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From Home Furnishing Business

Barry Cik of Naturepedic Speaks at Safer Chemical Symposium

November 14, 2013  by in Green, Industry   

Naturepedic, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, is vendor of organic mattresses, bedding, and top-of-bed products for babies, kids and adults.  

At the Oct. 23 Washington, D.C., event, Cik, an environmental engineer, pointed out that approximately 880 chemicals are used in commercial applications in the United States.

“Many people are under the impression that the chemicals used to create, finish, or to treat products, have been tested and vetted for safety and health related issues, when in fact they have not even been tested at all," he said. "Most chemicals are not realistically regulated by the Federal Government. Only a small percentage of these chemicals have in fact actually been tested for toxic effects.”

Other speakers also noted a significant increase in allergies, asthma, cancer rates, autism, and other illnesses and symptoms which have been increasing among Americans at an alarming rate. 

Addressing the topic of economic and job creation opportunities associated with creating more toxic chemical-free and safer products, Cik noted that 10 years ago he created Naturepedic in Ohio to manufacture and market organic cotton-based baby crib mattresses, pillows and top-of-bed products. Naturepedic grew to become a leading U.S. manufacturer of organic baby crib mattresses and now employs more than 60 people.

“There is growing market for healthier, safer, organic-based products in the U.S.,” Cik said. :We have expanded our baby crib business to cover kids’ beds, and, recently, we introduced a whole line-up of mattresses, pillows and toppers for the adult marketplace. It is smart business for manufacturers to create and market healthier and safer products."