Toxic Chemicals in Kids' Mattresses: What a New Study Found | Non-Toxic Mattress | Scrunchy Living

Toxic Chemicals in Kids' Mattresses: What a New Study Found

A 2025 University of Toronto study put numbers on something many clean-living parents have suspected: the mattress your child sleeps on can release phthalates, flame retardants, and other semi-volatile chemicals into the air right at their face, and it releases more of them once a warm body is lying on it.

TL;DR:
- Children's mattresses emit flame retardants and phthalates that increase with body heat and pressure, meaning the chemicals off-gas most while your child is actually sleeping.
- Conventional mattress cores are typically made from polyurethane foam loaded with VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.
- A GOTS certified organic mattress is the safest swap; an organic wool or cotton mattress cover is a budget-friendly first step if a full replacement isn't possible yet.

Key Takeaways

  • A 2025 University of Toronto study detected 21 semi-volatile chemicals (phthalates, organophosphate flame retardants, UV filters) in 16 new children's mattresses, and emissions rose from 12 compounds at room temperature to 21 once body heat and a child's weight were applied.
  • Conventional mattresses often contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) like formaldehyde, benzene, and polyurethane foam fumes that are associated with hormone disruption, respiratory irritation, and inflammation.
  • Swapping to a GOTS certified organic mattress is the gold-standard fix, but if that's not realistic right now, an organic wool or cotton mattress cover is a meaningful first step that costs far less.

Why Should I Care About Chemicals in My Child's Mattress?

Kids spend a third of their lives sleeping. For infants, it's even more, closer to 16 hours a day. That means whatever is off-gassing from a mattress is being inhaled for hours on end, at close range, by lungs and a developing nervous system that are far more vulnerable than an adult's.

The University of Toronto study, published in Environmental Science & Technology in 2025, began with an in-home study sampling air in the bedrooms of 25 children aged 6 months to 4 years, which found elevated levels of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in their sleeping space. The team then bought 16 new children's mattresses and tested them directly. They detected 21 SVOCs across four chemical classes: ortho-phthalates, organophosphate ester flame retardants, benzophenone UV filters, and salicylates. One mattress exceeded Canada's legal limit of 0.1% by weight for the phthalate DnBP; five contained more than 0.1% of other phthalates that are restricted in children's toys but not in mattresses; one contained the flame retardant TCEP, banned in Canada since 2014. Critically, when researchers warmed the mattresses to body temperature and added a child's weight, the number of chemicals being emitted rose from 12 to 21.

What this means for your family: Your child's own body heat and weight are actively driving more chemicals into the air they breathe while they sleep.

This is not a hypothetical risk. It's a documented, measurable exposure happening during the most vulnerable hours of a child's day.

What Chemicals Are Actually in Conventional Kids' Mattresses?

What Do Flame Retardants in Mattresses Do to My Child's Health?

Flame retardants are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with your body's hormone signaling system, and conventional mattresses commonly use chemical versions to meet federal flammability standards.

Conventional mattresses may use organophosphate ester flame retardants, boric acid, or fiberglass barriers to meet the federal open-flame standard. The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that many flame retardants migrate out of products into household dust and air, build up in people, and have been associated with endocrine and thyroid disruption, neurodevelopmental effects in children, and reproductive harm. The Toronto study found organophosphate esters at 1% to 3% of mattress material in five of the sixteen mattresses tested.

What this means for your family: Not all flame barriers are created equal. Wool and organic cotton can meet flammability standards without chemical additives.

What VOCs Are in Conventional Mattresses, and Why Do They Matter?

VOCs, volatile organic compounds that evaporate into the air at room temperature, are released from polyurethane foam, chemical adhesives, and synthetic fabric treatments used in conventional mattresses, and several are associated with serious health concerns.

Common VOCs found in mattresses include formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene. All three are associated with headaches, respiratory irritation, and longer-term health concerns with repeated exposure. EPA on VOCs

What this means for your family: The "new mattress smell" is not neutral. It's off-gassing VOCs into the room where your child sleeps.

Phthalates

Phthalates are a class of endocrine disruptors commonly used to soften vinyl covers on waterproof baby mattresses. The University of Toronto study found phthalates in both the bedroom air it sampled and the mattresses it tested, and phthalates were the class most often found above regulatory limits. Phthalate exposure during infancy and early childhood has been associated with hormonal and developmental concerns, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences classifies several phthalates as endocrine disruptors.

What this means for your family: That easy-to-wipe vinyl mattress cover may be trading convenience for chemical exposure. Waterproofing can be achieved with safer materials.

SCRUNCHY MOM TIP: Some baby mattress brands advertise themselves as "non-toxic" but still use polyester fill or chemical fire barriers. Always look for third-party certifications like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) or GREENGUARD Gold, not just marketing language on the label.

What Are the Healthiest Kids' Mattresses to Buy?

The safest kids' mattresses avoid synthetic foam cores, chemical flame retardants, and phthalate-containing vinyl covers. Look for GOTS certified organic or GREENGUARD Gold certified options that use wool or organic cotton to meet flammability requirements naturally.

For a broader buying walkthrough, including what "off-gassing" means and how long it lasts, see Crib Mattress Off-Gassing: What to Look For & Skip. The study-specific guidance is below.

Which Organic Crib Mattresses Are Worth the Investment?

If budget allows, a GOTS certified organic crib mattress is the single most effective swap. It eliminates the synthetic foam core, chemical flame retardants, and vinyl waterproofing in one purchase.

Naturepedic Organic Cotton Classic Seamless Crib Mattress is a top recommendation. It's waterproof, free from polyurethane foam, and uses food-grade waterproofing rather than vinyl or phthalate-containing coatings. Naturepedic holds GOTS certification, which means both the fabric and the manufacturing process meet rigorous organic standards.

Avocado Organic Crib Mattress is another strong option made with natural latex, organic wool, and organic cotton. It's GREENGUARD Gold certified and free from chemical flame retardants.

My Green Mattress Emily Organic Crib Mattress uses GOTS certified organic cotton and wool to meet flammability standards without synthetic chemicals. It's a solid mid-range option.

If a Full Mattress Replacement Isn't Realistic Right Now

An organic wool or cotton mattress cover placed between your child and their conventional mattress creates a physical barrier that can reduce direct contact and inhalation exposure. It also regulates temperature, absorbs moisture, and reduces mold risk.

Holy Lamb Organics makes GOTS certified organic wool mattress covers recommended for cribs and toddler beds. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and temperature-regulating. And it meets flammability requirements on its own, with no chemical treatment needed.

If you're on a tight budget, start with an organic wool or cotton mattress cover and don't stress yet about replacing the full mattress.

Good Brands to Buy

Mattress Safety by Scenario

Situation Priority Swap Budget Option Key Certification to Look For
Newborn in crib Full organic crib mattress Organic wool or cotton mattress cover GOTS, GREENGUARD Gold
Toddler on conventional mattress Replace mattress core Organic wool or cotton mattress cover GOTS
Child in full-size bed Organic kids' mattress Organic wool or cotton mattress cover GREENGUARD Gold, GOTS
Renting or can't replace Organic wool or cotton mattress cover as barrier layer Air purifier in bedroom None required for cover

FAQ

Q: Is the University of Toronto study specific to baby mattresses, or does it apply to toddler mattresses too?

Both. The air sampling covered bedrooms of children aged 6 months to 4 years, and the 16 mattresses tested were sold for infants and young children, so crib and toddler mattresses are both in scope. The researchers found that body heat and weight, which apply to toddlers as much as infants, increased the number of chemicals emitted from 12 to 21. The concern applies across that full age range.

Q: What certifications should I look for on a kids' mattress to know it's actually safer?

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification covers both the materials and the manufacturing process, making it one of the most rigorous standards available. GREENGUARD Gold certification specifically tests for chemical emissions into indoor air. Both appearing together on a mattress label is a strong indicator of a lower-toxin product.

Q: Can I just air out a conventional mattress to reduce off-gassing?

Airing out a new mattress outdoors or in a well-ventilated space for several days can reduce initial off-gassing, but it doesn't eliminate the underlying chemicals embedded in polyurethane foam and synthetic materials. Body heat and pressure continue to drive emissions over time, regardless of airing. An organic wool or cotton mattress cover adds a meaningful barrier layer, but it's not a substitute for a lower-toxin mattress if replacement is eventually possible.

If you only do one thing from this article, do this: Place a GOTS certified organic wool or cotton mattress cover on your child's current mattress this week. It's the single highest-leverage, lowest-cost step you can take while you plan for a full mattress replacement.

About the Author

Jenn Smith, RN BSN, is a registered nurse, mom, and co-founder of Scrunchy Living. She writes evidence-based guides to non-toxic living, pregnancy-safe products, and clean home practices for modern families.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your pediatrician or a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your child's health and sleep environment.

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