Latest news with #MiriamDiamond
Forbes
06-05-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Is Your Nursery Endangering Your Infant Or Toddler?
Give your newborn the healthiest, safest crib and nursery possible. getty Becoming a parent is one of the most exciting and fulfilling things you can do in your life. It can also be one of the scariest. You want to make all the best decisions possible for your baby and hope you have the best information for doing so. What if the details you hadn't considered endangers your child's health and safety? According to a new study from the University of Toronto published last month in Environmental Science & Technology, that might be the case. Mattresses and bedding are the potential hazards the report addressed, but there are others as well, as experts explain. The university study used samples from 25 bedrooms of children ranging in age from six months to four years in Toronto and Ottawa and detected elevated concentrations of dangerous chemicals in the rooms' air. In a companion study, the researchers went further, purchasing 16 mattresses to analyze for chemical emissions into the air. 'They varied in which chemicals of concern were in them and the levels. There was no pattern according to brand or price point,' explained research director Miriam Diamond, a professor in the college's School of the Environment. Nine of the mattresses had foam from Canada, she shared; the others had foam from US or of uncertain origin. All of their covers were made from imported textiles, she added. What about environmental certifications, I asked her? Could they provide assurance to parents that the mattresses they were purchasing were safe for their babies? 'No, unfortunately not,' she replied, noting that one out of two certified mattresses that her team tested did not meet the terms of the certification. 'We're most concerned with the very young as their organs and brains are still developing,' Diamond shared. So what can parents do to keep their babies healtheir and safer? First, she suggested purchasing neutral-colored bedding. 'Brightly colored items like sheets and sleepers could have higher levels of UV-filters to prevent the colors from fading.' She also suggested washing the bedding regularly. 'Washing removes some or most of the chemicals." Another suggestion the professor offered, 'Add an extra protective layer between the mattress and where the child sleeps. I recommend a cotton terrycloth towel. All textiles can accumulate a lot of these chemicals and especially terrycloth that has a high surface area.' Those too should get washed with the bedding. Jonsara Ruth, executive director of the Healthy Materials Lab at Parsons School of Design in New York, had additional mattress shopping advice for parents: 'First and foremost, before purchasing, ask the manufacturer to ensure that there are no added flame retardants.' Avoid buying mattresses made of polyurethane or offering added chemical treatments such as 'Stain and Water Repellants,' she advised. In general, 'Beware of mattresses that claim fireproof, antimicrobial, or water-resistant,' she cautioned. Many manufacturers use fabrics with forever chemicals that are linked to childhood diseases, Ruth added. 'Even though it sounds convenient to have a moisture resistant cover on the mattress, avoid vinyl. Petrochemical ingredients used to make vinyl like vinyl chloride are carcinogenic, off gas VOCs and contain phthalates [forever chemicals] which are linked to cancer and developmental problems.' Healthier Alternatives 'Choose mattresses made with natural latex rubber, wool, or cotton fills. Healthy options can include coconut fiber, horsehair and natural latex rubber in filling, springs and insulator pads,' Ruth suggested. 'Thankfully there are several materials that are waterproof and stain resistant that do not contain harmful chemicals.' A few manufacturers make mattress covers and pads from wool, she noted. This naturally water-resistant material also regulates body temperature, 'so it is proven to be soothing to a sleeping infant whose body temperature fluctuates often during sleep and often wakes them up,' she noted. (There are very few things a new parent cherishes more than a baby sleeping longer!) 'Organic textiles eliminate the use of harmful chemicals throughout the production process,' she explained. 'Healthier sheets and blankets can be made of organic linen, hemp, cotton and wool.' Bonus Mattress And Bedding Tip You may be tempted to tuck your baby in with her favorite stuffies. This too can be problematic, Diamond commented. 'Declutter the sleeping area by minimizing stuffed animals, bumpers, etc.,' the professor advised. 'De-cluttering the bedroom is probably a good idea also. We found an association between several of the chemicals and the contents of the sleeping environment,' she added. Other Nursery Furniture Advice 'Furniture, especially cribs where babies spend the majority of time, is another category to be carefully considered,' Ruth commented. 'Laminated wood products often contain formaldehyde which is problematic – exposure to formaldehyde can lead to asthma and is linked to cancer. Also, the finishes used to protect wood are often based in petrochemicals, which contain chemicals of concern.' Since children often teethe or chew on the edge of a crib, it's better if that finish is not toxic, she added. There are several companies that make solid wood furniture that either has natural finishes or none at all that you can paint with zero VOC paints. 'Avoid any furniture made with compressed wood products, which often contain large amounts of glue/adhesive that can contain formaldehyde,' she cautioned. Ask a retailer or manufacturer for the product's ingredients or a safety data sheet to see what you're buying. Since those documents can be tricky for non-professionals to decipher, Ruth suggested these resources for new parents: Healthy Babies Bright Futures, Children's Environmental Health Network, and Made Safe. Shopping Tips Is buying these safer products – especially mattresses – likelier to cost more, I asked the Healthy Materials Lab director. Unfortunately, they do have higher price tags, she replied, but noted that there are a range of models, some less costly. When it comes to other nursery essentials, like cribs and changing tables, 'Buying second-life solid wood furniture is better because the off gassing from unhealthy finishes has already happened,' she suggested. These will also typically save you money (and be more environmentally friendly. Final Thoughts When it comes to the furnishings going into your baby's room, 'Manufacturers need to be more vigilant,' Diamond stated. Governments can play a role with more protective legislation. 'But governments can't do it all! Manufacturers need to take responsibility!' she concluded. *** Interviews were conducted by email in April and May 2025.
Epoch Times
04-05-2025
- Health
- Epoch Times
Study Finds Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals in Children's Mattresses
Babies and young children spend much of their early life asleep, with infants needing up to 17 hours a day and toddlers and preschoolers up to 14. During those critical hours of rest, however, recent research suggests they may also be breathing in harmful chemicals from their mattresses. There are a few things parents can do to reduce exposure and support their children's resilience to these effects. Mattress Chemicals and Children The findings come from two studies conducted at the University of Toronto and published in Ecotoxicology and Public Health. In the In the Hormone disruptors are substances that interfere with growth, mood, reproduction, and other vital bodily functions. The flame retardants and phthalates measured in the study fall into this category and have been linked to impaired memory, learning disorders, behavioral issues, and lower IQ scores. Some are also linked to childhood cancer and asthma. Several of the UV filters identified are hormone disruptors as well. 'Sleep is vital for brain development, particularly for infants and toddlers. However, our research suggests that many mattresses contain chemicals that can harm kids' brains,' said senior author Miriam Diamond, professor at the University of Toronto, in a Vulnerability of Children While the chemicals in question can negatively affect adults, children are uniquely vulnerable due to several factors, the researchers noted. Their breathing rate is 10 times higher, and their skin surface relative to body weight is three times higher. Behaviors such as frequent hand-to-mouth contact also increase risk. A Fiberglass in Mattresses The Related Stories 10/12/2024 4/2/2025 Since not all mattress manufacturers list fiberglass as an ingredient, there is no way to know for sure if a mattress contains it. To help prevent exposure, parents are advised to keep the outer mattress cover sealed. Reducing Mattress Chemical Exposure The Canadian researchers offer several recommendations to help reduce exposure: Wash a child's bedding and sleepwear frequently, as these serve as a protective barrier. Remove unneeded blankets, pillows, mattress protectors, and toys, which may contribute to exposure. Choose undyed or neutral-colored fabrics, as strong colors often require UV filters and other potentially harmful chemicals. It may also help to place a freshly washed sheet or towel between the mattress and final fitted sheet, Diamond told The Epoch Times in an email. She doesn't recommend using waterproof mattress covers, as they may also contain harmful chemicals. When asked whether an air purifier could help, Diamond said a HEPA filter might reduce some chemical levels in the bedroom air. However, she noted that the highest concentrations were found immediately above the mattress, so it's unclear whether a HEPA filter would significantly reduce those exposures. Reducing Toxic Load in General While it's helpful to reduce children's exposure to chemicals in their sleeping environment, lowering their overall toxic load is also important, said Christy Nault, a root cause health practitioner, cellular health coach, and plant medicine expert. A root cause health practitioner aims to identify and address the underlying causes of illness, rather than treating symptoms alone. The toxic load that children carry isn't about one product in isolation but is cumulative, she told The Epoch Times in an email. 'Although that can feel overwhelming, it's also empowering.' Nault emphasized that bedrooms serve as the foundation of our homes. By prioritizing clean air, natural materials, and nontoxic products in children's sleep environments, parents can do more than reduce exposure—they can foster long-term resilience and vitality. Nault advised starting with healthier items that children are in contact with every night. These include organic cotton or bamboo pajamas and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified sheets. GOTS certification indicates a product is made from natural organic fibers. She also recommends choosing fragrance-free body and laundry products and installing a bathtub filter to reduce chlorine and heavy metals in the water. 'Remember that whatever touches your child's skin is absorbed directly into their bloodstream, from synthetic clothing dyes to lotion ingredients to water,' Nault said. Detoxification includes the energetic and electrical environment as well, she added. 'While reducing electronics in the bedroom is essential, turning off the Wi-Fi at night is another simple but powerful step that can dramatically support a child's nervous system and quality of sleep.' Shopping for Nontoxic Mattresses 'Even small, intentional shifts, like upgrading a mattress, can significantly reduce the burden on a child's developing immune, hormonal, and neurological systems,' Nault said. She recommends looking for mattresses made from certified organic, natural materials such as GOTS-certified organic cotton, Global Organic Latex Standard latex, and organic wool, which act as a natural flame retardant. Certifications matter, so prioritize third-party verified standards such as GREENGUARD Gold, OEKO-TEX, and MADE SAFE, which indicate the product has been screened for known toxicants and harmful emissions. 'Avoid mattresses that use polyurethane foam, synthetic latex, or those that don't clearly disclose flame retardant treatments,' Nault said. 'If transparency is lacking, that's a red flag. Reputable nontoxic mattress brands will be proud to list exactly what's inside, and more importantly, what's not,' she added. If you're unsure about a product, Nault recommends contacting the company directly, noting that responsible brands are typically transparent and open to questions. Boosting Resilience to Toxins It's impossible to avoid all environmental toxins, but we can take meaningful steps to support a child's resilience, said Jennifer Habashy, a naturopathic doctor and assistant medical director at Claya. In this context, resilience means the child's general health offers some protection against the effects of harmful chemical exposure. 'A nutrient-dense diet plays a big role here,' she told The Epoch Times in an email. Foods rich in antioxidants—such as leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower—help promote the body's detoxification process. Healthy fats, including those from avocados and olive oil, nourish the brain and nervous system. Gut health is also essential for resilience, Habashy said. A strong, diverse microbiome helps regulate the immune system and supports detoxification. Probiotics and prebiotic-rich foods—like yogurt, kefir, bananas, and fiber-rich vegetables—can make a significant difference. Staying hydrated and exercising regularly also help keep detox pathways functioning optimally, she said, adding that time outdoors in fresh air and sunlight is another underrated way to support both physical detox and emotional well-being. The body does its deepest repair, growth, and cellular detoxification during sleep, which is why the sleep environment is one of the most powerful places to reduce toxic load—especially for children, said Nault. 'In a world filled with daily exposures we can't always control, creating a clean and calm sleep space is one of the most impactful steps parents can take to protect and support their child's long-term health.'
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Building a toxin-free nursery: These nontoxic crib mattresses offer healthier solutions
When you bring your new bundle of joy home, you know that keeping your little one safe is your No. 1 job. You have your pediatrician on speed dial, a baby thermometer stocked in your medicine cabinet and all the supplies necessary to ensure your home and family are prepared (as much as you can be) for the adventure that's to come. And naturally, you assume the products you've purchased are safe for your growing child — after all, why would they be available if they weren't safe? Well ... an unfortunate truth is that many consumer goods are largely unregulated and baby supplies, even those you rely on like crib mattresses, diapers and wet wipes, don't get the proper vetting that you or your baby deserve. To this point, two new 2025 studies found that harmful chemicals are released from baby mattresses and hover in the air where babies can breathe them in. The studies, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, found the foam inside many baby mattresses contains potentially harmful chemicals, including a fire retardant (TCEP), which has been banned in Canada since 2014 and was identified by the EPA in 2024 as posing "an unreasonable risk of injury to human health and the environment." The agency specifically noted that the highest risk comes when people "breathe or ingest dust from TCEP that comes off of fabrics, textiles, foam and wood products." The studies further found that the air surrounding babies as they sleep contains high levels of similar compounds, which babies can breathe while sleeping. The chemicals researchers identified include one that is a suspected cancer-causing agent (carcinogen), others that are proven endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can interfere with hormone production and the reproductive system) and phthalates that increase asthma risk. "They found these chemicals in every child's mattress they tested across a range of brands, across cost and country of origin," says Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures. "What was new about this study was adding in the fact that a child's body is warm and compressing the mattress. The research showed that these combinations of chemicals are off-gassing [being released into the air] at even higher levels when a child is on the mattress, exactly when you don't want them to be doing that." "The significance of these chemicals being in the air," says lead author of the studies, Miriam Diamond, professor in the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto, "is that you sleep there up to 18 hours a day, and babies have an inhalation rate that's 10 times higher than that of adults." It's important to note that no studies to date have found a connection between crib mattresses and harmful health effects in babies, but the fact that crib mattresses are largely unregulated means that babies can be exposed to toxins. Both Diamond and Houlihan hope this kind of research will increase regulations so that safer products are made. Until then, what is a concerned parent to do? The good news is: lots of things. Declutter: "The bedrooms where kids were sleeping with more stuff in the crib tended to have higher concentrations of several of the chemicals," says Diamond. That means it's time to eighty-six the stuffies, any blanketing or baby bumpers. "I recommend decluttering the bedroom as a whole," says Diamond, "because we know other baby products contain these chemicals and can release them." Wash linens and sleep clothing often. The sheet and the fabric your baby sleeps on are really helpful barriers that can protect them. "If you frequently wash bedding and your children's sleepwear, that can help because those layers can absorb some of the chemicals that are coming off of the mattress and keep them out of your child's body," says Houlihan. Avoid plastic mattress covers. Though they were not a part of the study, both Diamond and Houlihan recommend choosing cotton mattress covers over plastic ones. "Plastic and waterproof mattress covers are often coated with or contain chemicals that are harmful to health," says Houlihan. Add other barriers instead. Diamond recommends an old trick her mother did to handle accidents — place an absorbent towel in between the sheet and the mattress cover. "Terry cloth has a very high surface area," says Diamond, "which is why it absorbs so well. And then, add a second or third sheet to create more barriers." Choose light-colored linens. Any material that has a bright color to it often contains UV filters to keep the color from fading. Some UV filters have been found to be endocrine disruptors, so Diamond suggests getting a plain white sheet instead. Let new products off-gas. "If you have a sheltered, well-ventilated place, put the products there for a few days, to let the first flush of chemicals out of the product," suggests Houlihan. Given the lack of regulation and the fact that the researchers found a banned chemical in all of the mattresses they tested, Houlihan says, "It's really tricky to shop your way out of this problem." But, the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit that conducts independent testing of many consumer products to make recommendations on which ones have the least potential to harm humans or the environment, offers these tips: "Look for mattresses from brands that are transparent in the materials they use," recommends Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst in consumer safety science at EWG. She says you should avoid mattresses made with polyurethane foam (including 'memory foam'), fragrance or waterproofing materials including PVC/vinyl chloride or PFAS. "When possible, choose mattresses that use wool or polylactic acid (PLA) as safer flame barriers," says Swanson. Use these same guidelines for choosing mattress covers too. "If you are looking for a waterproof cover, opt for those made from polyethylene or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), as these are safer alternatives to PVCs and vinyl chloride," says Swanson. Since mattresses aren't required to list ingredients and these chemicals can go under a number of different names, one way to know you're making a healthier choice is to choose mattresses that have been certified by independent agencies looking for certain materials. EWG has just begun adding crib mattresses to their list of EWG Verified products. The mattresses must be made with transparency and disclose all ingredients, with safer materials and lower-emitting volatile organic compounds, and are prohibited from using harmful chemical flame retardants and fiberglass and PVCs and PFAS chemicals. Other certifications include OEKO-TEX, "which can provide reassurance that certain harmful chemicals are restricted in the textiles used," says Swanson. "[Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)] certifies that the textiles used are organic, made with transparency, with all ingredients and materials used." Jane Houlihan, research director at Healthy Babies, Bright Futures Miriam Diamond, professor at the School of the Environment at the University of Toronto Sydney Swanson, a healthy living science analyst in consumer safety science at EWG Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
The Guardian
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
New research finds alarming levels of toxic chemicals in children's mattresses
Alarming levels of highly toxic phthalates, flame retardants and UV filters in the air in small children's bedrooms likely stems from kids' mattresses off-gassing the chemicals, new research suggests. The peer-reviewed study measured air in the rooms of children under four years old, and the highest volumes were detected around the kids' beds. An accompanying study checked for the same chemicals in 16 common kids mattress brands, and found them at concerning levels in each. The chemicals are semi-volatile, meaning they can lift off objects and seep into the air over time, and a simulation then found the warmth and weight of a sleeping child could increase the off-gassing. The chemicals can then be inhaled, absorbed by the skin, or attach to dust and be ingested. Researchers were 'very surprised' by the chemical levels, said Miriam Diamond, a study co-author and environmental chemist at the University of Toronto. One mattress's weight was 3% flame retardant. 'We were really shocked to find what was in the mattresses,' Diamond said. 'The kids are getting quite a dose of this stuff.' The study was done in partnership with the Green Science Policy Institute in California. Phthalates and flame retardants are classes of chemicals with compounds linked to serious health issues like cancer, reproductive harm, genital malformation, neurological damage, hormonal disruption and early puberty. Exposure to some types of flame retardants is strongly linked to lower IQs in children. Phthalates are typically used as plasticizers that help materials bend, and are added to plastic mattress covers, but they were also detected in non-plastic covers, which surprised the authors, Diamond said. Some types of phthalates are restricted for use in children's products in the US because of their high toxicity, and the levels in four mattresses exceeded those. No limits exist for other concerning phthalate compounds. UV filters are added to textiles to prevent dyes from deteriorating, and research has increasingly raised concerns about potential health effects. Mattresses need to meet flammability standards to prevent fires from spreading, so most companies use flame retardants. However, public health advocates and even some firefighting organizations say flame retardants are largely ineffective and do more harm than good because of their toxicity both to people exposed to them in products, and firefighters who encounter them in smoke. No federal limits for flame retardant levels in mattresses exist in the US or Canada, but several types of flame retardants that are outright banned in one of the countries, or restricted from use in kids' products, were found in the mattresses. TCEP, for example, constituted 1% of the weight of one mattress. Sign up to Detox Your Kitchen A seven-week expert course to help you avoid chemicals in your food and groceries. after newsletter promotion Researchers didn't name the mattress companies but said the products were among common brands sold in the US and Canada for under $150. The mattresses contained materials from unknown countries in addition to China, Turkey and Mexico, so the country of production is unlikely to make a difference, Diamond said. For those seeking to take some steps to protect themselves, look for mattresses that don't have flame retardants, or use an alternative, like wool – though those mattresses are typically more expensive. Mattresses made of natural materials such as cotton or latex are less likely to have phthalates, though it's not a guarantee. Setting mattresses outside to off-gas after purchase can help get rid of some chemicals, but not all, as phthalates and flame retardants could take years to seep away. Diamond said adding a protective barrier like a terry cloth towel that's good at absorbing chemicals can be helpful. But ultimately, 'the onus is on the mattress manufacturers' to stop using toxic chemicals, Diamond said. 'The mattress manufacturers need to be more vigilant,' she added.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Kids could be breathing in plasticizer chemicals from their mattresses, new study suggests
Babies and children up to age four could be breathing in plasticizers and other chemicals from their mattresses while they sleep, a Canadian study suggests. Federal regulations set limits on some phthalates or plasticizers, which are substances added to products to make them more flexible. Miriam Diamond, an environmental chemist at the University of Toronto, and her team designed an experiment to estimate how much of the compounds are released into a child's sleeping area from 16 different mattresses. In Tuesday's issue of the journal Environmental Science & Technology, the researchers reported that two of the mattresses tested did not comply with Canadian regulations for two phthalates and two plasticizers in consumer products. The regulations are based on potential harm to human health and the environment. For instance, when babies are exposed to phthalates in house dust, studies suggest it is associated with higher risk of asthma. Miriam Diamond cuts a sample of a mattress in the laboratory at University of Toronto. (Kemeisha McDonald/University of Toronto) Diamond said she was motivated to try to understand the impact of the chemicals on kids, given that babies sleep up to 18 hours a day. "They're in intimate contact with their mattress in that sleeping environment," Diamond said in an interview. "Kids inhale 10 times more air than adults, so that gives the opportunity to be exposed to airborne chemicals a lot more than adults." The study did not include brand names, but the researchers said mattresses were purchased for $50 to $105 from leading retail stores in Canada. Mitigation measures suggested Diamond's lab has previously reported on how children can be exposed to phthalates and plasticizers by inhaling them, absorbing them through the skin, ingesting dust or by putting their hands, clothes and toys in their mouth. The researchers said the chemicals found in mattresses are known to be associated with developmental and hormonal disorders. Diamond suggested that parents wash bedding and pyjamas frequently, since they are protective barriers from mattresses, and cut back on the number of items on children's beds, like toys. The researchers also suggested manufacturers improve the oversight of their products so they comply with regulations and their own product certifications. They should also improve manufacturing practices to minimize unintentional contamination, and to only use such chemicals when necessary. Specifically, the researchers found one mattress contained high levels of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, or TCEP, which has been prohibited from use in Canada since 2014 and is considered a carcinogen. Chris Carlsten, a medicine professor at the University of British Columbia, has studied how phthalates can harm human airways. "These are chemicals I think we all should justifiably not want to have in these mattresses of children," said Carlsten, who was not involved with the latest research. He called the recommendation to use non-toxic bedding and clothing "wise," adding that holds for adults, as well. Children are more susceptible given their developing bodies, Carlsten noted. Health Canada said it is carefully reviewing the findings and other available information to identify any risks to human health or non-compliance with legislative or regulatory requirements, and that it will "take appropriate action to protect people in Canada." Funding for the research was provided by a University of Toronto Fellowship and Ontario Graduate Scholarship and by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.\
