Just when you tossed all those old baby bottles and sippy cups to switch to BPA-free versions, a new report says highchairs, changing table pads, baby carriers, sleep positioners, rocking chairs and nursing pillows contain chemicals that could be dangerous to your child.
The New York Times reports baby products made with polyurethane foam include flame retardants -- like those banned from kid's pjs in the '70s -- that could be carcinogens.
A study, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, didn't look at whether kids actually took in chlorinated Tris from the products, but, according to The Times, findings show infants using those products are exposed to the chemical in higher levels than recommended.
Researchers looked at foam samples from 101 baby products, and found a third contained the chemical, while 80 percent of all products tested used some sort of flame retardant, The Times reports, adding that the retardants, while toxic, are still legal.
According to the newspaper, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says chlorinated Tris "may pose a significant health risk to consumers."
Of the products tested, 14 contained TCEP, a flame retardant called a cancer-causing agent by the State of California, according to The Times.
"Why do you need fire retardant in a nursing pillow?" Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist who played a role in banning Tris flame retardants from kid's pajamas, tells the newspaper. "The whole issue is, they are toxic chemicals that are in our homes at high levels; and right now, people don't know much about it."
Industry trade group the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, however, tells The Times federal safety standards are being followed.
"Not only do these safety standards contain flammability requirements, they also restrict the use of substances that are harmful or toxic and to which children might be exposed," the group tells the newspaper in a statement.
The New York Times reports baby products made with polyurethane foam include flame retardants -- like those banned from kid's pjs in the '70s -- that could be carcinogens.
A study, published today in the journal Environmental Science & Technology, didn't look at whether kids actually took in chlorinated Tris from the products, but, according to The Times, findings show infants using those products are exposed to the chemical in higher levels than recommended.
Researchers looked at foam samples from 101 baby products, and found a third contained the chemical, while 80 percent of all products tested used some sort of flame retardant, The Times reports, adding that the retardants, while toxic, are still legal.
According to the newspaper, the Consumer Product Safety Commission says chlorinated Tris "may pose a significant health risk to consumers."
Of the products tested, 14 contained TCEP, a flame retardant called a cancer-causing agent by the State of California, according to The Times.
"Why do you need fire retardant in a nursing pillow?" Arlene Blum, a biophysical chemist who played a role in banning Tris flame retardants from kid's pajamas, tells the newspaper. "The whole issue is, they are toxic chemicals that are in our homes at high levels; and right now, people don't know much about it."
Industry trade group the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, however, tells The Times federal safety standards are being followed.
"Not only do these safety standards contain flammability requirements, they also restrict the use of substances that are harmful or toxic and to which children might be exposed," the group tells the newspaper in a statement.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment