Mattress covers
Respiratory toxicity in mice exposed to mattress covers.
Rosalind Anderson Ph.D. and Julius Anderson M.D.-Ph.D.
Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 54, pp 202-209, 1999.

Mothers try to protect the crib mattress from urine stains 
by using a waterproof mattress cover. Most mattress covers 
are made of polyvinylchloride, and many have that nasty smell 
associated with vinyl products. 

Under carefully controlled laboratory conditions, we exposed 
groups of laboratory mice to air containing the fumes released 
by several types of waterproof matress covers. Mice exposed 
to the fumes from polyvinylchloride covers showed irritation 
of eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Some developed severe 
asthma-like attacks. Mice exposed to fumes from a polyethylene 
cover did not show these reactions. The data demonstate that 
some mattress covers release toxic(poisonous) chemicals into 
the air. A careful mother should seek polyethylene and avoid 
polyvinylchloride mattress covers. 

A prominent researcher in New Zealand thinks use of polyethylene 
mattress covers can prevent SIDS(sudden infant death syndrome). 
Call us for more information on this subject.