A new study from the University of Toronto shows babies and young children may be inhaling harmful chemicals while they sleep.
Two studies published Tuesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found that common children's mattresses release toxic substances such as phthalates and flame retardants.
“Brain development, especially sleep, is essential for babies and young children. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can damage children's brains,” says Miriam Diamond, a senior author of two studies and a professor at the University of Toronto's School of Earth Sciences and the School of Environment.
“Children can spend 18 hours a day on a mattress, making children more susceptible to exposure and the effects of exposure more vulnerable,” she said.
Although the research does not disclose the brand name, Diamond said mattresses are ordered online from major Canadian retailers and typically cost between $50 and $150. Many were made from sources from other countries, such as the US and Mexico.
Toddler mattresses are often made from a variety of materials, including waterproof covers, plastic layers, and stiffer foam. This can include more chemical additives and treatments than are made for older children and adults.
That's part of why she and her team wanted to study the exposure to potential chemicals in these products.
Health Canada emailed Global News that it is aware of the investigation and carefully reviews its findings and other available information to identify it as violating risks to human health or legislative or regulatory requirements.
“The department will take appropriate action to protect Canadian people,” a spokesperson said Tuesday. “The Canadian Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) prohibits the manufacture, import, advertising or sale of consumer products that are “a danger to human health or safety.” ”
“Twice the regulatory restrictions”
In the first study, researchers looked at the air quality of 25 children between six months and four years of age in Toronto and Ottawa between 2022 and 2023.
In total, they found 28 different chemicals in the bedroom air, 31 in the bedroom, and 30 different chemicals from the mattress. Chemicals include phthalate, flame retardants, and UV filters, with the highest concentration around the bed.
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Phthalates have been added to make the plastic more flexible, flame retardants help slow the spread of fires, and UV filters protect the material from sun damage.
However, Health Canada has linked these chemicals to reproductive and developmental issues, and even limits their use with soft vinyl used in children's toys.
According to Health Canada, flame retardants are associated with hormone destruction, reproductive problems, and even cancer.
However, Canada's safety standards do not require you to meet the flammability rules. Mattresses simply pass the “smoldering cigarette test” and can do things without using these chemicals, research says.
In a follow-up study, the researchers tested 16 brand new children's mattresses purchased from a well-known retailer in 2024.
This study found that one particular mattress exceeds the Canada's 0.1% regulatory limit for chemical DNBP, a type of phthalic acid.
“I was particularly surprised that one mattress has exceeded the Canadian regulatory limit. This is a specific plasticizer that Health Canada said should not exceed the 0.1% limit,” Diamond said. “And one of the mattresses was 0.22, which means it was twice the regulatory limit.”
One of the mattresses had a high level of flame retardant called TCEP. It is a chemical that has been banned in Canada since 2014 due to health concerns such as cancer and causes of reproductive benefits.
In addition to that, five mattresses had 1-3% of other similar chemicals known as organic phosphate esters, flame retardants, and plasticizers.
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Five mattresses also featured phthalates containing DIBP, DNOP and DINP, which are prohibited in children's toys, but not in mattresses.
Researchers also wanted to understand how weight and warmth changed chemical emissions when children were using mattresses.
Simulating heat and pressure in a child's body resulted in a significant increase in the amount of chemicals released. In some cases, it is several times the room temperature.
Carl Jobst, an associate professor of chemistry at Newfoundland Memorial University, said the study represents “evidence that potentially harmful chemicals are added to consumer products that are not actually needed.”
“This study points to the good point that there are certain flame retardants that are present in mattresses at high concentrations, but are not necessary,” he said. “We need a more logical solution to protect our children from fire.
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Why children are so vulnerable to toxins
What is particularly concerning about all these chemicals found in mattresses is how vulnerable young children are.
Their bodies are still developed, breathing much faster than adults (about 10 times more), she said, and they always put things in their mouths.
The skin is also thin and absorbent, with more surface area than your body weight. This means that you can absorb more of the surroundings, including harmful chemicals.
“Then they're sleeping on the mattress and they're right for it… so the skin is right for the mattress,” she said.
She also said the chemicals found in the study are known carcinogens and are known to cause behavioral problems.
“So there are various behavioral outcomes like ADHD, difficult social situations, reduced IQ and a variety of behavioral outcomes,” Diamond said. “That's why we were worried, so we were looking at these chemicals.”
“And some of the phthalates are known to be endocrine disruptors. Some of them are associated with abnormal development of the male reproductive system, but they also affect the female reproductive system,” she added.
At the end of the study, researchers are asking manufacturers to be better when it comes to testing harmful chemicals in children's mattresses.
They also say it's time for stronger regulations, especially focusing on flame retardants and plasticizers. In Canada, some mattresses contain prohibited or restricted substances, so it is recommended to extend the existing ban on certain chemicals in toys to include mattresses and bedding.
In the meantime, Diamond said there are actions parents can take to reduce child exposure.
She recommends organizing your child's bedroom by reducing the number of pillows, blankets and toys. She also recommends washing and refreshing your child's bedding and bed clothes frequently, as they act as a protective barrier to reduce exposure.
An effective way to add a protective layer between the sheet and the mattress is to use a terry cloth towel or a wool blanket.
“Terrycloth is very clever…it increases the effectiveness of towels that suck both water and chemicals,” she explained.
Finally, the diamond said it is likely safer to use unshaped or neutral colored fabrics, as UV filters and other harmful additives are required to maintain a strong color.
