Quiet Night Threat – Toxic chemicals lurk in a child’s bed while sleeping

New research shows that parents push their children in to sleep soundly when they fall asleep, but harmful chemicals can quietly penetrate through mattress and bedding, affecting the growing body, and developing the brain.

Research from the University of Toronto Environmental Science and Technology and Environmental Science and Technology Letters It reveals that babies and young children are likely to be breathing and absorbing a cocktail of chemicals from the bed, which is associated with serious health concerns.

“Sleep is essential for brain development, especially for toddlers and young children. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can damage children’s brains,” says Miriam Diamond, a senior author at the University of Toronto. “This is a wake-up call for manufacturers and policymakers to ensure that their children’s beds are safe and support healthy brain development.”

Researchers measured chemical concentrations in 25 bedrooms in children between six months and four years old, and detected more than two dozen for substances containing phthalates (plasticizers), organophosphate flame retarders, and UV filters in the air in the bedroom.

In a companion study testing mattresses for 16 newly purchased children, the researchers confirmed that the mattresses themselves are likely to be the main source of these chemicals. Simulating the temperature and weight of a child on a mattress showed a significant increase in chemical emissions.

The findings are particularly worrying given children’s increased vulnerability to chemical exposure. Young children have 10 times the breathing rate of adults, permeable skin, and three times the skin surface area compared to adults’ body weight. They also sleep up to 18 hours a day.

Many of the chemicals detected are endocrine disruptions that can interfere with the hormonal system. The phthalate and flame-reducing agents found in this study are associated with neurological harms, including learning disorders, reduced IQ scores, behavioral problems, and memory disorders. It is also linked to childhood asthma and cancer.

“We are pleased to announce that Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute,” said: “Flame retarders have a long history of damaging children’s cognitive and learning abilities. There is concern that these chemicals are still found on children’s mattresses, even though they know that they have not proven fire safety benefits.

As these chemicals do not need to meet Canadian or US flammability standards, researchers were surprised to find high levels of flame retardants in most mattresses tested. Some mattresses contain chemicals already banned or restricted in Canada, suggesting inadequate testing and regulatory oversight.

Exposure to chemicals varies depending on factors such as the age of the mattress, and older mattresses have a higher concentration of certain phthalates. Researchers also found that bedding items, including mattress guardians and pillows, provided additional chemical exposure.

Researchers recommend stronger regulations on flame retarders and phthalate plasticizers in children’s mattresses, as well as stricter testing requirements from manufacturers.

For concern parents, researchers offer several practical steps to reduce exposure. These include organizing your sleeping area by limiting the number of pillows, blankets and toys in the bed. Frequently wash bedding and children’s sleeping clothes. Usually, choose a fabric with fewer additives, such as harmful UV filters, or neutral.

The study’s mattress was purchased in Canada, but researchers note that most people contained materials originating from other countries, including the United States and Mexico. Due to the integrated mattress market and supply chain, the findings may apply to mattresses available across North America.

This study highlights the hidden risks of the safest place for children, namely beds, and highlights the need to raise more strict chemical regulation in children’s products and the need to raise awareness among parents about potential exposures during the majority of children’s sleep.