Killer Cribs

Study finds toxic chemicals in baby products

Toxic fire retardant chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects and other health problems are prevalent in common baby products, according to a recent study released by national environmental group Friends of the Earth.

The study, “Killer Cribs: Protecting Infants and Children from Toxic Exposure,” is part of a story that aired recently on the CBS Evening News. It finds that these toxic chemicals, called halogenated fire retardants, appear in a high percentage of baby products, including portable cribs, strollers, car seats and infant carriers. Because of their prevalence in common household products, these chemicals have been found in breast milk and in children. 

Friends of the Earth’s Sara Schedler, the report’s lead author says, “We sampled a wide variety of children’s products, and what we found was alarming. Toxic chemicals are being put into products that children and babies interact with on a regular basis, endangering their health.”

The group is working with organizations including, MOMS: Making Our Milk Safe and MomsRising.org, to encourage baby and children’s product manufacturers to end the use of toxic fire retardant chemicals in their products. The groups are encouraging hundreds of thousands of activists and consumers to contact Graco and request that it take the lead within its industry by dropping the use of these chemicals.

The findings in the report are based on a sample of 150 baby products and 350 pieces of household furniture from California stores and residences.  More information is available from Friends of the Earth at www.foe.org.