Press Releases
(Seattle, WA) A new report released today by the Washington State Department of Ecology provides more support for the legislature to act on the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (HB 1174/SB 5684), which bans certain toxic flame retardants in kids’ products and furniture. The report, requested by the Legislature, recommends the Legislature restrict the use […]
Several of the nation’s largest retailers have eliminated or begun phasing out furniture with chemicals known as toxic flame retardants, which have been linked to cancer and learning and developmental disabilities in children.
SEATTLE, WA – Scientists have been puzzling over why toxic flame retardant chemicals used in products in our homes, like couches and TVs, are showing up in Puget Sound, rivers, and other waters across the state. Now they have an answer thanks to a new peer-reviewed study published today in the journal Environmental Science & […]
Seattle, WA – Makers of children’s products have reported widespread use of harmful chemicals under a reporting requirement of the landmark Washington state 2008 Children’s Safe Products Act (CSPA). “What’s on Your List? Toxic Chemicals in Your Shopping Cart,” reveals the prevalence of chemicals that can cause cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive and developmental problems […]
Olympia, WA — Most children’s furniture contains toxic flame retardant chemicals linked to serious health problems, according to a new study released by the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC). Environmental health advocates, firefighters, faith leaders and developmental disabilities advocates are urging state legislators to pass the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (ESHB 1294), a bill that would phase out the […]
After one 105-day regular session, two special sessions and despite strong scientific evidence, tremendous public support and a coalition of over 50 public health, religious and fire service organizations, the legislature failed to adopt a comprehensive ban on ineffective toxic flame-retardants used in children’s products and furniture.
For Immediate Release -- Over 5000 children’s products contain toxic chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and reproductive problems according to reports filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology). An analysis of the reports by the Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States found that makers of kids’ products reported using a total of 41 chemicals identified by Ecology as a concern for children’s health, including toxic metals such as cadmium, mercury, and antimony, and organic compounds such as phthalates. Major manufacturers who reported using the chemicals in their products include Walmart, Gap, Gymboree, Hallmark, and H & M.
Olympia, WA – New chemical reports filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology show children’s product manufacturer Graco is using the harmful chemical flame retardant TBBPA in its products. TBBPA has been shown to affect thyroid hormone activity in laboratory studies. It may affect nervous system function as well. Graco recently made headlines by […]
(Olympia, WA) – The Washington State House of Representatives passed a ban on toxic flame retardants in home furniture and children’s products late last night by a vote of 53-44. The Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act (HB 1294), sponsored by Rep. Kevin Van De Wege (D-Sequim), would ban the use of the harmful flame retardants […]
(Seattle, WA) – Children’s nap mats purchased in Washington state contain harmful flame retardant chemicals, according to independent testing commissioned by the Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC). The flame retardant chemicals found in the nap mats, which are used in daycares, have been linked to cancer, genetic damage, impacts on fertility and reproductive health, allergies, hormone […]