Researchers Found Plasticizers, Flame Retardants & UV-Filter Exposure via Mattresses

Scientists found toxic plasticizers, fire retardants, and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) inside conventional children’s mattresses. New research from the University of Toronto shows that many conventional children’s mattresses are releasing hormone-disrupting plasticizers (phthalates), flame retardants, UV filters, and other semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) right into the air and onto skin in that cozy sleeping zone. What mattress should you choose when it’s time for you to get a children’s mattress or an adult mattress? You’ve trusted Mamavation to bring you consumer studies like safest shower filters, best air purifiers, and safest water filters; now join us as we bring you a study recently published that’ll make you want to purchase an organic mattress instead.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

Researchers Found Toxic Semivolatile Organic Compounds Being Emitted from Mattresses

Researchers from the University of Toronto published a study in Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Science & Technology Letters about the toxins emitted from conventional children’s mattresses. Researchers tested 16 children’s mattresses and found that children under 4 years old are exposed to elevated levels of hormone-disrupting plasticizers, fire retardants, and semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) while sleeping.

Here are some of the main points from the study:

Scientists found 21 SVOCs in four classes in 16 children’s mattresses: phthalates, organophosphate esters, benzophenones, & salicylates
One mattress exceeded regulatory limits for specific phthalates: di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP), diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DnOP), and diisononyl phthalate (DiNP).
Another mattress contained high levels of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)
Five mattresses had 1-3% of several organophosphate esters.
12 out of 45 SVOCs were detected at room temperature.
20 out of 45 SVOCs were detected at body temperature
21 out of 45 SVOCs were detected at body temperature when body weight applied.

Researchers suggest that, given the likelihood of exposure, “these results show the need for stricter regulations of all harmful chemicals in children’s mattresses and improved oversight by manufacturers to minimize the use of harmful chemicals, especially when they are not needed.”

Mamavation has recommendations for the safest mattresses for adults and children at the bottom of this post.

Chemicals Found in Conventional Children’s Mattresses

These are a list of the four categories of chemicals found in conventional children’s mattresses. Each one are very concerning when you understand that children are being exposed. These chemicals are also toxic to adults as well.

Orthophthalates — Phthalates are a family of synthetic chemicals, specifically esters of phthalic acid. They are colorless, odorless, oily liquids primarily used as plasticizers—substances added to plastics (especially polyvinyl chloride, or PVC/vinyl) to make them softer, more flexible, durable, and transparent. Phthalates are linked to a range of adverse health effects in numerous studies involving both animals and humans. They are especially concerning because phthalates are associated with disruption of the endocrine hormone system. Hormones act at extremely low concentrations and play essential roles in development–determining how cells, tissues, and organs form–as well as in metabolism, reproduction, and immune function; even small disruptions can therefore have outsized biological consequences. Epidemiological studies have shown that phthalate exposure can alter hormone levels in ways that interfere with these critical processes. Phthalates are linked to Weight gain & obesity, Shorter height, Precocious puberty, Asthma, Allergies, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) , Lower IQ, Social impairment, Type II diabetes and insulin resistance, Poor cardiovascular health, Thyroid function and increased risk of thyroid cancer, Females: pregnancy loss and preterm birth, low birth weight, earlier menopause, Males: genital development, semen quality, reduced “masculine” play, Inhibits testosterone production, Shortened anogenital distance, or shortened “taint”, & Shortened length of penis.
Organophosphates esters — Also called organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) or simply phosphate esters. These are a class of synthetic chemicals with the general structure O=P(OR)₃. They are esters of phosphoric acid, and some are chlorinated, others are not. OPFRs are used as flame retardants but also as plasticizers. They are found in lots of furniture, foam, and upholstery, so it makes perfect sense that they were found in conventional mattresses. Prenatal exposure is linked to lower IQ, impaired cognitive and behavioral development, increased externalizing behaviors (e.g., hyperactivity, attention issues), and possible internalizing problems. There are also associations with reduced fertilization success, pregnancy loss, preterm birth, and altered hormone levels, as well as lowered semen quality and issues with thyroid hormones. Other impacts are links to asthma, allergic disease, and possible lung inflammation, especially when dust is inhaled.
Benzophenones — Benzophenones are a class of organic compounds belonging to the aromatic ketones family, with the parent compound being benzophenone (diphenyl ketone). They are widely used as UV filters and stabilizers because they absorb ultraviolet (UV) radiation and convert it into harmless heat, preventing damage from sunlight. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals are linked to various health problems, such as altered hormone levels, including a decrease in testosterone, reduced sperm quality, prolonged periods, endometrial changes, decreased fertility, developmental toxicity in offspring, endometrosis, uterine fibroids, and behavior changes, such as hyperactivity, cognition issues in children, etc.
Salicylates — Salicylates are a group of chemicals derived from salicylic acid. They include natural forms found in plants and the synthetic versions of salts and esters. Children can suffer from an acute toxicity of salicylates based on oral or excessive topical use. Symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing, confusion, seizures, coma, or death.

Practical Tips For Families to Take Right Now

Here are some practical steps parents can take right now to help their families avoid hormone-disrupting chemicals in the bed.

Wash bedding and pajamas frequently — They act as a partial barrier.
Keep the sleep space simple — Fewer toys, stuffed animals, and extras on the bed mean less surface area to hold onto chemicals.
Air out the room — Good ventilation helps lower airborne levels. Here are our recommended air purifiers.
When buying new, look for mattresses that are Greenguard Gold certified, GOTS-certified organic, or clearly marketed as free of added flame retardants and phthalates. Ask manufacturers for full chemical disclosures (many still won’t give them).
Toss the old, go with the new — Older mattresses may release more of certain phthalates over time, so consider replacing yours if it is very old and you’re concerned. (We have recommendations at the bottom of this post.)
Advocate — These chemicals aren’t required to meet modern flammability standards in Canada or the U.S. Push to extend the same restrictions that already exist on toys to mattresses and bedding.

More Consumer Studies Testing Products for Young Families

You may also be interested in our additional investigations to help you avoid different types of hormone-disrupting chemicals.

Kids & Babies

Supplements

Home Goods & Other Consumer Products

Cleaning Products

Other Kitchen Accessories

Small Kitchen Appliances

Food Packaging

Serving & Plating

Cookware & Bakeware

Clothing

Feminine Care

Personal Care Products

Full list of investigations here.

Recommendations For Children’s Mattresses

Best Children’s Mattresses

These are our highest recommended brands that are GOTS certified.

Avocado Green Crib Mattress (Price: $499)(This brand also produces mattresses made from polyurethane foam in the same manufacturing plant.)
Naturepedic Breathable Organic Crib Mattress (Price: $349-379) (Take 20% off your Naturepedic total purchase with code MAMAVATION20.) While supplies last. Cannot be used with other promo codes. Cannot be applied to past purchases. Valid one time per customer. Other restrictions may apply.
Naturepedic Ultra Breathable Organic Crib Mattress (Price: $399-450) (Take 20% off your Naturepedic total purchase with code MAMAVATION20.) While supplies last. Cannot be used with other promo codes. Cannot be applied to past purchases. Valid one time per customer. Other restrictions may apply.
My Green Mattress Emily Crib Mattress (Price: $259) (GOTS certification under Quality Sleep Shoppe, a company that produces mattresses with polyurethane foam.) (Take 10% off products by using “mamavation” at checkout)

Better Children’s Mattresses

These brands are not GOTS organic, but do not use Tris fire retardants or phthalates.

Lullaby Earth Baby Breath Safe Breathable Crib Mattress (Price: $299) (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off at checkout)
Lullaby Earth Baby Gentle Support Waterproof Crib Mattress (Price: $199) (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 15% off at checkout.)

Recommendations for Adult Mattresses

Happsy— (Use discount code “MAMAVATION10” for 10% off your total purchase. While supplies last. Cannot be used with other promo codes. Cannot be applied to past purchases. Valid one time per customer. Other restrictions may apply.)
Lifekind
Naturepedic— (Use discount code “MAMAVATION20” for 20% off your total purchase. While supplies last. Cannot be used with other promo codes. Cannot be applied to past purchases. Valid one time per customer. Other restrictions may apply.)
Obasan— (Use discount code “MAMAVATIONBED” for two free complimentary pillows of your choice when you purchase an adult mattress. Make sure they are in your cart. )
Organic Mattress Incorporated (OMI)
Savvy Rest