The American Chemical Society recently released results of a study on flame retardants found in baby products. An article on the study appears in its publication Environmental Science & Technology (linked below). In 2004, the manufacturer of PentaBDE voluntarily phased out production of the then-most commonly applied flame retardant mixture in the polyurethane foam used in furniture and other consumer products. Since then, there has been little analysis of the effects of alternative flame retardants. The concern over exposure to chemical additives, particularly of infants, prompted this survey and study of baby products that contain polyurethane foam with their replacement flame retardants.
The study is based on analysis of baby products such as car seats, changing table pads, portable mattresses, and baby carriers. In a written statement, the American Chemistry Council comments, "This study attempts to examine the existence of certain flame retardants in a small sampling of children's products; it does not address exposure or risk."
Researchers found that, of the sample baby products tested, 80% contained a known and identifiable flame retardant. They conclude that further research is warranted to investigate the effects of infants’ exposure to the flame retardants in these products.
