Engineers confirm crib mattresses emit potentially harmful chemicals

In what they say is a first-of-its-kind study, a team of environmental engineers from The University of Texas at Austin has found that infants are indeed exposed to high levels of chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep.

Analyzing the foam padding in crib mattresses, the team found that the mattresses release significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially harmful chemicals also found in household items such as cleaners and scented sprays.

The researchers studied samples of polyurethane foam and polyester foam padding from 20 new and old crib mattresses. 

The researchers found:

• New crib mattresses release about four times as many VOCs as old crib mattresses.
• Body heat increases emissions.
• Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant's immediate breathing zone.

The 20 mattress samples are from 10 manufacturers. The researchers say they chose not to disclose the names of the manufacturers studied so that their results could draw general attention to the product segment without focusing on specific brands.

The researchers reported their findings in the February issue of Environmental Science & Technology.

How safe is your baby’s crib?

Sweet dreams? Crib mattresses can
contain toxic chemicals.

When it comes to babies, new parents often turn into serious health nuts in order to protect their loved ones from environmental exposure (as much as possible).

But what if they don’t have much of a choice?

Case in point: Crib mattresses in the United States.

A new report by Clean and Healthy New York entitled “The Mattress Matters: Protecting Babies from Toxic Chemicals While They Sleep,” found that while some crib mattress manufacturers have made products less toxic, most commercially available cribs still contained at least one chemical of concern.

According to an article by OMB Watch, The researchers found that most mattresses contained polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and additives called phthalates.

Phthalates are not chemically bound to the products and can easily be released into the ambient air.

Health authorities have expressed concern about phthalates because of their toxicity and because of high exposure levels in the public.

Phthalates are often used to soften PVC products and they can be found in adhesives and glues, electronics, building materials, personal-care products, medical devices, detergents and surfactants, packaging, children's toys, modelling clay, waxes, paints, printing inks and coatings, pharmaceuticals, food products, and textiles.

Becoming more aware of the health risks is one of the first steps to promote change. As demand for safer baby’s toys and products such as cribs increases, more manufacturers will respond and use non-toxic products.

In the meantime, parents can make other changes to reduce their children’s exposure to environmental pollution, including buying organic foods whenever possible, using natural cleaning products, opting for low or zero-VOC paints and products and using a room air purifier to remove airborne pollutants.

Room air purifiers with many pounds
of activated carbon and HEPA.

AllerAir delivers powerful, portable air purifiers with activated carbon + HEPA filters to remove the widest range of indoor air contaminants, including chemicals, odors, gases, particles, bacteria, viruses and mold.

With highly efficient general purpose air purifiers, air purifiers for baby’s room or nursery and other specialized air purifiers, AllerAir can solve virtually any IAQ concern.

For more information, contact AllerAir.