Recent studies from researchers at the University of Toronto have raised alarming concerns regarding the safety of mattresses used by infants and young children. The studies highlight that babies and toddlers can breathe in and absorb potentially harmful chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep. These substances are linked to various health issues, including neurological and reproductive problems, asthma, hormonal disruptions, and even cancer.
Professor Miriam Diamond, a lead researcher on the project, noted that even mattresses that are "certified" as compliant with safety standards can still expose children to harmful chemicals such as phthalates, flame retardants, and other toxic substances. In fact, one of the two certified mattresses tested did not meet Canadian regulations.
In the first study, Professor Diamond and her team measured chemical concentrations in 25 bedrooms of children aged six months to four years. They found detectable levels of phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters in the air of these rooms. Notably, the highest concentrations were measured around the beds, indicating that the mattresses were a primary source of these chemicals.
The second study involved purchasing 16 new children's mattresses, ranging in price from $50 to $150. The findings confirmed that these mattresses are significant sources of harmful chemicals. "Infants sleep on their stomachs, move very little, and have their faces against the mattress, which means they breathe in the mattress," summarized Professor Diamond.
The researchers deliberately chose to study the most affordable mattresses, as these are the ones most likely to be purchased by consumers. Although all mattresses were bought in Canada, many contained materials sourced from countries like Mexico and the United States.
The chemicals detected in the studies are associated with serious health concerns, including learning disabilities, lower IQ scores, behavioral issues, memory problems, asthma, and cancer in children. Children are especially vulnerable to these substances due to their ongoing development, hand-to-mouth behavior, and a respiratory rate that is ten times higher than that of adults. Moreover, their skin is more permeable, and their surface area relative to body weight is three times greater than that of adults.
One particularly concerning finding was that all tested mattresses contained flame retardants, even though these chemicals are not required to meet Canadian and American flammability standards. Professor Diamond expressed her concern, stating, "All mattresses contained flame retardants, which are associated with health issues, cancer, loss of IQ, and behavioral problems."
Worse yet, the researchers discovered two flame retardants in nine of the sixteen mattresses that the Canadian government has been proposing to restrict for nearly ten years, but necessary regulations have yet to be enacted. "It's crazy, what are we waiting for?" asked Professor Diamond, reflecting the urgency of the situation.
In light of these findings, the researchers recommend that parents take proactive measures to protect their children. They advise decluttering children's rooms by minimizing the number of pillows, blankets, and toys present. Regularly changing and washing bedding is also crucial, as it can serve as a protective barrier against harmful chemicals. Professor Diamond suggests placing a terry towel between the mattress and the baby, explaining, "The terry cloth is designed to absorb a lot of water, so it will also absorb many chemicals. And of course, it should be washed regularly."
Furthermore, she recommends avoiding brightly colored items, as they likely contain more UV filters, which can act as endocrine disruptors. The conclusions of these studies were published in the journals Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Science & Technology Letters on April 17, 2025.
Another study conducted by the same research team further underscores the risks associated with these mattresses. It revealed that some mattresses contain dangerous chemicals that can adversely affect brain development in infants and young children. These chemicals include orthophthalates, organophosphorus esters, and various UV filters, which can infiltrate the air in children's rooms and pose health threats.
In this study, researchers analyzed the air quality in 25 children's bedrooms and found concerning concentrations of over 20 different chemicals, including phthalates, flame retardants, and UV filters. The levels of these substances were particularly elevated around the mattresses, suggesting they are a significant source of exposure during sleep.
Bedding was identified as a source of tris phosphate, a particularly worrisome chemical. Additionally, older mattresses often contain higher levels of certain phthalates, such as di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate, which are known for their toxicity.
The second part of the study confirmed that toddlers are exposed to high levels of semi-volatile organic compounds in their sleep environments. Researchers found 21 potentially hazardous chemical compounds present, and exposure to these substances increased significantly when tests simulated the temperatures and body weight of young children.
Phthalates, in particular, are recognized as endocrine disruptors responsible for various neurological disorders, including learning difficulties, decreased IQ, and behavioral and memory problems. These substances are also linked to asthma and certain childhood cancers. Given that children are still developing, they are especially vulnerable to these chemicals due to their hand-to-mouth behavior, higher respiratory rates, and more permeable skin.
In response to these alarming findings, researchers are calling on manufacturers to rigorously test their products for the presence of these harmful chemicals before they hit the market. They are also advocating for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of children's sleep environments. Arlene Blum, one of the researchers involved, emphasized that "parents should be able to put their children to bed safely, knowing that they are safe from these dangers."
Until legislative changes are made, the researchers recommend that parents take precautions to limit their children's exposure to these harmful substances. This includes reducing the number of objects in the sleep space and frequently washing bedding to eliminate chemical residues.
