Over thirty years after chemical flame retardants were removed from children's pajamas because they were suspected of being carcinogens. More research shows that a chemical is prevalent in baby products that have polyurethane foam including nursing pillows, car seats and highchairs. The research does not tell if the chemical has been absorbed by children. But it does tell that researchers suggest that infants who use the products have higher exposure to the chemical than the government recommends. They found chlorinated Tris, in children’s pajamas in the 1970s. Although, it was not banned at the time. The Consumer Product Safety Commission now says that it “may pose a significant health risk to consumers.” Researchers found that 1/3 of baby products were tested and contained chlorinated Tris. Eighty of the products had chemical flame retardants of some kind. Some are considered toxic, but legal to use. Among the products examined were changing table pads, sleep positioners, portable mattresses, baby carriers, rocking chairs and highchairs. Fourteen products had the flame retardant TCEP, which the State of California describes as a cancer. It got banned in many countries, but not the United States but some states including New York. Overall toxic chemicals are in our homes at high levels; and right now, people don’t know much about it. California standard, passed in 1975, requires that polyurethane foam in upholstered furniture be able to withstand an open flame for 12 seconds without catching fire. It's becoming much better.
Work Cited:
nytimes.com
May 17, 2011
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/18/business/18chemical.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=science%20and%20technology&st=cse
