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This includes bedding, mattresses, mattress protectors, pillows, toys and the air around them.
In fact, the study states they have a 10-fold higher inhalation rate than adults.
They are also responsible foroff-gassing, the chemical smell released by a new foam mattress.
Thestudyand itscompanion studyset out to find out the extent of the exposure to these pollutants that children were experiencing.
The first method recruited 21 parent participants with 25 children participants aged 6 months to 4 years from Canada.
The second tested 16 new childrens mattresses, consisting of foam from major North American retailers.
They were priced between $50 and $105 CAD to represent a realistic price range.
The results indicated overwhelmingly that young children are exposed to elevated levels of SVOCs.
They also found that the older the mattress was, the higher the levels of these chemicals.
This could be explained by the natural ageing process of foam that leads to higher emissions.
But what are these chemicals?
And does that mean allfoam mattresses are toxic?
SVOCs are associated with increased allergies like asthma, as well as impacting childrens brain health.
Check mattress certifications
Not all foam is toxic.
If you do opt for a foam mattress, choose one withCerti-PUR US certifiedfoams.
This means the material used has been tested for dangerous levels of VOCs.
These are safe, gentle and naturally hypoallergenic materials.
Thebest organic mattressesuse materials like GOTS certified cotton and wool, and GOLS certified latex.
Ideally, you should wash bedding once a week.
This should be enough to maintain goodsleep hygieneas well as reducing the risk of SVOC exposure.
Declutter your bedroom
The study also recommends minimizing the number of items in the bed.
Keeping a minimalist bedroom will also help if you experience allergies.
A clean, tidy anduncluttered bedroomis also a much better environment for sleep.
Choose an organic mattress protector
The study found that mattress protectors were a key pollutant in the bedroom.
