With all the commotion about products coming from china one has to wonder about the gymnastics mats, foams, and vinyl comming from china as well. Is it truly safe? I started doing some asking with my local foam rep to find out more. What I was told that the chinese government does not hold the same standards for the foam manufacturing process as the US does. While there is no proof that it is toxic, (or at least none that I could find) there is some questions as to the effects this process is having on the environment.
After getting in touch with the director or the PFA (Polyurethane Foam Association), Bill Leudka, he informed me that he was not aware of a specific study of Chinese foam products, however, that there has been a lot of interest expressed by various environmental groups to conduct such studies and to also conduct biomonitoring among Chinese foam industry workers. The main concerns expressed by environmentalists are focused on Chinese use of ozone depleting chemicals and fire retardants that are banned in the US. Additional concern is focused on worker safety in "bucket pouring" operations.
I was also informed of the certiPUR-US project that they are starting. This voluntary testing, analysis and certification program was developed by members of the global foam industry in response to an increase in substandard imported foams. CertiPUR-USCM tests for durability, content and indoor emissions. You can read more about this program at http://www.certipur.us/.
One way to avoid any of these potential problems is to make sure that what you are purchasing is comming from the USA. While the price tag might be slightly higher there are some great advantages to products made in the USA and the standards that are upheld here.
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