Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Crib Mattresses under Scrutiny

Last month, Fox News published a report about a study that found that crib mattresses could emit potentially harmful chemicals. The article discusses the findings of a team of environmental engineers from the University of Texas that analyzed 20 new and old crib mattresses.  The team reportedly found more than 30 different VOCs, and that new mattresses released approximately four times more VOCs than old mattresses.

Not surprisingly, the research indicates that VOC levels near the mattresses were highest close to the mattress, which is in the infant’s breathing zone.  Since infants spend a great deal of time in their cribs and inhale a high volume of air as compared to their body weight, these findings have many parents of young children taking notice.

VOCs include a wide range of chemicals, some of which may have short-term and long-term adverse health effects. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), “Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.”  The EPA states that concentrations of many VOCs are up to ten times higher indoors than outdoors.

One of the leading VOC testing laboratories in North America is EMSL Analytical, Inc. “VOCs are used in many building materials, furnishings and consumer products that are commonly found indoors,” said Vincent M. Daliessio, CIH, Project Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Exposures to elevated levels of these chemical compounds are a challenge to human health, and children are especially sensitive to any pollutants.”

EMSL provides VOC testing services and product off-gassing analysis so that people, retailers and manufacturers can identify the presence of these chemicals. For more information about testing for VOCs or other indoor air quality (IAQ) and consumer product testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, email info@EMSL.com or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of quality environmental, indoor air quality and materials testing services and products to professionals, industry and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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Joe Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) (856) 303-2503

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