Press Releases
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 […]
Seattle, WA –Most couches contain high levels of untested or toxic flame retardants linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and other health effects, according to a new peer-reviewed study appearing today in Environmental Science and Technology. Health advocates are urging state legislators to pass the Toxic-Free Kids and Families Act, a bill that would phase out […]
Seattle, WA – According to new testing, perfumes used by tweens contain secret hormone-disrupting ingredients that should have been reported under state law. The research, conducted by the Washington Toxics Coalition, found that some makers of children’s products are flouting state law by failing to report the presence of phthalates in their products to the […]
(Seattle, WA) – For the first time makers of children’s products are disclosing the presence in their products of 66 toxic chemicals that are a concern to children’s health. The reports filed with the Washington State Department of Ecology represent the most comprehensive disclosure of chemical use in children’s products in the nation. Chemicals reported […]
(Seattle, WA) – Today the Washington State Department of Ecology granted a petition for rulemaking to designate the toxic flame retardant chlorinated Tris (TDCPP) a Chemical of High Concern for Children. The designation would trigger the legal requirement that makers of children’s products disclose to Ecology and the public whether any of their products contain […]