Potentially toxic flame retardants found in baby goods

A study by US scientists has detected the use of potentially toxic flame retardants in a number of items intended for use by babies.

In a study, published in American Chemical Society's (ACS) journal Environmental Science & Technology, the team of Heather M Stapleton and her colleagues found potentially toxic flame retardants in car seats, bassinet mattresses, nursing pillows, high chairs, strollers, and other products designed for newborns, infants and toddlers that contain polyurethane foam.

In 2004, one of the most popular flame retardants, penta brominated diphenyl ethers (pentaBDE), was phased out following health concerns.

However, to meet government flammability standards other flame retardants had to be used, which, the study pointed out, have less health data available about them.

The team of US scientists detected the potentially toxic flame retardants in 80 per cent of the polyurethane foam samples collected from 101 common baby products.

Some of them contained compounds associated with the banned pentaBDE, while some potential carcinogens were also identified.

"Future studies are warranted to specifically measure infants' exposure to these flame retardants from intimate contact with these products, and to determine if there are any associated health concerns," the report claimed.