My SIL just sent me a link to a news report concerning dangerous chemicals found in children's car seats. The article, posted by CTV Calgary.ca, is below.
A research report on toxic chemicals in children's car seats was released by the Ecology Center on Wednesday and found over half contained toxic chemicals.
Over 150, 2011 model car seats were tested for bromine, chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals and allergens.
While some seats were found to be virtually free of the most dangerous chemicals, over 60 percent contained at least one of the chemicals tested for.
The substances have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer in children.
The reports says that babies are the most vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and they spend a lot of time 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 Mist
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 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater, and Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe
Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders
To read the full news release, visit the Healthy Stuff website.
Is it wrong that I am thrilled that the cheaper seats are also the least toxic?????
ReplyDeleteHorrified by that article. Sometimes, with all the chemicals in EVERYTHING (my latest fixation is parabens in sunscreen, shampoos, soaps, etc...), we are all doomed.
Julia xxx
ummmm....we have the Britax Marathon! Don't you too?? Uh oh!
ReplyDeleteHeather xo
Yes, we have the Marathon 65. The Marathon 70 is only available in the US, which is where the study was conducted. I did some deeper digging and found that although the newer version (Marathon 70) was only considered in this recent study, the 65 was looked at earlier (2009, I believe). Results included the Marathon in onyx (which is the one we all have). The research director, Jeff Gearhart, had this to say: "We don't want anyone to stop using a car seat simply based on the results of our testing..." "The hazards of not using a car seat far outweigh those of exposure to the chemicals we tested for."
ReplyDeleteHere are Gearhart's tips for keeping your family safe from toxic chemicals:
1. Use a solar barrier in your windshield to reduce heat and exposure to UV rays inside the car. Gearhart also recommends rolling down the car's windows and opening the doors to let the vehicle air out before loading your children in.
2. Make sure to wash your hands and your children's hands after riding in the car. "We are all familiar with the hand-to-mouth behavior of young children," he says. "By washing their hands regularly and washing the surfaces they touch, we can reduce some of the exposure."
I think we will reconsider getting another Britax Marathon for our second car.