STUDY – Hazardous Chemicals Found in Popular Child Car Seats

On Thursday, June 4th, the nonprofit Ecology Center will be releasing its fifth report on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats at www.healthystuff.org.

Dangerous

Research shows that many of these products are made with dangerous chemicals. Those that may pose serious health risks for children.

The report is the fifth in a series of studies looking at chemical hazards in children’s car seats. Since 2006, the Ecology Center has tested over 370 children’s car seats. Most noteworthy and provided recommendations to parents and manufacturers. Anyone looking to buy a new car seat can consult these rankings. Especially for guidance on selecting a car seat with fewer chemical hazards. We encourage everyone to always properly install and use a car seat.

Chemicals tested for include:

1. a variety of hazardous chemicals used as flame retardants
2. bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants)
3. chlorine (indicating the presence of chlorinated flame retardants when detected in a certain range of concentration), and heavy metals.

Such chemicals have been linked to health problems such as liver, thyroid and developmental problems in children. Babies are the most vulnerable population in terms of exposure to chemical-laden dust particles. Especially since their systems are still developing.

Testing

The Ecology Center tested 15 infant, convertible and booster car seats. In addition, it found that while most seats still contain dangerous chemicals, some companies have taken big steps. Especially towards reducing chemical hazards.

Conclusion Weight to Toxicity

There was a new study in the European Journal of Paediatric Obesity. For it was conducted by researchers in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and England.

Results?

31% of 6-month-old children were found to be higher in weight.

They also found that the children’s weight development was strongly associated with the amount of their mothers’ exposure to the toxic metals. I mean like cadmium, lead and mercury. The study also found a dose response relationship between the amount of these toxic metals in the mother’s blood and the child’s weight development.

In addition, the study also found a strong correlation between the number of toxic metals in the baby’s blood and the child’s weight gain between 6 and 12 months of age.

At a time when so many people are searching for ways to help their children lead a healthier life and avoid becoming higher in weight. So this research helps provide the necessary evidence. Especially so that parents take the time to seriously consider before choosing a child car seat.