Researchers at the University of Toronto have discovered, in a new study, that children’s mattresses can release dangerous chemicals in the air.
During sleep, children inhale toxic compounds such as phthalates, fireplaces and UV filters, which can seriously affect health.
According to recent data published by CNN, which cites the study in the magazine Environmental Science and Technology, this mixture of harmful chemicals represents a real threat to brain development, causes respiratory and immune problems and even increases the risk of cancer forms.
The study was carried out in two stages. In the first, the researchers analyzed the air quality in the bedrooms of 25 children between 6 months and 4 years. It has been found that the concentration of toxic substances is the highest in the area of the cribs. In the second stage, 16 new mattresses were tested.
The analyzes have confirmed that mattresses are the main source of these chemicals. Scientists have recreated the real sleep conditions – including the temperature and weight of the child – and the result was an increased increase in toxic emissions.
These substances are extremely dangerous to children: they affect memory, reduce the intelligence coefficient, cause asthma and even cancer. In addition, flame retardant substances included in most mattresses do not even benefit even in fire prevention, the study authors say.
