Chemical Safety Project News

RALEIGH— Toxic chemicals can be found in common baby products, according to a new report released at a press conference held today at Raleigh’s Playspace Museum by the statewide advocacy group, North Carolina Public Interest Research Group, NCPIRG. “The Right Start: The Need to Eliminate Toxic Chemicals from Baby Products,” documents toxic chemicals, including phthalates and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in teethers, bath books, and sleep accessories.

“A child’s first few years are an exciting time for parents who hope that their child starts his or her life happy and healthy,” said NCPIRG’s Field Organizer, Breanna Peterson. “Unfortunately, parents do not have the information they need to adequately protect their children from toxic chemicals. Our government should give parents this information, and ultimately remove toxic chemicals from children’s products.”

NCPIRG tested seven infant sleep accessories, such as mattress pads and sleep wedges, for the presence of PBDEs or toxic flame retardants, and eighteen other children’s products, such as bath books and teethers, for the presence of a set of chemicals known as phthalates. NCPIRG found that:

• Three of the seven infant sleep accessories tested contained toxic flame retardants in the foam materials. For example, the Leachco Sleep ‘n Secure 3-in-1 Infant Sleep Positioner, and the First Years’ Adjustable Air Flow Sleep Positioner both contained these chemicals.
• Fifteen of the eighteen tested bath books, teethers, bath toys and other products tested positive for phthalates in their materials. For example, teethers made by Especially for Baby were found to contain DBP, a type of phthalate classified as a reproductive toxicant and banned in the European Union.
• Two products-- Sassy’s “Who Loves Baby? Photo Book” and “Hello Bee, Hello Me Book”—were both labeled “phthalate-free.” NCPIRG’s research discovered two types of phthalates, DEHP and DBP, in these products. These two chemicals are banned in children’s products in the European Union.

NCPIRG released this report today as part of a nationwide effort to draw attention to the problem of toxic chemicals in baby products. More than 20 state PIRGs and Environment groups released this report.

"We appreciate the efforts of NCPIRG to make parents aware of the potential dangers of some baby products,” said Barbara Bradley, Executive Director of the North Carolina Child Advocacy Institute. “Parents must be constantly vigilant in carrying out their awesome responsibilities in protecting their children."

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are a set of chemicals used to slow the spread of fire. These chemicals have been linked to a host of health concerns, including impaired learning and memory, reproductive defects, cancer, and impaired immune systems. In addition, levels of these chemicals found in the breast milk of American women and some fetuses are approaching levels shown to impair learning and cause behavior problems in mice. Two of these chemicals have been banned in nine states, and the federal government has taken action to stop new production of these chemicals. However, the federal government still allows importation of products containing these chemicals.

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used in many plastic products to improve flexibility and in personal care products to bind fragrance to the product. These chemicals have been linked to premature birth, reproductive defects, and early onset of puberty. People are exposed to phthalates through everyday contact with household and personal care products, as well as through contact with indoor air and dust. The European Union has imposed a ban on three types of phthalates in all children’s products, and has banned three other types from use in mouthing products marketed for children under three.

“We are so pleased that the North Carolina Product Interest Research Group chose to make their announcement at Playspace Children's Museum because one of our goals is to provide educational materials of interest to parents”, said Julie Paul, Executive Director of Playspace Children’s Museum. She added, “if parents are concerned about providing safe products for their children, we urge them to contact their elected officials.”

In the absence of government information and protection, NCPIRG recommended that parents avoid allowing children to put polyvinylchlroide (PVC) plastic toys in their mouths, instead using glass containers for food and drink storage when possible. In washing plastic products, parents were advised to avoid harsh dishwashing soap and hot water, both of which speed up the leaching process.

“Parents cannot be expected to deal with these issues on their own,” said Peterson. “The U.S. government must act to assist parents and ensure that products on the market are not potentially harmful for children.”

NCPIRG called on the U.S. government to:

• Phase out the most dangerous chemicals, particularly from children’s products. Until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency acts, NCPIRG called on state governments to fill the regulatory gap and support policies to phase out potentially hazardous chemicals as well.
• Reform U.S. chemicals policy to ensure that manufacturers and industrial users provide the public with adequate information about their products. NCPIRG called on Senators Burr and Dole to cosponsor the Kids-Safe Chemicals Act, which was introduced earlier this year.
• The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) should protect consumers from dangerous products by labeling products that contain potentially hazardous chemicals, and then requiring manufacturers to remove chemicals that pose a particular threat to fetuses, infants, and children.