Sucking cushions can make children poisoned

Children may inadvertently be exposed to large amounts of harmful chemicals emanating from the foam mattress used to sleep, according to a new study.

US researchers have tested samples of polyurethane (sponge) foam and polyester foam (foam) used to make kennels for children. All of these samples were taken from both old and new types of mattresses from 10 different manufacturers, popular in the market.

The lead researcher said he decided to promote this work after finding out that babies and young children spend up to 50-60% of the time of the day sleeping. Babies are thought to be vulnerable to adverse health effects due to exposure to air pollutants in closed rooms.

Cushions used in cradles, baby cots discovered are emitting VOC chemicals equivalent to wood floors and wallpaper.(Artwork: Daily Mail)

Test results showed that the buffer samples emitted a large number of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - chemicals that are potentially harmful, exist in other household items such as vacuums. dust or perfume spray. In particular, the amount of VOC emitted from the new mattresses is 4 times higher than the old ones.

According to the team, the body's hot heat raises emissions of VOCs from cushions. Chemical emissions are also strongest in the live breathing zone of a sleeping child.

In addition, because children inhale significantly more air in their body weight than adults and sleep more, they are 10 times more likely to inhale VOCs than adults in the same environment. contact chemicals.

In total, children's mattresses emit VOCs at the same rate as other household products and indoor materials, including wooden floors (20 - 35 micrograms / m2 per hour) and wallpaper (51 microgram / m ² per hour. Experts have identified more than 30 VOCs in children's mattresses, including phenol, neodecanoic and linalola acids.

Chemist Charles J. Weschler, an expert in indoor air quality from Rutgers University (USA), said that the concentration of chemicals in children's foam pads is not alarming. However, the study has provided an extremely useful finding, which helps warn us about pediatric cushions as a significant source of chemical emissions in the environment for children.

The research team recommends that parents re-use old mattresses for children or exposures, wind the mattress longer to reduce exposure to VOC chemicals. Reuse of the mattress must also be carefully considered, since older mattresses may contain other toxic chemicals, such as banned fire-fighting drugs.