What can old mattresses hide?
Some mattresses may contain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) – chemicals that were used as flame retardants, i.e., substances that reduce flammability. They were used not only in furniture but also in building materials and electronic products, writes “Parade”.
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Dr. Mikkaelis Sekeresas, a hematologist oncologist and head of the Hematology Department at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center of the University of Miami, explained that PBDEs are classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The endocrine system consists of glands that secrete hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol. These hormones are involved in regulating growth, development, reproduction, and energy balance. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can interfere with these processes – by acting on hormone receptors or altering hormone production and availability.
According to specialists, PBDEs are no longer used in newly manufactured mattresses, but they may be present in older ones, especially mattresses with memory foam made before 2005. Greater exposure to these substances in studies has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
What are “forever chemicals”?
Another group of substances highlighted by the oncologist is PFAS. They are also called “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly in the environment. They were used in mattresses to provide water resistance to the products.
Dr. M. Sekeresas emphasizes that the use of these chemicals is gradually being restricted, but they are very widespread in the environment. Therefore, a mattress is not the only possible source of PFAS that a person encounters daily.
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Should you be worried about an old mattress?
The oncologist urges not to overestimate this risk. Although it is worth knowing what the mattress is made of, the cancer risk associated with it, according to the specialist, remains relatively low.
He advises paying much more attention to well-known and modifiable risk factors to reduce cancer risk – not smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, taking care of nutrition, and other lifestyle habits.
Sleep itself is also important. Chronic lack of sleep disrupts the body’s natural recovery processes, can promote inflammatory processes, and negatively affect the immune system.
What to pay attention to when buying a new mattress?
When choosing a new mattress, specialists recommend paying attention to its composition and avoiding products that use many petroleum-based chemicals, plastics, or certain flame retardants. Polyurethane foam and fiberglass are specifically mentioned.
It is also suggested to look for products with independent certification, where the amount of released chemicals has been tested.
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