Study Finds Sixty Percent of Children’s Car Seats Contain Toxic Chemicals

A recent study found that about sixty percent of children’s car seats contain at least one toxic chemical. The study was conducted by the nonprofit environmental organization the Ecology Center and was published on the consumer site HealthyStuff.org.

Over 150 children’s car seats from model year 2011 were tested in the study. Specifically, the seats were tested for lead, chlorine, and bromine, as well as other allergens and heavy metals. Bromine is associated with flame retardants, and chlorine may indicate the presence of plasticizers, PVC, or polyvinyl chloride. All of these substances may be linked to such risks as liver toxicity, impaired learning, cancer, birth defects, allergies, and more. The breakdown of these chemicals can be accelerated by UV-ray exposure and heat, which may also increase their toxicity. In particular, babies are at-risk in relation of exposure, since their bodies are still developing and they spend a significant amount of hours in car seats.
The study found that the most toxic car seats from 2011 model years were as follows:

• For infant car seats, the Graco Snugride 35 in the Edgemont Red/Black colors as well as the Graco Snugride 30 in Asprey
• For convertible car seats, the Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set and Platinum colors
• For booster seats, the Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal and the Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Misty

The least toxic car seats from 2011 model years were the following:

• For infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, the Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche, and the Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay
• For convertible car seats, the Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, the Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, the Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe, and the Safety 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater
• For booster seats, the Graco Turbo Booster in Anders

Overall, however, in terms of toxicity levels, children’s car seats are improving. Since 2008, the average car seat rankings for toxicity have improved by about 64 percent, according to the Ecology Center.

If your child has been injured due to negligence, consulting with a child injury lawyer in Louisville can help you understand what legal options are available, as well as the best course of action to take to hold those responsible for your child’s suffering accountable in a court of law.