Toxic chemicals pervasive in baby products
Women’s Voices for the Earth
May 18, 2011
Missoula, MT—A study of products designed for newborns, babies, and toddlers found that 80% of products tested contained chemical flame retardants linked to cancer and reproductive and developmental harm, according to a peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology Journal. Other retardants discovered had so little health and safety data that it is impossible to know their possible health effects at this time. These same flame retardants are showing up in children’s bodies, in food, and are widely dispersed throughout the environment.
The new study analyzed 101 products for the presence of halogenated flame retardants. Interior foam samples were tested from nursing pillows, baby carriers, car seats, changing table pads, high chairs, strollers, bassinets, portable cribs, walkers, changing pads, baby carriers, sleeping wedges, baby tub insert, bath slings, glider rockers, and other essential child care items. Samples were submitted from purchase locations around the United States.
