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News Release | Maryland PIRG | Consumer Protection

State Lawmakers Address Hidden Hazards In the Nursery

Popular baby products, including nursing pillows and car seats, contain toxic flame retardants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new report released by Maryland PIRG. The report is from Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States. Children and families are exposed to the compounds, called Tris chemicals, when they escape from household items and contaminate house dust and indoor air. 

Report | Maryland PIRG, WTC, Safer States | Consumer Protection

Hidden Hazards in the Nursery

Parents expect the products they buy for their babies to be safe. But new testing of 20 baby and children’s products, including bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats, has found toxic flame retardants in 85% of the items.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Phthalates Fact Sheet

Phthalates are chemicals added to PVC plastic to make it soft and flexible. Among many other things, they are used in soft plastic toys and other baby products, such as teethers, bath books, and rubber ducks. Because phthalates are not chemically bonded to PVC molecules, phthalates are given off freely by PVC. Because children have a natural tendency to suck on objects as a way of exploring the world around them, phthalates can leach out of these products and enter their bodies.

Resource | Consumer Protection

ToxFAQs

Department of Health and Human Services: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease.

Resource | Consumer Protection

Lauren's Story

Maryland citizens are raising their voices against toxic chemicals in children's products.

Report | Consumer Protection

Trouble in Toyland: The 26th Annual Survey of Toy Safety

The 2011 Trouble in Toyland report is our 26th annual survey of toy safety. In this report, we provide safety guidelines for consumers when purchasing toys for young children and provide examples of toys currently on store shelves that may pose potential safety hazards.

News Release | Consumer Protection

Survey Finds Toxic or Dangerous Toys on Store Shelves

Dangerous or toxic toys can still be found on America’s store shelves, according to a Maryland Public Interest Research Group’s 26th annual Trouble in Toyland report.

Issue | Consumer Protection

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Maryland PIRG’s consumer program works to alert the public to hidden dangers and scams and to ban anti-consumer practices and unsafe products.

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