A recent study links children’s mattresses to chemical exposure—but parents can take simple steps to help lower the risk.
Babies and young children spend much of their early life asleep, with infants needing up to 17 hours a day and toddlers and preschoolers up to 14. During those critical hours of rest, however, recent research suggests they may also be breathing in harmful chemicals from their mattresses.
There are a few things parents can do to reduce exposure and support their children’s resilience to these effects.
Mattress Chemicals and Children
The findings come from two studies conducted at the University of Toronto and published in Ecotoxicology and Public Health. In the first study, researchers measured levels of concerning chemicals in the bedrooms of children between 6 months and 4 years old. They found elevated levels of more than two dozen potentially dangerous flame retardants, phthalates, which are chemicals used to increase the durability and flexibility of plastics—in bedroom air, with the highest concentrations around the beds.
In the companion study, researchers tested 16 newly bought children’s mattresses and found that they were likely the main source of the chemicals. When they simulated the effects of a child’s weight and body temperature on the mattresses, chemical emissions increased substantially. Chemicals in the mattresses can also migrate to other items in children’s sleeping environment, including pillows, bedding, and toys. Although the mattresses were bought in Canada, the results likely apply to mattresses purchased throughout North America, since the materials come from the United States, Mexico, and other countries.
Hormone disruptors are substances that interfere with growth, mood, reproduction, and other vital bodily functions. The flame retardants and phthalates measured in the study fall into this category and have been linked to impaired memory, learning disorders, behavioral issues, and lower IQ scores. Some are also linked to childhood cancer and asthma. Several of the UV filters identified are hormone disruptors as well.
“Sleep is vital for brain development, particularly for infants and toddlers. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can harm kids’ brains,” said senior author Miriam Diamond, professor at the University of Toronto, in a press statement.
Vulnerability of Children
While the chemicals in question can negatively affect adults, children are uniquely vulnerable due to several factors, the researchers noted. Their breathing rate is 10 times higher, and their skin surface relative to body weight is three times higher. Behaviors such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact also increase risk.
A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences sheds additional light on why children are at higher risk of harm. Their blood-brain barrier—a filter that blocks certain substances from reaching the brain—is still maturing, which makes them more susceptible to neurological damage. Additionally, children’s detoxification systems are also not fully developed, making it harder to eliminate toxins. In addition, infants’ skin is more permeable.
Fiberglass in Mattresses
The California Department of Public Health has warned that some children’s mattresses contain fiberglass—thin glass fibers sometimes woven into a cloth. Some manufacturers use it to prevent fires in place of chemical flame retardants. Inhaling the tiny fibers can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, potentially causing breathing problems.
Since not all mattress manufacturers list fiberglass as an ingredient, there is no way to know for sure if a mattress contains it. To help prevent exposure, parents are advised to keep the outer mattress cover sealed.
By Mary West
