Study Finds Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Children’s Mattresses

A recent study links children’s mattresses to chemical exposure—but parents can take simple steps to help lower the risk.

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Babies and young children spend much of their early life asleep, with infants needing up to 17 hours a day and toddlers and preschoolers up to 14. Recent research suggests that during those critical hours of rest, they may also be breathing in harmful chemicals from their mattresses.

There are a few things parents can do to reduce exposure and support their children’s resilience to these effects.

Mattress Chemicals and Children

The findings come from two studies conducted at the University of Toronto and published in Ecotoxicology and Public Health. In the first study, researchers measured levels of concerning chemicals in the bedrooms of children between 6 months and 4 years old. They found elevated levels of more than two dozen potentially dangerous flame retardants, phthalates, and UV filters in bedroom air—but the highest levels were found around the beds. Phthalates are chemicals used to increase the durability, longevity, and flexibility of plastics.