New study finds chemicals in children’s mattresses and bedding

• A study by the University of Toronto found elevated levels of harmful chemicals, such as flame retardants and UV filters, in children’s bedrooms. Mattresses and bedding are likely sources.
• These chemicals can be released into the air due to heat and pressure from sleeping, highlighting gaps in current safety standards.
• Researchers suggest minimizing items near beds and washing bedding frequently to reduce exposure. They also call for stricter regulations and greater transparency in manufacturing children’s products.

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A new study from the University of Toronto is raising concerns about chemicals in children’s mattresses. Researchers found elevated levels of potentially harmful substances in the sleeping environments of young children.

Chemicals detected near children’s beds

The study examined the bedrooms of 25 children in Ontario, ranging from six months to four years old. Researchers found high levels of more than two dozen chemicals, including flame retardants and UV filters.

Most of these chemicals were concentrated near the bed, pointing to mattresses and bedding as likely sources. Notably, many of the chemicals detected are not required to meet flammability standards in Canada or the U.S.

According to Jane Houlihan, Research Director of the nonprofit Healthy Babies Bright Futures, speaking to CNN, “They found that even something as simple as a child’s body heat and weight on a mattress can increase the release of toxic chemicals into the air they breathe while sleeping — a factor that current safety standards don’t consider.”

Ways to reduce exposure at home

Researchers recommend removing excess items like stuffed animals and pillows from the bed area to reduce exposure to chemicals in children’s mattresses. Regularly washing pajamas and bedding can also help act as a barrier and lower chemical buildup over time.

Consumer Reports findings support concerns

A separate investigation by Consumer Reports evaluated 12 crib mattresses for chemical safety. To be named a “Top Choice” or “Good Choice,” the mattresses had to avoid chemical flame retardants and adhesives. They also had to use safer waterproofing materials.

Researchers call for stronger regulations

The study did not name the specific mattress brands tested. However, researchers say they were widely available and affordably priced, raising the need for greater transparency and stronger safety standards for products used by children.