Nearly forty years ago, flame-retardant pajamas were taken off the market after they were discovered to be the cause of adverse health effects in children. Today, the same problem has been discovered in relation to many children’s toys.
A recent study conducted by the Washington Toxics Coalition found that sixteen out of twenty baby and children’s products tested contained large amounts of chlorinated Tris. Products tested included changing pads, bassinets, car seats, and nursing pillows.
According to the Coalition, chlorinated Tris, or TDCCP, is a flame-retardant chemical that is now used in a number of children’s toys. On one hand, the product is effective in meeting flame-retardant standards, making the products (in a way) safer. On the other hand, the TDCCP has been known to escape from the products it was applied to and mix in with dust that travels throughout family households. Therefore, it can land on anything from toys to food.
TDCCP was recently declared a carcinogen in California. The Consumer Product Safety Commission also concluded that the chemical increases the risk of developing cancer. Other studies have shown that TDCCP has reduced sperm counts in men, altered hormone levels in women, and caused DNA mutations in animals.
In light of these concerns, Washington lawmakers introduced a bill two days ago, proposing to ban the use of the compound in children’s products in amounts beyond 50 parts per million. Representative Mary Lou Dickerson of Seattle was adamant that “parents shouldn’t have to be chemists to know whether or not a product is safe for their child.”
If you or a loved one has been injured by exposure to TDCCP or any other dangerous chemical, please visit our firm’s toxic tort site for further information. You may also contact us by filling out the form below.
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