Baby mattresses sold in Canada found to contain toxic chemicals: study
- Katie Dangerfield
- Apr 24
- 1 min read
By Katie Dangerfield Global News
Posted April 16, 2025 12:18 pm
Babies and young children might be breathing in harmful chemicals while they sleep, according to new research from the University of Toronto.
Two studies, published Tuesday in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found that common children’s mattresses release toxic substances like phthalates and flame retardants — chemicals linked to hormone disruption, asthma, lower IQ scores, behaviour issues and even cancer.
“Sleep is vital for brain development, particularly for infants and toddlers. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can harm kids’ brains,” said Miriam Diamond, senior author of the two studies and a professor in the University of Toronto’s department of earth sciences and school of the environment.
“Kids can spend up to 18 hours a day on their mattresses, and kids are more susceptible to exposure and more vulnerable to the effects of exposure,” she said.
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