This study on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats was released in June 2015 by the nonprofit Ecology Center at www.HealthyStuff.org. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of seats purchased and tested in 2014 contained hazardous halogenated flame retardants and over half contained non-halogenated organophosphate flame retardants, some of which are hazardous as well. The study finds that the flame retardant chemicals and alternatives used by companies are poorly regulated, putting consumers at risk, and questions the fire safety benefit of using these chemicals. Top rated companies in the study, Britax and Clek, have been proactively implementing policies to reduce hazards in their products while still meeting all safety standards. The poorest performing company was Graco.
Published on June 15, 2015