Hidden Hazards in the Nursery
Hidden Hazards tested 20 popular new foam baby products for toxic flame retardants linked to serious health problems, including chlorinated Tris (or TDCPP), TCPP, TCEP, and Firemaster 550. The tests showed that 85% of the products tested (17 of 20) contained at least one of the toxic flame retardants, linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and nervous system damage. Scroll down for tips on avoiding these chemicals.
Testing Results of 20 Children’s Products
Flame retardant detected at highest concentration listed first.
| Product | State Purchased | Flame Retardants |
|---|---|---|
| My Brest Friend Deluxe Nursing Pillow | WA | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Balboa Baby Nursing Pillow | WA | none detected |
| Mini Classic Co-Sleeper by Arm’s Reach | WA | V-6, TCPP, TCEP, TDCPP, U-OPFR |
| Munchkin Contour Changing Pad | WA | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Summer Changing Pad | WA | TDCPP, TCPP, U-OPFR |
| Babies R Us Contoured Changing Pad | WA | TDCPP, TCPP, U-OPFR |
| Summer Bassinet Pad | WA | TDCPP, TCPP, U-OPFR |
| Graco Turbobooster Elite Booster Seat (auto use) | WA | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Comfort Deluxe Booster Seat (auto use) | WA | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Safety 1st Sounds ‘n Activity Walker | WA | TDCPP, TCPP |
| First Years Co-Sleeper | MD | none detected |
| Dex Changing Pad | MD | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Nap Nanny Infant Recliner | MA | Firemaster 550 |
| Costco Scenera Convertible Car Seat | MA | TCPP, TDCPP, U-OPFR |
| Eddie Bauer Pop-Up Booster Seat (non-auto use) | NY | none detected |
| Nod-a-way Bassinet | CT | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Babies R Us Bassinet Pad | CT | TCPP, TDCPP, U-OPFR |
| Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat | MI | TDCPP |
| Chicco Key Fit Infant Car Seat | MI | TDCPP, TCPP |
| Britax Roundabout 50 Convertible Car Seat | NY | TDCPP |
Read the report Hidden Hazards.
Tips for Avoiding Toxic Flame Retardants
- When shopping for furniture, look for companies who avoid chemical flame retardants and instead use naturally fire-resistant materials.
- Avoid all products containing polyurethane foam with a label reading TB117, which means it has likely been treated with toxic flame retardants.
- Buy nursing pillows, car seats, and baby carriers made without Tris – better brands for baby items include Baby Bjorn, Orbit Baby, and Boppy.
- Because flame retardant chemicals accumulate in household dust, regularly use a wet mop to clean and remove dust particles and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter to clean your home. This will keep dust from being inhaled or ingested.
- Wash hands, especially those of little children, often, to keep dust from attaching to food or fingers and being consumed.
- Tell your legislators to support policies that will eliminate toxic flame retardants from consumer products, especially products intended for kids. Even the most conscientious consumer can’t avoid every toxic chemical— which is why we need policies that eliminate these chemicals once and for all.
