Common bedroom item potentially linked to brain damage
In this DML Report…
A study by Canadian researchers from the University of Toronto revealed that children’s mattresses contain toxic chemicals, including flame retardants and phthalates, linked to an increased risk of brain damage and cancer. The research, conducted on children aged six months to four years, measured chemical levels in bedrooms and found high concentrations of over two dozen harmful substances, such as flame retardants, plasticizers, and UV-filters, with the highest levels near beds. These chemicals, used to make mattresses less flammable and more flexible, were deemed unnecessary by researchers, as they exceed Canadian and U.S. flammability standards.
The study’s senior author, Professor Miriam Diamond, stated that sleep is critical for brain development in infants and toddlers, but these chemicals may interfere with that process, posing a risk to neurological health. The researchers noted that the presence of flame retardants in mattresses was particularly concerning, as they can leach into the air and dust, leading to inhalation or ingestion by children. To reduce exposure, the team recommended using undyed, neutral bedding, which is less likely to contain harmful chemicals, and urged parents to replace mattresses with safer alternatives.
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The findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations on chemicals in children’s products, with researchers urging manufacturers to eliminate unnecessary toxins. No specific incidents of illness were tied to the mattresses in the study, but the potential long-term effects on brain development remain a concern. The study underscores the need for policy changes to ensure safer sleep environments for children, as the current use of these chemicals in mattresses lacks sufficient oversight.