Silent Night Threat – Toxic Chemicals Lurk in Children’s Bed

Parents stuff their children into a good night’s sleep, but harmful chemicals may penetrate silently from mattresses and bedding, potentially affecting the growing body and developing the brain, according to groundbreaking new research.

Two studies published by the University of Toronto published in letters to Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Science Technology show that infants and young children may be breathing and absorbing chemicals from beds associated with serious health problems.

“Sleep is crucial for brain development, especially for infants and young children. However, our research shows that many mattresses contain chemicals that can harm children’s brains,” said Miriam Diamond, senior author at the University of Toronto. “It’s a wake-up call for manufacturers and policy makers to ensure that our children’s beds are safe and support healthy brain development.”

The researchers measured the chemical concentrations of 25 bedrooms in 25 children aged 6 months to 4 years old, and detected more than 20 related substances including phthalate (plastic), organophosphate ester flame retardant, ultraviolet filters in bedroom air, which found significantly higher concentrations in bedroom air than in spacious bedroom environments.

In a peer study of 16 newly purchased children’s mattresses, the researchers confirmed that the mattress itself may be the main source of these chemicals. Chemical emissions increased significantly (in some cases, several times) when simulating the temperature of a child and weight on the mattress.

These findings are particularly concerning given the vulnerability of children to chemical exposure. Compared with adults, young children have ten times more breathing rates than adults, with more penetrating skin, and three times the skin surface area relative to body weight. They also sleep for up to 18 hours a day.

Many detected chemicals are known endocrine disruptors that may interfere with the hormone system. Phthalates and flame retardants found in the study were associated with neurological damage, including learning disabilities, reduced IQ scores, behavioral problems and memory impairment. Some are also associated with childhood asthma and cancer.

“Parents should be able to get their kids to sleep,” said Arlene Blum, executive director of the Institute for Green Science Policy. “Flame flame retardants have a long history of damaging children’s cognitive function and learning ability. This is about these chemicals that are still being discovered in children’s mattresses, and even if we know they don’t have reliable fire safety benefits, they don’t need to comply with flammability standards.”

The researchers were surprised to find high levels of flame retardants found in most test mattresses because these chemicals do not need to meet Canadian or U.S. flammability standards. Several mattresses contain chemicals that have been banned or restricted in Canada, indicating insufficient testing and regulatory oversight.

Chemical exposure depends on factors such as the age of the mattress, and earlier mattresses released higher concentrations of certain phthalates. The researchers also found that bedding, including mattress protectors and pillows, caused other chemical exposures.

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

For parents concerned, the researchers offer several practical steps to reduce exposure. These include organizing the sleeping area by limiting the number of pillows, blankets and toys on the bed; washing bedding and children’s pajamas frequently; and choosing undyed or neutral-colored fabrics, often containing fewer additives, such as UV filters, can be harmful.

The mattresses in the study were purchased in Canada, but most contain materials from other countries, including the United States and Mexico, the researchers noted. Due to the integrated mattress market and supply chain, these findings may apply to mattresses available throughout North America.

These studies highlight hidden risks in the safest places in children (their beds) and highlight the need for stricter chemical regulation in children’s products, as well as parents’ awareness of potential exposure to children’s many hours spent sleeping.