June 14th, 2007
Child Advocacy Organizations Disagree with Report Suggesting Car Seats Pose Threat to Children
A small Michigan-based non-profit, the Ecology Group, released a report in May suggesting your child's car seat may be brimming with toxins. According to the study, 30 percent of the 62 car seats tested contained potentially dangerous chemicals. The report, which analyzed infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats, suggests that as these products age, the plastics can degrade, inadvertently exposing your child to chemical-laden dust. The process is accelerated by exposure to moderate heat and UV rays. The toxins in question-lead, bromine, and heavy metal allergens-have been linked to liver, thyroid, and developmental problems. Of course, as a parent, this all sounds pretty scary. But you needn't panic.
After reading the report, we at EliteCarSeats.com began consulting with experts. We were relieved to discover that although the Ecology Group study garnered considerable media attention, many respected institutions disagree with the report's implications. The findings are, in fact, quite controversial.
Authorities at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA), for example, strongly disagree with the study's finding. Both groups concur that although it is true some of the 62 car seats do contain toxic chemical compounds, none contain levels that could be harmful. In fact, according to Michael Shannon, Chairman of the AAP Office of Environmental Affairs, casual exposure poses no threat at all. "The chemicals cannot be absorbed through the skin," says Shannon. "And even if a child touches the car seat and put her hands in her mouth, she's not going have a problem. In fact, short of eating a piece of the car seat, there's really no risk at all."
To put the study findings in perspective, keep in mind that these toxins are not merely a component of car seats. They can also be found in common household objects, as well as your car's interior. Your steering wheel, instrument panel, and arm rests, for example, may also contain the offending chemicals. But again, as long as you're not eating them, most experts concur that these products are not detrimental to your child's health. What does concern groups like AAP and JPMA is that an unnecessary panic over car seat toxins will discourage parents from properly restraining their children. And this, unlike the toxins, is worrisome.
Given all we know, EliteCarSeats.com feels confident that each and every car seat and child safety product we sell is safe for your child to use. If, however, you still have concerns, we encourage you to do your own research. To read the Ecology Center's full report go to HealthyCar.org. We also suggest you look at CNN's report on the topic. Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta does an excellent job of allaying consumer fears. Also check out the JPMA statement on the report.