Crib mattresses emit potentially harmful chemicals,

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-04/uota-cm040114.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 2-Apr-2014

Contact: Sandra Zaragoza
University of Texas at Austin

Crib mattresses emit potentially harmful chemicals, Cockrell School engineers find

In a first-of-its-kind study, a team of environmental engineers from the Cockrell School of Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin found that infants are exposed to high levels of chemical emissions from crib mattresses while they sleep.

Analyzing the foam padding in crib mattresses, the team found that the mattresses release significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), potentially harmful chemicals also found in household items such as cleaners and scented sprays.

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The researchers found:

•New crib mattresses release about four times as many VOCs as old crib mattresses.
•Body heat increases emissions.
•Chemical emissions are strongest in the sleeping infant's immediate breathing zone.


The researchers concluded that, on average, mattresses emitted VOCs at a rate of 87.1 micrograms per square meter per hour, while older mattresses emitted VOCs at a rate of 22.1 micrograms per square meter per hour. Overall, Boor said crib mattresses release VOCs at rates comparable to other consumer products and indoor materials, including laminate flooring (20 to 35 micrograms per square meter per hour) and wall covering (51 micrograms per square meter per hour).

Boor became motivated to conduct the study after finding out that infants spend 50 to 60 percent of their day sleeping. Infants are considered highly susceptible to the adverse health effects of exposure to indoor air pollutants.

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