California has a Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants (PBDEs or polybrominated diphenyl ethers) that took effect his year.  “PBDEs are dangerous chemicals that accumulate in breast milk and harm child development.  They have been found across the globe in both humans and animals, and accumulation levels are rising.”  Several other states have followed California.  If you live in other states, you may want to verify this.

This material has been used on car upholstery, mattresses,  televisions, electronics, computers, and residential upholstered furniture in an effort to make items more safe during fires. So be sure to ask about this chemical when buying these items. The health effects are largely unknown but some studies have linked them to reduce motor skills and cognitive abilities in children, as well as fertility problems.

Toxic Additives in Baby Products

A recent study by the Green Science Policy Institute in Berkeley found that 80% of baby products contained chemical flame retardants that are either known to be toxic or have not been tested.

A recent UC Berkeley study recently found that children in the Salinas Valley are contaminated with a high level of flame retardants, mainly from old furniture. Be careful when buying old furniture, especially if it’s falling apart.

You may find more labels like this on products that do not use PBDEs and do not meet fire safety standards.