The mattresses many infants and children sleep on could be giving off toxic chemicals harmful to their health, according to scientists at the University of Toronto.
Looking at a variety of lower-cost children’s mattresses, the authors of two related studies found that semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were present in the sleep microenvironments (SMEs) of children. Often used in fire retardants or bedding softeners, SVOCs have been linked to “reproductive, neurological, hormonal, and other health harms,” the authors wrote.
The studies were led by Miriam Diamond, a professor in the University of Toronto’s department of earth sciences and school of the environment, and published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology on April 15.
“Our study confirmed that mattresses are a source of SVOC exposure to young children in their sleeping environment, which is of concern given the time spent in this environment,” the authors wrote.
Children are at a higher risk of exposure to toxins in mattresses than adults, according to the studies. Children breathe about 10 times more frequently; their skin surface area to weight ratio is also three times greater and has higher permeability than adults, making them more vulnerable to chemicals entering via dermal contact; and infants and children under age 4 spend up to 18 hours a day in bed where their skin comes into contact with the mattress.
After the first study—which took samples from under the covers of test mattresses, on the mattress, and in the ambient air overhead to test for chemical concentrations—the scientists built upon their conclusions that SVOCs were present and conducted a follow-up study. The second study examined individual mattresses and simulated the SME more closely by applying body weight and warmth to the mattresses and then testing the results.
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Although the authors didn’t disclose mattress brand names, they noted the results differed little among the range of 16 new but low-cost children’s mattresses. The researches did find, however, that simulated body heat and weight caused a significant increase in the SVOC emissions.
Overall, they noted one of the mattresses had exceeded Canada’s regulatory limit of 0.1 percent for the SVOC chemical Dnbp, while another contained the flame retardant TCEP, which is banned in Canada.
Five other mattresses contained SVOCs called organophosphate esters, used as plasticizers to add flexibility to bedding or as fire retardants, which the authors characterized as “chemicals of concern.”
Their concerns over flammability were that the SVOC contents are excessive or unnecessary.
“Additive flame retardants are not necessary to pass either the [cigarette] smolder or the small open flame test,” the authors wrote, speaking of tests used for adult mattresses and for cribs or cradles, respectively.
They noted another factor contributing to stronger emissions is clutter and bedding items. Stuffed animals, extra pillows, blankets, and mattress protectors are all likely to harbour toxic additives and dust, which is a vehicle for SVOCs to get inside the body and a major cause of asthma.
SVOCs, whose chemical term is phthalates, are also used as UV filters to protect fabric from UV light causing deterioration.
The main message the authors drove home was that there should be stronger regulations and more oversight to force manufacturers to limit SVOCs in children’s beds.
Meanwhile, they offered a few tips to help parents reduce their kids’ exposure to toxins in their mattresses. The authors advised “practices such as frequently washing bedding items and children’s clothing which can act as barriers to SVOC exposure because of the high sorptive capacity of textiles.”
“We also recommend minimizing the number of items in the bed, as we found correlations between the presence of bedding items, toys, and mattress protectors, with concentrations of certain PAEs and OPEs,” they added. “Additionally, mattress protectors, often used as waterproof barriers, may contain additional chemicals of concern.”
