A Canadian study has raised global concern by showing that many children’s mattresses may release chemicals associated with brain development risks during sleep. Experts urge parents and regulators to act, noting flame retardants and phthalates found in mattresses can pose potential harm, even as manufacturers defend safety standards.
The findings matter for Thai families because children spend a large portion of their early years in bed, a period crucial for brain development and overall growth. Thai parents traditionally emphasize safe, peaceful sleep environments and may use practices such as gentle rocking and careful bedding choices. Yet evidence shows that some mattresses, even those sold in Thailand, can contain chemicals that are insufficiently regulated in the country and many others.
Led by Professor Miriam Diamond at the University of Toronto and supported by the Green Science Policy Institute, the study examined bedrooms of children aged six months to four years. Researchers detected high levels of more than two dozen flame retardants and plasticizers, especially near the child’s sleeping area. When heat and weight were simulated to mimic sleep, emissions increased significantly. The primary culprits were organohalogen flame retardants and phthalates, chemicals added to reduce flammability and improve plasticity, respectively.
Why this matters: both groups of chemicals are linked with potential brain and neurological effects. Flame retardants have long been associated with disrupted cognitive development and learning difficulties. Phthalates, used to soften plastics, are connected to neurodevelopmental issues, behavioral problems, and risks to metabolic health.
Industry voices have argued safety is maintained, but researchers emphasize that many of these chemicals do not provide proven fire-safety benefits and are not required to meet flammability standards. A leading environmental advocate notes that parents should be able to protect children during sleep without exposure to harmful substances, and that the presence of flame retardants in mattresses remains troubling given the lack of demonstrated fire-safety advantages.
Children are particularly susceptible to chemical exposures due to higher breathing rates, more permeable skin, and greater surface-area-to-weight ratios. Their hand-to-mouth behaviors further increase risk. Evidence also suggests higher prenatal exposure to certain phthalates may be linked to lower cognitive scores in boys.
Thailand faces regulatory and awareness gaps. While some controls exist, enforcement is uneven. There is ongoing use of certain flame retardants and phthalates in products sold locally, though textile standards such as OEKO-TEX are increasingly adopted by Thai manufacturers. A recent study found concerning flame retardant levels in daycare centers across the country. Although Thai laws limit some phthalates in toys, gaps remain for mattresses and bedding, contributing to ongoing consumer risk.
Global trends show that the surge in flame retardant use began after mid-20th-century fire safety concerns. Today, growing science suggests safer fire-prevention approaches can reduce chemical reliance. In Thailand, public awareness of indoor air quality and chemical safety has risen, but many families still trust familiar brands and imported goods, which may not meet the strictest safety practices.
What researchers and policymakers propose: stronger global and national regulations, with accelerated enforcement. Manufacturers should phase out hazardous chemicals when safer alternatives exist. For Thai families, practical steps include minimizing soft furnishings around sleep areas, washing bedding and sleepwear regularly, choosing undyed or neutral fabrics, and airing new mattresses before use. When possible, seek products with credible non-toxicity certifications, keeping in mind affordability and accessibility.
Material sourcing is often global, meaning Thai consumers face similar risks unless robust standards are enforced domestically and abroad. As Bangkok and other Thai cities continue to expand, improving indoor air quality and reducing chemical exposure in homes becomes more pertinent. Digital resources can help parents locate safer, certified options, including eco-labels and non-toxic material certifications, though cost considerations remain a factor for many households.
Regulatory progress is expected but gradual. International and regional agencies are revisiting chemical safety, and consumer advocacy may hasten change. In the meantime, Thai policymakers are urged to strengthen enforcement, support public awareness campaigns, and consider subsidies or incentives to help families access safer bedding options. Domestic manufacturers should be encouraged to adopt non-toxic materials.
For Thai families, the take-home message is clear: scrutinize mattress and bedding labels, prefer items with credible eco-certifications, keep sleep spaces uncluttered and well-ventilated, and wash textiles regularly. Prioritize natural materials when possible and allow new mattresses to air out before use. Collective action—from informed purchasing to policy advocacy—can drive safer products and stronger protections for children’s health.
If you would like to explore safer sleeping environments further, consider guidance from reputable nonprofit organizations focusing on child health and consumer safety, as well as national health authorities and industry standards bodies that are actively promoting safer textiles and bedding.