India, April 16 -- A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology has revealed that the highest levels of harmful chemicals in children's bedrooms are often concentrated near their beds.
Researchers from the University of Toronto identified children's mattresses as a significant source of chemical exposure. In a companion study, the team tested 16 new children's mattresses and confirmed they emitted toxic substances.
"We measured chemicals in the air of 25 children's bedrooms between the ages of 6 months and 4 years and found worrisome levels of more than two dozen phthalates, flame retardants and UV filters," said senior study author Miriam Diamond from the University of Toronto.
Using simulations, the researchers found tha...