved in the process. The tone of this article passed on dissatisfaction, which carried over into my research paper. The more research I accumulated, the greater the sense of urgency I felt toward eliminating petrochemical usage in common commercial products. This article allowed me to point the finger at a trusted regulatory agency, the EPA, expressing my disgust for their relaxed manner as the world becomes sicker because of the increased petrochemical concentrations.

7) Siebers, R. W., & Crane, J. (2011). Does bedding affect the airway and allergy?: International journal of occupational & environmental medicine. International Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, 2(2), 65-75. Retrieved from https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=59652038&site=ehost-live

Background: This body of literature gathered a multitude of cross sectional and longitudinal studies, providing a review and drawing conclusions. The researchers identified asthma as a problem of concern in children, increasing at abnormal rates. The authors purported that a reason may be due to our bedding, and found evidence that synthetic bedding increases the incidence of wheezing in subjects exposed to synthetic bedding in their sleep. Just as noteworthy, the researchers found that a natural material, such as feather, provided a protective effect against respiratory complications.

How I used it: A critical source for my causal argument, this academic research review provided causal evidence toward the frequency at which synthetic bedding promotes respiratory problems compared to natural feather bedding. This source established credibility in my argument, being able to point to cross sectional and longitudinal studies that spoke about synthetic bedding affecting breathing pathways, resulting in poor health consequences. This source proved especially helpful because it specifically looked at respiratory health and bedding, a subject matter hard to come by in the academic literature.

8) Zwarensteyn, J. (2021). Toxic materials in foam mattresses? are we safe? – sleep advisor. Retrieved Apr 14, 2024, from https://www.sleepadvisor.org/toxic-materials-in-foam-mattresses/

Background: This post comes from Sleep Advisor, a foundation committed to providing unbiased and educational sleep research and offers practical suggestions to promote better sleep habits. This particular education session speaks on the toxicity of memory foam.

The article speaks upon a host of reasons why memory foam gets a bad reputation, due to its capacity to wreak havoc on the respiratory system, immune system, and more.

It gives a rundown on the history of memory foam, from its inception in 1991 to its main function. Created as shock absorbing material, the function served its purpose in providing an inexpensive, comfortable source to sit and lay on. However, the article highlights the ensuing health consequences that followed decades later. Unfortunately, this product hit the market and has been commercialized to a large extent, not withholding its health consequences to its users.

Similarly to Toxic Bedrooms by Walter Bader, the article mentions the most popular culprits in polyurethane products, such as diisocyanates and fiberglass, and how the lingering adverse health effects they have on humans.

Finally, the article keens in on an extensive list of symptoms associated with polyurethane foam, such as irritated skin, developmental issues, fatigue, and more.

How I used it: Most useful to me, the article recounted a 800 page report published by the EPA that denounced polyurethane foams and flame retardants. Its referral to this academic source allowed me to have ground to stand on, pointing out the petrochemical nightmare has been reported on extensively in the public health sector. Unfortunately, industry has loomed large, suppressing the monumental report performed by the EPA.

Also, I was able to further rely on another source that attributed a slew of adverse health symptoms to polyurethane foam. I digested this material as a guide to buying mattresses. Essentially, the cheapest polyurethane foam has been found to be the most toxic. The most effective mattresses that have the least amount of toxic emissions generally have appropriate certifications like GOTS and OKEO-TEX.

9) Association, A. L. (2023). Volatile organic compounds. Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://www.lung.org/clean-air/indoor-air/indoor-air-pollutants/volatile-organic-compounds

Background: Coming from the American Lung Association’s website, this page took note of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). This source served as an extension of an infographic, educating its viewers on sources of volatile organic compounds, major organs they affect, and a few prevention tips.

How I Used it: I admired this source for its simplicity, taking a complex term and making a practical application out of it. Whereas a peer reviewed article would get into the mechanical pathways of volatile organic compounds, this source allows for simple digestibility of the concept. I understood key takeaways such as VOC’s primarily affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and liver. While also taking note of common forms of ingestion (indoor and outdoor), such as furniture, cosmetics, and dry-cleaned clothing. A few tips I took note of to limit the effects of a toxic indoor environment was performing daily tasks such as opening windows and hanging clothes outdoors instead of taking them to the dry cleaners.

10) Home – GOTS. Retrieved Feb 27, 2024, from https://global-standard.org/

Background: Home to the GOTS certification, this website provides its viewer with a host of links and resources. This website describes its vigorous and healthful standards, their labeling process and certified supplier database. In addition, the certification’s website provides resources containing newsletters, fact sheets, annual reports, and upcoming events.

How I Used it: Regarded as the ‘gold standard’ of certifications in the textile industry, this appeared quite often in my research sources. This website gave me insight into healthier textile sourcing practices, allowing me a better understanding of adequate alternatives to petroleum-based products. This certification source allowed me to dig my heels in the ground, encouraging the GOTS certification to be widely sought after when sourcing textile products. This certification ensures health and well-being. I was impressed by the website’s transparency, and their accessible certified supplier database.