{"id":855846,"date":"2025-06-15T22:13:00","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T03:13:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/15\/mattresses-shed-harmful-chemicals-endangering-children-as-they-sleep\/"},"modified":"2025-06-15T22:13:00","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T03:13:00","slug":"mattresses-shed-harmful-chemicals-endangering-children-as-they-sleep","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2025\/06\/15\/mattresses-shed-harmful-chemicals-endangering-children-as-they-sleep\/","title":{"rendered":"Mattresses Shed Harmful Chemicals, Endangering Children as They Sleep"},"content":{"rendered":"

A child\u2019s bedroom should be a safe haven where they can get enough sleep to develop properly, but many bedrooms contain a hidden danger that is sure to make parents weary. A recent pair of studies has revealed the prevalence of harmful chemicals that are slipping into bedrooms through the mattresses children sleep on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The studies show that babies and young children are at risk of breathing in and absorbing chemicals as they sleep. These chemicals \u2014 including plasticizers called phthalates and flame retardants \u2014 have a chance of inducing neurological and reproductive problems, asthma, hormone disruption, and cancer. Researchers are now calling for more rigorous testing to ensure mattresses are rid of chemicals that could pose a major developmental threat to children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Chemicals in Bedrooms <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

The two studies aimed to uncover the extent of SVOCs (semivolatile organic compounds) in children\u2019s bedrooms, with their findings published in <\/span>Environmental Science & Technology<\/span> and <\/span>Environmental Science & Technology Letters<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>SVOCs<\/span><\/a> are especially common around what the researchers call a child\u2019s sleeping microenvironment (SME), which consists of bedding materials, pillows, toys, and the surrounding air. Since the chemicals are often not chemically bonded to materials like mattresses, they end up permeating the air, dust, clothing, and skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>first study<\/span><\/a> measured SVOC concentrations in 25 bedrooms of children aged 6 months to 4 years; the results showed \u201cconcerning levels of more than two dozen phthalates, flame retardants, and UV-filters in bedroom air,” according to a <\/span>statement<\/span><\/a>. Chemical levels, the researchers noticed, were highest right around the beds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A <\/span>second study<\/span><\/a> followed up by examining 16 newly purchased children\u2019s mattresses. The researchers observed significant SVOC emissions from the foam and covers of the mattresses; they also conducted simulations to confirm that a child\u2019s body temperature and weight cause higher emissions to be released from the mattresses.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Read More<\/span>: <\/span>How the ‘First 1,000 Days’ Could Shape Your Baby’s Future<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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The Dangers of SVOCs for Children <\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n
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Research suggests children may breathe and absorb plasticizers called phthalates, flame retardants, and other harmful chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep.
\n(Image Credit: University of Toronto)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Young children are particularly vulnerable to SVOCs due to having a breathing rate that is 10 times higher than adults, more than three times the skin surface area relative to their body weight compared to adults, and more hand-to-mouth contact.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SVOCs pose a series of health risks for children. Phthalates and flame retardants are <\/span>hormone disruptors<\/span><\/a>, and some are even linked to childhood asthma and cancer. Exposure to these chemicals can also give rise to learning disorders, reduced IQ scores, behavioral problems, and impaired memory.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The researchers were perplexed by the frequency of flame retardants, which they say are not necessary to pass U.S. or Canadian mattress flammability standards. According to the researchers, these flame retardants \u201calso have no proven fire-safety benefit as used in mattresses.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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How to Keep Children’s Bedrooms Safe<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

The researchers are now urging manufacturers to conduct careful testing and cease the implementation of harmful SVOCs in mattresses. They say that there should be stronger restrictions in place for plasticizers and flame retardants, especially in Canada \u2014 where the mattresses measured in the studies were purchased \u2014 and the rest of North America.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a wake-up call for manufacturers and policymakers to ensure our children\u2019s beds are safe and support healthy brain development,\u201d said senior author Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist at the University of Toronto, in a press release. <\/span><\/p>\n

Concerned parents can manage their children’s exposure to the chemicals in a number of ways. The researchers suggest reducing the amount of bedroom materials that may harbor SVOCs, including pillows, blankets, and toys. Washing beds and covers can also provide a protective barrier to reduce exposure. The choice of color in bedding also affects exposure, as some fabrics contain UV filters and other additives to maintain a strong color. Undyed or neutral color fabrics, therefore, make for the safest option.<\/span><\/p>\n

This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Read More:<\/span> <\/span>Stress May Be Causing Early Puberty<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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Article<\/span> <\/span>Sources<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/p>\n

Our writers at<\/span> Discovermagazine.com<\/span><\/a> use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article:<\/span><\/p>\n