Hazardous Flame Retardants and Chemical Additives Found in

Over Half of 2011 Child Car Seats Tested by HealthyStuff.org

Toxic Chemicals Linked to Allergies, Birth Defects, Impaired Learning, Liver Toxicity, and Cancer

The latest research on toxic chemicals in children’s car seats was released last week by the nonprofit Ecology Center at the consumer-friendly site, www.HealthyStuff.org. While some seats were found to be virtually free of the most dangerous chemicals, over half (60%) contained at least one of the chemicals tested for.

Over 150, 2011-model car seats were tested for bromine (associated with brominated flame retardants); chlorine (indicating the presence of polyvinyl chloride, or PVC and plasticizers); lead; other heavy metals, and allergens. These substances have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer. Heat and UV-ray exposure in cars can accelerate the breakdown of these chemicals and possibly increase their toxicity. Babies are the most vulnerable population in terms of exposure, since their bodily systems are still developing and they spend many hours in their car seats.

Most Toxic 2011 Car Seats:

• Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey



• Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum



• Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Misty

Least Toxic 2011 Car Seats:

• Infant Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay & Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche



• Convertible Carseat: Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, Safety 1^st OnSide Air in Clearwater, andGraco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe



• Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders

Overall, car seats are improving in terms of their toxicity levels. Since 2008, when the Ecology Center first started doing this research, average car seat rankings have improved by 64%.

For a complete list of car seat rankings and chemical composition visit www.HealthyStuff.org.