Earthly matters

Toxic Chemicals Found in Baby Products Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), the most common toxic flame retardants, are contaminating our children! In a November 2005 report put out by U.S. PIRG and Environment California, titled The Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products the following results were shown:

Seven infant sleep accessories were tested. An unsettling presence of PBDE’s were found within these products. As well a number of toxic chemicals known as phthalates were found in 18 other children’s products, such as bath books and teethers.
Three of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained PBDEs in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years’ Air Flow Sleep Positioner contained these chemicals.
Fifteen of the 18 bath books, teethers, bath toys and other products tested for phthalates contained these chemicals in their materials. For example, a teether made by Gund contained DBP, a type of phthalate classified as a reproductive toxicant. It is banned in the European Union.
One product Sassy’s “Who Loves Baby?” photo book was labelled “phthalate-free.” U.S. PIRG’s research discovered two types of phthalates, DEHP and DBP in this product.

DEHP and DBP have been banned in children’s products in the European Union and in nine states in the U.S. The U.S. federal government has taken action to stop new production of these chemicals, however, the federal government still allows importation of products containing these chemicals.
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