For Immediate Release
Press inquiries contact:
Luan Van Le, Toxin Free USA, 347-921-1466, info@gmofreeusa.org
Jay Feldman, Beyond Pesticides, 202-255-4296, JFeldman@beyondpesticides.org
Washington, DC, April 14, 2023 — Toxin Free USA and Beyond Pesticides, nonprofits dedicated to consumer protection and education, filed a lawsuit against Nook Sleep Systems, LLC, a manufacturer of baby and children’s bed mattresses, alleging deceptive marketing of some of its crib mattresses.
Nook represents its products as “pure,” “organic,” “natural,” and “safe.”
Toxin Free USA sent a Nook “Pure Organic” bed mattress to a certified lab for testing and found high levels of fluorine, an indicator that a product contains PFAS. Further testing found 130 parts per billion (ppb) 6:2 FTOH 130, and 88 ppb of the PFAS chemical perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in the outer layer of the mattress cover.
PFAS are a class of toxic chemicals that peer-reviewed studies have linked to cancer, autoimmune disease, thyroid disease, liver damage, high blood pressure, obesity, hormone disruption, decreased immunity, decreased fertility, and birth defects and harmful developmental effects in infants. Studies also show PFAS, which are also known as “forever chemicals”, do not break down naturally in the environment, bioaccumulate in human bodies, and can be harmful at ultra low levels, in the parts per trillion.
“Exposing babies to PFAS chemicals that are known endocrine disruptors linked to cancer and a myriad of other serious health concerns can have life-long negative impacts on their health and wellbeing. Nook’s claims that their mattresses are ‘pure,’ ‘organic,’ ‘natural,’ and ‘safe’ are egregious examples of misleading marketing. The company must warn consumers and remove PFAS from all products immediately,“ said Diana Reeves, Executive Director of Toxin Free USA.
“Organic has become a trusted word in the marketplace and indicates that ingredients are held to the highest standard in protecting health and the environment,” said Jay Feldman, executive director of Beyond Pesticides, a plaintiff in the case. “It is critically important that we protect the integrity of organic as a label and in advertising, as we work to shift the marketplace away from hazardous materials that threaten the well-being of people,” Mr. Feldman said.
The Nook suit, filed under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act, seeks to end Nook’s deceptive marketing. Toxin Free USA and Beyond Pesticides are represented by Richman Law & Policy.
Read the full Nook Sleep Systems complaint HERE.
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GMO/Toxin Free USA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for a clean, healthy food system and environment, non-toxic consumer products, and educating consumers about the hazards of GMOs, synthetic pesticides and other toxins. www.toxinfreeusa.org
Beyond Pesticides is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C., which works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides. www.beyondpesticides.org
I purchased a nook mattress for my granddaughter who was born 10/22/2021. I also submitted an essay for a contest to win a nursery set including another mattress , cover , diaper changing pad and cover, nursing pillow, and a round floor mat that baby could get tummy time and play. My daughter and son in law won the contest so an additional mattress was used in her 18 Mo brother’s crib.
Both babies slept on the mattresses for 2 Years. My granddaughter has not achieved important milestones, will be evaluated for autism, ADHD, speech defect; and accumulation of toxic metals.
Can you offer help in advise on how to pursue this heartbreaking situation.
How do we go about getting compensation for our purchased Nook materess.
Also how do we properly dispose of it?
This is outrageous. Many new families have been violated by this company. What a shame and sham! I purchased a mattress and cover for a crib my granddaughter uses from this company because of their “organic” “safe” products.
Please recommend a mattress company where I can purchase a safe product.
Thank you for .your vigalence and continued work on behalf of all of us.
I splurged on this mattress for my daughter who is now 6 with the peace of mind that this mattress was better than others as she would be spending the majority of her life on here the first few years. Then my son who is now 4 also used this up until a week ago. There is no amount of compensation I would even find appropriate for the potential life long effects they have now been exposed to. And to market it as the opposite. I am infuriated and talking about simply replacing the mattress or value of the mattress is frankly hilarious.
Has there been any update on this lawsuit?