Polyurethane (PU) is a versatile polymer used globally in products from insulation to furniture. It is a type of plastic manufactured as rigid, flexible foam, or liquid coating. Because PU is durable and provides cushioning at a low cost, it is widely incorporated into goods designed for infants and children. Parents frequently question the material’s safety, as babies’ developing systems are more susceptible to chemical exposures than adults’. Understanding the forms of polyurethane used and the associated chemical risks is important for informed purchasing decisions.
Where Polyurethane is Used in Baby Products
Polyurethane is integrated into the infant environment primarily as foam and as a protective coating. Flexible foam provides the core structure for many soft products requiring comfort and support. This foam is commonly found inside crib mattresses, changing pads, nursing pillows, and the cushions of high chairs or strollers. Since infants spend many hours sleeping, their exposure to chemicals within PU foam mattresses can be prolonged.
The second major application is as a coating to create a liquid barrier on fabrics or surfaces. This provides a waterproof or easily cleanable surface, such as on crib mattress covers, diaper pail linings, or soft toys. In either form, the material introduces the potential for chemical interaction with the infant through inhalation of emissions or direct dermal contact.
The Primary Safety Concern: Off-Gassing and VOCs
The primary safety issue related to polyurethane products is off-gassing, which is the release of residual chemicals into the surrounding air. This process often produces a distinct odor. The chemicals released are classified as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which become gases at room temperature.
The highest rates of VOC emission occur when a product is new, often resulting in a “new mattress” smell upon unwrapping. While the emission rate decreases over time, low-level off-gassing can continue for years, contributing to indoor air pollution. Infants are exposed to higher concentrations of these airborne chemicals because they breathe faster than adults and spend significant time near products like mattresses. Short-term exposure to VOCs can lead to irritation of the eyes, nose, and respiratory tract.
Chemical Components and Additives
Specific chemical ingredients and additives used to manufacture polyurethane foam present distinct concerns beyond general VOCs. Polyurethane is created by reacting diisocyanates, such as Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) and Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI), with polyols. Trace amounts of these precursor chemicals can sometimes remain unreacted within the finished foam. While residual levels of TDI and MDI are often extremely low, their presence remains a concern for sensitive populations like infants due to their known toxicity in high concentrations.
A significant safety issue involves the addition of chemical flame retardants (FRs). Untreated polyurethane foam is highly flammable, requiring manufacturers to add chemicals to meet flammability standards. Historically, this included substances like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which have been largely phased out due to their persistence and documented health risks.
Newer organophosphate flame retardants, such as tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP), were introduced as replacements. These FR chemicals are not chemically bonded to the foam matrix; instead, they are simply mixed in, allowing them to leach out and accumulate in house dust. Infants are particularly susceptible to exposure through this pathway because of their frequent hand-to-mouth behavior and close contact with dusty surfaces. Studies have detected these FRs in a variety of baby products containing polyurethane foam, including car seats and changing pads.
Current Safety Standards and Regulations
Concerns over VOCs and chemical additives have driven the creation of specific safety standards and third-party certification programs designed to mitigate risk. Regulatory efforts have focused on eliminating harmful legacy chemicals, such as the widespread phase-out of PBDE flame retardants. However, the continued need to meet flammability requirements often means alternative, less-studied flame retardants are used unless the product is specifically designed to meet standards without them.
Parents can look for certifications that provide assurance regarding the chemical content of polyurethane products. CertiPUR-US is a voluntary program for flexible polyurethane foam, certifying that the foam is made without ozone depleters, mercury, lead, or banned phthalates, and meets specific low-VOC emission limits. The STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX® is an independent testing and certification system applied to textile products, often mattress covers. This certification sets limits on hundreds of regulated substances, ensuring they are free from harmful levels of toxic chemicals. Seeking certified products explicitly free of added flame retardants is the most effective approach for minimizing an infant’s chemical exposure.