Are flame retardants in mattress foam dangerous?

What's actually in it

Mattress foam often contains organophosphate ester flame retardants and brominated flame retardants. These chemicals are added to meet fire safety standards, but they don't stay in the foam. They break down and escape into your home as dust.

Once they are in the air or dust, they easily enter your body. Because these chemicals are not chemically bound to the foam, they constantly leach out into your living space. This means you and your children are breathing them in and coming into contact with them every time you use your bed.

What the research says

The science is clear: these chemicals are linked to significant health concerns. A 2026 study in Environ Res found that exposure to organophosphate esters during pregnancy is linked to changes in child growth, including weight and height. Another 2026 study in J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol connected these same chemicals in house dust to behavioral issues in children.

The impact on brain development is also a major concern. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut found that prenatal exposure to these flame retardants is linked to lower child cognition. Furthermore, a 2026 study in Environ Res showed that halogenated flame retardants are associated with thyroid function changes and traits related to ADHD in children.

Finally, your immune system may be at risk. A 2026 study in Sci Total Environ found a direct association between brominated flame retardants and the diagnosis or symptoms of allergies in a representative sample of the US population.