Getting ready for that summer BBQ? They are super fun, delicious, and a great way to cook and socialize at the same time. We have some suggestions that will still let you party it up with a BBQ, while keeping everyone safe from unnecessarily hanging out with some chemicals, too.
Flame retardants are a group of chemicals that are added to a variety of different products to help them meet flammability standards. These standards were set back in the 70s, and we have learned a lot since then about flammability, chemicals, and even the health hazards of cigarette smoking (which used to be a large cause of indoor fires).
Home isn't home without comfortable furniture. When it's time to find something new, we usually focus on what feels and looks good, and of course the price. But did you know that furniture can contain, and leak, various chemicals like flame retardants that aren't so good for us into your home? The good news is that there are more and more healthy options! You can read our article on choosing a healthy new couch.
Choosing the right mattress makes all the difference. If it's not comfortable, sleeping soundly and feeling well rested is a no-go. But, did you know that mattresses are also one of the items in your home that can expose you to the most chemicals? Partly because you spend so much time around them. The average person spends a third of their life asleep in bed. Or, if you're like me and find any excuse to stay cuddled up in the comforter and have people bring you food, then it's probably more like half your life! With this huge fraction of our lives spent on mattresses, there is ample opportunity to breathe in any fumes or teeny particles it may be releasing as you toss and turn.
