Hidden Hazards in the Nursery

Popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats, contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new report authored by the Washington Toxics Coalition and released today by Clean and Healthy New York. Children and families are exposed to these Tris chemicals when they escape from products and contaminate house dust and indoor air.

“Appallingly, this is just one study in a long line documenting toxic chemicals in the products families rely upon.  No parent would deliberately expose their baby in this way.  Product makers need to stop simply moving darting from one toxic chemical as it is banned to another,” said Bobbi Chase Wilding, contributor to the study and Deputy Director for Clean and Healthy New York. “Further state action is needed to end this toxic shell game. ”

Cancer Causing Chemicals Contaminate Baby Bubble Baths

Despite label claims like “gentle” and “pure,” dozens of top-selling children’s bath products are contaminated with the cancer-causing chemicals formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane, according to a new report and product tests released today by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the JustGreen Partnership. The chemicals are not disclosed on product labels because contaminants are exempt from labeling laws.

The Campaign study is the first to document the widespread presence of both formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane in bath products for children, such as shampoos and soaps. Formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane are known to cause cancer in animals, and are listed as probable human carcinogens by the US EPA. Formaldehyde can also trigger skin rashes in some children.

JustGreen Calls for State Action on Toxics in Kids Products

As of this Tuesday, February 10th, the federal government requires companies to limit lead and phthalates in products intended for children under the age of 12. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has delayed testing requirements, but companies are still required to remove children's products that exceed the standards of 600 parts per million of lead.

Today, JustGreen Partners gathered at the State Legislative Office Building to report on what they found on store shelves, and to renew their call for broader action to protect children from toxic dangers. The good news is that lead is not appearing in many of the kinds of products Clean New York previously found lead in during toy testing over past several years.