Thursday, October 16, 2008, Apex, NC – The suit filed recently against several crib manufacturers by the California Attorney General is late in coming, according to GreenPea™ Baby, a local retailer that offers products that support healthier environments for babies, including formaldehyde-free cribs and other baby products. “Parents should be aware of the dangers,” says Krista Cathey, certified Green-Building-specialist and owner of GreenPea™ Baby, “and understand their options to avoid toxins from off-gassing and skin contact.” Off-gassing that stems from manufactured wood products (found frequently in non-hardwood furniture, kitchen and other cabinetry and even some flooring), poses significant hazards for infants and young children.

“Babies and young children are particularly susceptible to the effects of chemicals,” says Ms. Cathey “because, proportional to their body weight, they have more surface area through which to absorb chemicals. Their immune systems get hyper-stimulated by the constant effort to clear the body of toxins, which some researchers believe has contributed to the increase in allergy and asthma rates in children. If replacing existing furniture is cost-prohibitive, parents can help minimize the risks by using a sealant on any exposed, unfinished edges on furniture, and by installing an air purifier with a medical-grade HEPA-filter in their child’s room (good ones can be found under $300). They’re among the most cost-effective options available.”

Pressed woods, particle board and other manufactured wood products, along with many of the coatings used to finish them, are virtually always made into solids with the help of one or more types of formaldehyde-based resin. The resin and glues used to assemble manufactured boards have been found in testing to emit formaldehyde – which the World Health Organization has categorized as a carcinogen, and that also may trigger asthma attacks, skin rashes and severe allergic reactions – in a process known as off-gassing, that can go on for many months. The Environmental Protection Agency notes off-gassing as a major factor in indoor air pollution.

Lawsuits like that in California help to expand the market for safer options (like Greenguard®-certified products), but retail sources and reasonable prices are still hard to come by. Retailer GreenPea™ Baby carries the widest selection of safe nursery furniture and baby products in the Triangle. For more information on safe, environments for babies, visitwww.greenpeababystore.com or contact Krista Cathey at 800-273-6489 or info@greenpeababystore.com.

GreenPea™ Nursery, founded by certified Green Building specialist Krista Cathey, provides products, information and design services to help parents create a custom haven for baby that is as healthy as it is beautiful. We search for and offer quality organic, non-toxic, environmentally-safe products from apparel and dishes, to non-toxic cribs and mattresses, to air purifications systems with a patented “white noise” that help children sleep better. Custom consulting services help parents create a beautiful room, healthier home, and a workable lifestyle. For more information visit www.greenpeababystore.com or contact Krista Cathey at 919-414-5343 or info@greenpeababystore.com.