U.S. PIRG tested seven infant sleep accessories, such as mattress pads and sleep wedges, for the presence of PBDEs or toxic flame retardants, and eighteen other children’s products, such as bath books and teethers, for the presence of a set of chemicals known as phthalates. The report was written by U.S. PIRG Environmental Health Advocate Meghan Purvis:

“Parents cannot be expected to deal with these issues on their own. The U.S. government must act to assist parents and ensure that products on the market are not potentially harmful for children." Purvis said.

The report found that in the absence of federl leadership, state governments are already acting to protect their citizens. Nine states have phased out two types of flame retardants from consumer products, and the California legislature is considering a proposal to ban phthalates and another chemical, bisphenol-A, from children’s products.

PIRG was joined at the event by Dr. Larry Silver, past president of the Learning Disabilities Association of America and current Clinical Professor at Georgetown Medical Center.

“Normal brain development is impaired by exposure to toxins, such as flame retardants and phthalates, often resulting in learning and other developmental disabilities. There is an immense disconnect and unacceptable delay between scientific data and public awareness and prevention,� said Dr. Silver.