Children’s mattresses can emit semivolatile chemicals

Researchers at the University of Toronto have measured various semivolatile chemicals emitting from children’s mattresses, which many kids sleep on for as long as 10 h every day ( Environ. Sci. Technol. 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5c03560). The compounds include organophosphate flame retardants and phthalates, which have been linked to higher rates of negative health effects, including childhood asthma and endocrine disruption. In a companion study, the researchers detected the same chemicals in the air in some children’s bedrooms , as well as in the air immediately above their mattresses ( Environ. Sci. Technol. Lett. 2025, DOI: 10.1021/acs .estlett.5c00051). While the researchers did not analyze the children’s blood or urine for the chemicals, their exposure is “inevitable,” says environmental chemist Miriam Diamond, who led the study. “This is the first study to actually show that the chemicals are coming out of the mattress and are elevated in that sleeping zone, exposing children