Boston, MA –Popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats purchased in Massachusetts, contain toxic flame retardants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new report released today by the Alliance for a Healthy Tomorrow, Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States. Children and families are exposed to the compounds, called Tris chemicals, when they escape from household items and contaminate house dust and indoor air.  In Massachusetts, legislation that would replace toxic chemicals like toxic flame retardants with safer alternatives was recently reported from the Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture Committee and is pending for consideration in the State Senate.

“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about hidden toxic chemicals in their child’s nursing pillow or car seat,” said Sen. Katherine Clark, (D-Melrose) co-sponsor of the Safer Alternatives bill (S.2079) and mother of three.  “Where there are safer alternatives that prevent exposure to chemicals that can cause cancer and other chronic illnesses, we can and must do a better job of protecting our children.”

The report, Hidden Hazards In the Nursery, found toxic flame retardants in 85% (17 of 20) of new baby and children’s products tested, including bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats. The most prevalent flame retardant found was chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), a chemical voluntarily removed from children’s pajamas in the 1970s when it was found to cause adverse health effects. Chlorinated Tris was present in 80% of the products (16 of 20). California recently classified chlorinated Tris as a carcinogen, and evidence links the chemical to neurotoxicity as well as hormone disruption.

Several children’s products did not contain Tris flame retardants, demonstrating it is possible to make products without Tris chemicals. Products that tested negative for Tris flame retardants were: Eddie Bauer Pop-up Booster Seat, Balboa Nursing Pillow, and First Years Co-Sleeper.  Other companies that are known to not use Tris flame retardants include Boppy, Orbit Baby, and Baby Bjorn.

“Protecting people from fire is critical, but we can do it without exposing firefighters and children to chemicals that harm their health. This study shows it is possible to make safe products without cancer-causing flame retardants,” said Tolle Graham, spokesperson for Massachusetts Coalition on Occupational Safety and Health.

“Cancer-causing chemicals like toxic flame retardants have no business being in products we bring into our homes, especially in items for kids who are more vulnerable to chemical exposures,” said Cindy Luppi, Clean Water Action regional director.  “Our laws need to change to catch up with modern science and jump on these cancer prevention opportunities.”

“I shouldn’t have to be a scientist to protect my children from toxic chemicals in things they use everyday,” said Erin Boles, Dedham mom and Interim Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition. “It’s frustrating to find out the products my kids use contain harmful chemicals and that the government allows it. Our state legislature needs to take action to get these chemicals out of products and make sure companies don’t just switch to something worse.”

More and more states are passing laws to address toxic threats in response to the failure of the federal law regulating chemicals. In the last 10 years, 18 states have passed more than 70 laws to protect public health from harmful chemicals.  In Congress, the Safe Chemicals Act of 2011, sponsored by Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), proposes a common sense overhaul of the 35-year old Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). The proposed law would ensure chemical companies provide full information on health and safety before a chemical is allowed on the market and preserve the rights of states to protect their residents with stronger standards.