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Healing homeIndulge yourself with natural fiber bedding
We live in a chemical soup and no one knows what the full extent of doing so may be. Are the chemicals in my new carpet harmful? Should I avoid breathing deeply in my new car? Yet while we worry about all these potential dangers during our waking hours, we should not forget that we spend roughly a third of our lives blissfully asleep, with our noses buried in the covers. What about the chemicals in our bedding?
The problem with many sheets, pillowcases and comforters is that they begin with synthetic fabrics and then apply even more chemicals to add color and designs. Acrylics are polycrylonitriles (suspected of being carcinogenic). Polyester is made from long-chain synthetic polymers of esters of dihydric alcohol and terephthalic acid. Even old-fashioned rayon, which is made from wood pulp or cotton linters, is bathed in acetone or ammonia before it is spun. And silk, a natural protein fiber, is routinely "sanded" with abrasive chemicals. Silk also carries a positive charge that can hold ions next to your body. Best bet, of course, is cotton. No oil, no acetone, no charge. Organically raised cotton is ideal, of course, but even when the plants are sprayed with herbicides and pesticides, much of the residue is washed off during processing. Chemicals are often used to make the fibers suitable for spinning and weaving. The challenge here is to avoid the "sizing" that is often used to finish these fabrics. Many companies use a urea and formaldehyde product to prevent shrinkage, applying the chemicals with heat that traps them in the fibers permanently - you cannot wash them out. If you have chemical sensitivities or would just prefer to avoid breathing them in each night as you sleep, look for fabrics that promise a "pure finish." Click here to learn about vitamins, herbs and supplements that can help - as well as some ideas about cosmetics that will make you feel good about yourself |
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