Click on bolded statements for links to research and more information.

Are foam play mats toxic?

Yes. A 2015 study found phthalates, phthalate alternatives, unreacted isocyanates, and flame retardants in a majority of foam crib mattresses tested, which are made of the same two ingredients as play mats: foam and fabric. Babies are more vulnerable to harmful compounds than adults for a few reasons: they have thinner skin and can absorb chemicals through it more easily. They also have more skin surface area compared to their size than adults. They breathe faster than adults, so take off-gassing substances into their lungs, and they do more hand-to-mouth contact.

Are Gathre play mats non-toxic?

Gathre mats are made of memory foam and a vegan leather (plastic) outer, so I don’t recommend them, even though they are advertised as “free of toxins.”

Are House of Noa mats non-toxic?

Some of their mats are made of EVA foam, others are made of memory foam and vegan leather (plastic), so I don’t recommend them, either.

How is memory foam made?

Polyurethane foam is made of 6 main chemicals, with others added in to change its texture, shape, color, and other properties. The first two, diisocyanates and polyols, combine to make the basic structure of foam, as described above. Surfactants, blowing agents, curatives, and catalysts are always added, as well. The most common catalyst is stannous octoate, which is a Reprotoxic 1B chemical that may damage unborn children (fetuses).

Then, various other (undisclosed!) chemicals are mixed in to change the properties of the foam — to make it a “cooling gel” or “memory” foam. Dyes can be added to change its color. Flame retardants and antimicrobials (both endocrine disruptors) are added to meet flammability standards and to make foam seem “cleaner.” Synthetic fragrances can be added to mask any off-gassing smells, and more.

Is EVA foam toxic? Is EVA foam non-toxic?

t falls somewhere in the middle. EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is used to make shower curtain fabric, and in that context, it’s pretty pretty non toxic, as found by various agencies including the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), OSHA, or National Toxicology Program (NTP).

But of course, EVA foam is different; it’s a much thicker version of EVA fabric, and the main chemical people are concerned about is formamide, which is added to make it foam-like and soft. It’s not safe at high doses, and can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled, and ingested, potentially causing various problems. That said, an EVA foam with very low amounts of formamide, as confirmed by a third party, that has had a chance to off-gas, is still better than polyurethane foam or PVC because it doesn’t require phthalates to make it a soft and flexible, and it doesn’t require chlorine in its production.

What does GOTS certified mean?

GOTS is short for the Global Organic Textile Standard.

It is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic fabrics made from natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, and others.

Fabric with the GOTS-certified organic label means that at least 95% of the starting fibers are certified organic, and ensures that the fabric remains healthy throughout the entire manufacturing process. This means the dyes and other chemicals used are safer for human and ecological health than standard fabric processing methods. No harmful finishes may be added to the final product.

What is latex?

Latex is the same thing as natural rubber. It comes from the Hevea brasiliensis tree. It is a milky white liquid that can be baked to form a springy, foam-like substance. It is often confused with synthetic (lab-made) latex, which is the chemical mixture styrene-butadiene.

What is GOLS certified latex?

GOLS, the Global Organic Latex Standard, is the gold standard 3rd party certification for organic rubber latex. Latex with the GOLS-certified organic label means 95% of the final product is organic latex, and also ensures that the processing stages (mixing, baking, etcetera) of the product are safe for human and ecological health.

For GOLS certified Dunlop, the latex must be from an organic latex tree farm, grown without pesticides. The latex rubber “milk” from the tree is poured into a mold, mixed with Zinc, Sulfur, and soaps to make it a “gel,” then is baked into shape. It’s washed to remove impurities, and then is baked again to dry it out. This process has been used for about 100 years, and the result is a dense foam. To meet the the GOLS standard, it must be composed of at least 95% organic latex. Because the Dunlop process uses minimal ingredients, and is from organic trees, it can meet this requirement.