Study:unsafe chemicals in baby products

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A study from an environmental organization found hazardous and untested flame retardants in baby products sold around the country, including Michigan.

The Environmental Science & Technology Journal published the results of their study on car seats, nursing pillows, changing pads, crib wedges, bassinet mattresses and other items made with polyurethane foam.

Of the 101 products analyzed, 80% "contained chemical flame retardants that, while legal , are considered toxic or lack adequate health safety data," the group said in a release.

In Michigan, 18 products were sampled, including items from Dexbaby, Sassy, Summer Infant, Graco, The First Years, Boppy and Especially for Baby. Of those, the group claims:

83% contained halogenated flame retardant chemicals
44% had a flame retardant, TDCPP , removed from children's pajamas in the 1970s
17% contained a flame retardant on which the EPA wants more testing.

"This is another example of potentially hazardous chemicals showing up in childrens products, without any labeling or parental right to know," Legislative and Policy Director for the Michigan Network for Childrens Environmental Health Alexis Blizman said in a statement. "The Michigan Legislature needs to pass safe childrens products legislation to give parents the right to know about toxic chemicals in the products they buy for their kids."

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Environmental Science & Technology -- report