Stop Chemicals From Seeping Into Our Lives

Re “Bucking a Toxic Trend,” Oct. 22: Color is the “major reason” the U.S. foam industry has not eliminated polybrominated diphenyl ether from their products? How pathetic, considering scientists have found that these chemicals interrupt brain development, disrupt thyroid hormone levels and may cause cancer. Do I really care if the unseen foam in my couch is buttery yellow or snow white?

While I applaud Bobby Bush and Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co.’s initial elimination of penta in their foam, their current use of the chemical makes it difficult to see him as the free-thinking idealist he seems to see himself as.

As for the law that bans penta in California, effective 2008, if the trend continues as it has the past decade, by 2008 my next baby can expect nearly four times the levels of the chemical that are currently in my breast milk. I urge consumers to look to those companies that have already taken a stand. So far, the only furniture producer in the U.S. reported as PBDE-free is IKEA. They’ve got my business.

Nikki Bradford

Moorpark