SAY WHAT?! Study reckons car seats made to protect children could contain toxic chemicals that do them more harm than good
A study released earlier this month by US environmental organisation Ecology Centre in Michigan found that more than 60percent of the 150 car seats they tested "contained one or more hazardous chemicals".
The US study tested seats sold in that country which included models from Britax, Chicco, Graco and Peg Perego manufacturers among others. These four manufacturers also supply the South African market but with different model car seats.
The car seats available in South Africa were not involved in the study, and were not tested for the chemicals they contain.
Marc Hoar, who imports Britax, Bambino and Graco car seats, said those available in South Africa "have to meet the European safety standards. They are tested and certified there. You won't find any US-made car seat" for sale in South Africa, he said.
Researchers tested the seats for hazardous chemicals including lead, bromine, chlorine, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury which have been linked to acute allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer.
Researchers performed the tests as they were concerned because, "babies spend many hours in their car seats, and sometimes even nap in them when they are not in the car".
'Car seat could harm rather than protect baby'
SAY WHAT?! Study reckons car seats made to protect children could contain toxic chemicals that do them more harm than good
A study released earlier this month by US environmental organisation Ecology Centre in Michigan found that more than 60percent of the 150 car seats they tested "contained one or more hazardous chemicals".
The US study tested seats sold in that country which included models from Britax, Chicco, Graco and Peg Perego manufacturers among others. These four manufacturers also supply the South African market but with different model car seats.
The car seats available in South Africa were not involved in the study, and were not tested for the chemicals they contain.
Marc Hoar, who imports Britax, Bambino and Graco car seats, said those available in South Africa "have to meet the European safety standards. They are tested and certified there. You won't find any US-made car seat" for sale in South Africa, he said.
Researchers tested the seats for hazardous chemicals including lead, bromine, chlorine, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury which have been linked to acute allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity and cancer.
Researchers performed the tests as they were concerned because, "babies spend many hours in their car seats, and sometimes even nap in them when they are not in the car".
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