Mattresses May Expose Children to Brain-Harming Chemicals, New Studies Find

Researchers detected more than 30 harmful chemicals around children’s beds, many of which are banned from toys due to childhood health concerns.

According to the findings of a new study, infant mattresses may be a repository of harmful chemicals that can impair young developing brains, potentially leading to other negative health side effects.

In two companion studies published in the the medical journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters on April 15, researchers from the University of Toronto indicate that children’s mattresses may contain high levels of flame retardants, phthalates and other toxic chemicals that can lead to cancer, cause hormone disruptions, asthma and other harmful health conditions.

Minors are much more vulnerable to chemical exposure than adults. They have developing systems, breathing rates 10 times higher than adults and more permeable skin. For these reasons, they are more likely than adults to breathe in or absorb chemicals like flame retardants and phthalates, which are used to soften plastics and may interfere with the endocrine system, according to health experts.

Harmful Chemicals Permeate Bedroom Air

One of the recent studies examined levels of chemical concentrations in the bedrooms of 25 children, ages 6 months to 4 years old.

Researchers tested children’s bedroom air and other areas and surfaces. They detected high levels of more than 28 chemicals, including phthalates, flame retardants and UV-filters in the bedroom air.

The highest concentrations of chemicals were found in the area around children’s beds, which contained more than 30 different harmful chemicals.

“These results indicate children’s exposure to a range of chemicals of concern while sleeping, at higher concentrations than in their bedrooms,” the researchers said. “Also, these results should prompt stricter regulations and greater producer responsibility regarding harmful chemicals used in mattresses and SME (sleeping microenvironment) articles.”

Children’s Mattress Emissions Exceed Safe Levels

In the second study, researchers tested 16 newly purchased children’s mattresses. They simulated children’s body temperature and weight on the mattress and measured chemical emissions.

The researchers found chemical emissions increased significantly on the mattresses, which were intended for children ages 1 to 4 years old. In some cases, emissions increased by several times the safe amount.

The data indicates children younger than 4 years old were exposed to high levels of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) while sleeping. The research team, led by Dr. Miriam Diamond, detected 21 SVOCs in four different classes including orthophthalates, organophosphate esters, benzophenones and salicylates.

Five mattresses exceeded the regulations for a type of phthalate chemical that is banned in children’s toys, but not in children’s mattresses. Many of the other mattresses also exceeded normal levels for other chemicals that can harm children.

The chemicals tested in the studies are linked to neurological side effects, increased risk of learning disorders, reduced IQ scores, behavioral problems and impaired memory. Some of the chemicals are known carcinogens linked to cancer and increased risk of asthma.

Researchers warn that more attention is needed on regulations for children’s mattresses. For example, flame retardants are not required in mattresses in Canada or the United States, but many children’s mattresses still contain the chemicals which are known to cause neurological, reproductive and hormonal harm. In addition, they have no safety benefit.

The research team urges mattress manufacturers to change the chemicals used in children’s mattresses. They are also calling for legislators to ensure children’s beds are safe and support healthy brain development by creating laws that protect children, including their bedding, sleeping areas and mattresses.