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by Dr Jim Sprott
Cot death is caused by gaseous poisoning, the gases being phosphine, arsine and stibine (and/or derivative gases). The poisonous gas/es arise from the mattress where the baby sleeps. They are formed by the action of a common household fungus, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, on (respectively) compounds of the elements phosphorus, arsenic and antimony within the mattress itself.
The danger rises as mattresses are re-used from one baby to the next.
The risk of cot death can be virtually eliminated by ensuring that babies sleep on mattresses known to be free from the elements phosphorus, arsenic and antimony. In New Zealand at present consumers are unable to tell which mattresses comply and which do not. Therefore, as an immediate precaution, cot mattresses (and any other mattresses that a baby sleeps on, including sheepskins) should be wrapped in thick, natural colour polythene (not PVC) sheeting. Polythene sheeting of this type is available from garden centres and hardware stores. Polythene does not contain phosphorus, arsenic or antimony and it inhibits both flow of the gas and growth of the fungus.
BabeSafe slip-on mattress covers, available at babycare retail outlets, meet the above requirements.
Surgical rubber may be used to wrap mattresses but it is expensive and difficult to obtain. Only the best quality surgical rubber is suitable.
For instructions on how to wrap a mattress correctly, see further down.
Babies should not be put down to sleep on sheepskin unless the sheepskin has been enclosed in polythene. This is because sheepskins can contain phosphorus, arsenic and antimony.
The best underblanket to use on a wrapped mattress is fleecy cotton. Cot mattress protectors should not be used, as they can contain phosphorus or be backed with PVC.
Babies should NEVER be put down to sleep in the cot of another baby or older child unless the mattress is wrapped. If a baby sleeps with adults, the adults' mattress must be wrapped with polythene or surgical rubber.
Research in Britain has shown that babies are safer and healthier if their mattress is covered with a smooth plastic surface which can be easily cleaned. The claim that sleeping on polythene will cause a baby to become overheated is wrong. Likewise, there is no risk of suffocation. (Accidental suffocation by babies is extremely rare.)
The proposition that cot death is due to gaseous poisoning arising from mattresses provides an explanation for all the "risk factors" which are associated with cot death. There is no evidence to support the claim that cot death has many causes.
1. Mattresses should be wrapped in thick, natural- colour (not black) polythene sheeting or surgical rubber sheeting. Polythene suitable for this purpose is available from most garden centres in New Zealand. On no account should PVC (polyvinyl chloride) be used for wrapping mattresses.
2. Place the polythene or rubber over the top of the mattress and down the ends and sides, and then secure it firmly beneath the mattress with strong adhesive tape.
3. The polythene or rubber on the underside of the mattress should not be airtight. It must be airtight on the top and sides of the mattress.
4. The best underblanket for use on a wrapped mattress is fleecy cotton. Do not place a cot mattress protector on top of the polythene or rubber.
5. The advice to wrap mattresses applies to every mattress on which a baby is put down to sleep, including adults' mattresses; mattresses of other children; and all mattresses made of or containing natural products such as sheepfleeces, goatskins, kapok, tree bark, coconut fibre, etc.
6. Proprietary mattress covers should not be used unless they carry the Campaign against cot death logo or are accompanied by a certificate of analysis showing that they contain no detectable phosphorus, arsenic or antimony (lower limit of detection 0.001% = 10mg/kg = 10ppm). In New Zealand the BabeSafe range of slip-on mattress covers (available at retail stores) complies with this specification.
A baby should never be put down to sleep on the mattress of another baby or older child unless the mattress is wrapped.
Copyright 1997 by T. James SprottDr T. James (Jim) Sprott, OBE, Msc, PhD, FNZIC
Consulting Chemist, Forensic Scientist
10 Combes Road
Remuera, Auckland 5
New Zealand
Phone/fax: 64-9-523-1150
Email: sprott@iconz.co.nz
URL: www.pnc.com.au/~cafmr/sprottReproduction and dissemination of this article is encouraged but written permission is required.