Do Your Child’s Clothing, Bedding and Mattress Have Toxic Chemicals?

A pair of related studies recently done in Canada found alarming levels of certain toxic chemicals are released from children’s mattresses through a process called outgassing. The research adds to the growing body of evidence that many products for children contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin, inhaled or even ingested over time.

Toxins in children’s clothing, bedding and mattresses are concerning because of the frequent and close contact children have with these everyday items. Learn how you can minimize your child’s exposure to toxic textiles and what safer options are available.

Common Chemicals in Toxic Textiles

Some chemicals that contribute to the toxicity of children’s clothing, bedding and mattresses are part of the fabrics themselves, while others are applied to the fabrics during the finishing process. Knowledge of the harmful substances commonly found in many of these products can help you make safer, more informed purchases for your little ones:

Phthalates are a chemical compound used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They can interfere with the body’s endocrine system. Phthalate exposure is linked to abnormal changes in hormone levels, diabetes, obesity, thyroid problems, male reproductive birth defects, and reduced sperm count.

Flame retardants are chemical additives that reduce the flammability of various consumer products, including clothing, bedding and mattresses. They include organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), which are linked to reproductive, developmental and nervous system problems in toddlers.

Bisphenols improve the flexibility and durability of synthetic textiles. They can cause hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems and increased breast cancer risk.

Formaldehyde treatments are often applied to garments to prevent wrinkles, improve stain resistance and prevent mildew growth. In addition to causing skin irritation and respiratory issues, formaldehyde is classified as a carcinogen.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in water-resistant, stain-repellent and wrinkle-free treatments for clothing. They’re linked to immune system problems, liver damage, developmental issues and certain cancers. PFASs are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment.

Azo dyes are used to add bright colors to textiles. They can break down into aromatic amines, which are chemicals that can cause skin irritation and increased risk of bladder cancer.

Toxic (heavy) metals such as lead, chromium and cobalt are used in some fabric dyes and finishes. They can cause skin irritation and other allergic reactions, organ damage and increased cancer risk.

Tributyl Phosphate (TBP) is used as both a flame retardant and plasticizer in fabrics for clothing and other purposes. TBP is a skin irritant and can cause respiratory issues after prolonged inhalation.

Dimethyl Fumarate (DMF) is used as an anti-mold agent in the storage and shipping of apparel and other items. It can cause dermatitis and other severe skin reactions.

Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs) are used as cleaning agents during textile processing. They can disrupt endocrine function and persist in the environment by accumulating in aquatic life.

Antimicrobial agents are sometimes added to fabrics to prevent bacterial growth and odors. Some antimicrobial agents include toxic chemicals such as triclosan or silver nanoparticles, which can interfere with hormonal balance and decrease the effectiveness of antibiotics.

Ultraviolet (UV) filters are chemical additives that slow the fading of bright colors in clothing and other products. UV filters may cause problems with the endocrine system, including disruptions that can lead to delayed puberty in boys and early puberty in girls.

Pesticide residues can be found in cotton and other natural fibers when they’re not grown organically. Pesticide exposure is linked to a number of health issues in children, including developmental delays, immune system dysfunction and increased cancer risk.

How to Minimize Your Child’s Exposure

Unfortunately, most harmful chemicals used in the manufacture and finishing of textile products are not listed on the tags of clothing, bedding and mattresses. To minimize the possibility of exposing your children to those chemicals, try to avoid or limit polyester, rayon, acrylic, nylon and acetate/triacetate fabrics when purchasing those items. Also, although not all fabric finishes are toxic, any of these common labels could indicate the presence of harmful finishing chemicals:

• Flame-resistant: may contain OPFRs or other toxic flame retardants.
• Water-resistant: may contain PFAs
• Wrinkle-free: may contain PFAs
• Stain-resistant: may contain PFAs or formaldehyde
• Pesticides: contains pesticides
• Antimicrobial or “anti-odor”: may contain triclosan or silver nanoparticles
• Antistatic: may contain formaldehyde
• Shrinkage control or “unshrinkable”: may contain formaldehyde

When possible, choose clothing and bedding for your children that is made from natural and eco-friendly fabrics, including organic cotton, linen, hemp, wool, silk, bamboo, Tencel (Lyocell) and Modal.

However, you don’t have to replace everything at once when making the transition to safer, more sustainable clothing for your children. Instead, aim for a more gradual shift. For example, start by replacing clothing items worn closest to the skin, such as underwear, pajamas, t-shirts, socks and leggings, with products made from safer, natural materials.

Other measures parents can take to reduce their children’s contact with toxic textiles include: 

• Try shopping secondhand for some items. Because gently used clothing has already been washed multiple times, it’s less likely to contain residual chemicals.
• Wash your children’s clothing and bedding often.
• Regularly air out and vacuum your child’s room to reduce the level of toxins potentially outgassing from their mattress and bedding.
• If possible, use neutral-colored mattress components and bedding. They’re less likely to contain UV filters to prevent color fading.
• Minimize putting extra items in your child’s crib or bed, such as stuffed animals or mattress pads, which may contain more toxic substances.
• Support ethical brands. Whenever possible, buy from companies that prioritize safety, sustainability, ethical production practices, and transparency in how products are made and how materials are sourced. Certifications to look for include GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) and OEKO-TEX Standard 100, which indicate the fabrics meet strict safety and environmental standards.

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