The time of NAP is probably one of the most peaceful times in someone’s daily life. But do you know how can your children suffer serious harm while sleeping?
A new study, infants and children emit a flame retardant associated with toxic chemicals and developmental and hormonal disorders for the mattresses and beds.
Read on to know more.
What does the study say?
Senior study writer Mirium Diamond, a professor at the University of Earth Sciences at the University of Toronto, said, “We measured chemicals in the air of 25 children between 6 months and 4 years of age and got a worrying level of more than two dozen. phthalatesFlame retardents and UV filters. ,
According to a study published on Tuesday at Journal Environmental Science and Technology, the highest levels of chemicals were found near children’s beds.
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To check that, a fellow study of the diamond team tested 16 new children’s mattresses and found that they were a major source of exposure. Then, using a simulation, the team found that the sleeping child’s heat and weight could increase the off-gassing of toxins.
Jane Hulihan, Director of Research for Healthy infants, bright futures, an alliance of non -profit institutions, scientists and donors dedicated to reduce infants’ exposure for neurotoxic chemicals, “he found that anything can increase the release of toxic chemicals in the air as a child’s body heat and weight.
She was not involved in new research.
Although the study did not include brand names, researchers told CNN that they were low -cost mattresses found in leading retail shops. The tested mattresses were purchased in Canada, but included materials from the United States and Mexico. Therefore, the result is likely to apply to the mattresses purchased across North America, Diamond said.
The Houlhan informed CNN via an email, “the results suggest that parents cannot buy their way out of the problem. The mattress tested toxic chemicals emitted, regardless of their price, content, or country of origin.
The American Chemistry Council, which represents the American chemical, plastic and chlorine industry, told CNN via email that its members take security seriously.
Tom Falagin, senior director of the group of product communication, said, “The use of flame retardant chemistry may be important in conditions where a casual spark or short-circulated wire turns into a flame.” He said, “While we will need time to review the study in detail, the only presence of chemistry is not a sign of risk or adverse effects. Today, any chemistry introduced or imported into the US will have to undergo rigorous review and approval procedures by federal agencies, such as EPAs and FDAs.”
Chemicals in mattress:
Mattresses can be a major source of harmful chemicals in children’s rooms. Studies have tested for phthalates, flame retardants, and more.
What are these chemicals?
Phthalates: Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastic more flexible and durable. They are also used as solvents and stabilizers in many consumer products. These are found in hundreds of consumer products, such as food storage containers, shampoo, makeup, perfume, and children’s toys, and hormones are known to interfere with the mechanisms of the body, known as the endocrine system.
In addition, according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, they are associated with early puberty, reproductive issues and genital defects, hormone issues and other problems.
Diamond said, “In our study we found high levels of phthalates which are banned in toys, but not in mattress.”
However, as the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences explains on its website, even small hormonal disruption can lead to “significant developmental and biological effects”.
Children are unsafe for the disruptive effects of chemicals especially due to their rapidly developing brain and body. Allergic diseases, behavioral problems, and potentially developmental delays or autism are associated with an increase in the risks of disorders such as exposure to phthalates.
According to research, phthalates can trigger reproductive problems, such as genital malformations and childless testes in boys and low sperm count and testosterone levels in adult men. Studies have also linked Fathlets to childhood obesity, asthma, heart related issues, premature deaths and cancer.
Restricted flame retardants:Polygamous According to a study in January 2020, (PBDES) (PBDES) is a flaw retardant associated with significant intellectual disabilities in children, resulting in a loss of 162 million IQ points and more than 738,000 cases from 2001 to 2016. While some PBDE was banned by EPA in 2012, replacements such as the Orgophosphate Ester (OPFRS) associated with reproductive and developmental issues in toddlers have emerged.
Research indicates that OPFR is widely used and can especially pose health risk for children. One study consists of high level of harmful chemicals in the mattress, including TDCPP, a carcinogen and PCTP, a restricted flame retardation in Canada and a restricted flame retarded for children’s sleepwear in the US.
In some states, such as California, Prop 65, regulators have imposed additional limitations on the products marketed for children, but despite the 2017 report by the US Consumer Produce Safety Commission on the dangers of organophosphate esters, there is no national law covering the classes of flame retardments.
Study Eryleen Blum, co-writer of a group of Executive Director, Scientists and Policy experts of Green Science Policy Institute, who works on anxiety chemicals and reports, said through a statement, “It is related that these chemicals are still found in children’s mattresses, even if we do not prove to prove to them and there is no need to complicate them with snia with snia. Is.”
What is a healthy option?
Possible toxic chemicals are so broad in children’s products that it can be very difficult to choose a safe option for parents. However, in the case of mattress, switching on good old Cotton mattress There is a healthy option.
Cotton mattresses can be a healthy choice for chemical mattresses, especially with polyurethane foam. Cotton is a natural fiber, which is a good option for those looking for more environmentally friendly and breathing options. However, cotton mattresses have some shortcomings, such as their tendency to compress and lose size over time, which can negatively affect spinal alignment and support.
Benefits of cotton mattress:
Natural and hypoallergenic: Cotton is a natural fiber, which makes it a hypoallergenic option that is less likely to cause allergies or skin irritation.
Breath: Cotton allows air circulation, which can help regulate body temperature and promote more comfortable sleep, especially in warm climate.
Environment friendly: Cotton is an renewable resource, which creates more environmentally friendly options than some synthetic materials.
affordable: Cotton mattresses are usually more cheaper than some other types, such as memory foam.
