2006/2007 guide to child car seats - ecology center · the car seat, in comparison to all other car...

2006/2007 GUIDE TO CHILD CAR SEATS

A REPORT BY THE ECOLOGY CENTER

AUTHORSJeff Gearhart, Hans Posselt, Claudette Juska & Charles Griffith

May 2007

2 – T H E E C O L O G Y C E N T E R – W W W . H E A L T H Y C A R . O R G

A C K N O W L E D G M E N T SThe Ecology Center would like to extendspecial thanks to our many colleagueswho provided valuable feedback on thereport. We would also like to thankAndrea Villablanca and Hans Posselt fortheir technical assistance, as well as PaulStowe, Catherine Chang, and MeredithHaamen for their help sampling car seats.

For communications and outreach, wewould like to thank Shayna Samuels andGlenn Turner of Ripple Strategies, DavidGarrett of DG Communications, MichaelSnow of Snow Creative, Ted Sylvester,and Gregory Fox.

For supporting the ongoing work of theEcology Center and publication of thisreport, we would like to thank the JohnMerck Fund and the New York CommunityTrust.

The Ecology Center is solely responsiblefor the content of this report. The viewsand ideas expressed in this report do notnecessarily reflect the views and policiesof our funders.

E C O L O G Y C E N T E RThe Ecology Center is a Michigan-basednonprofit environmental organization thatworks for a safe and healthy environmentwhere people live, work and play. TheCenter’s Clean Car Campaign works toaddress environmental and health impactsof the production, use and disposal ofvehicles in the U.S.

117 North Division StreetAnn Arbor, MI 48104734.761.3186 (phone)734.663.2414 (fax)[email protected]

May 17, 2007

C O N TE N TS

3 Introduction

3 Using the Guide

5 Chemicals of Concern

5 Bromine

7 Chlorine

8 Lead

8 Other Chemicals, Allergens and

Heavy Metals

12 Alternatives

14 Car Seat Guide – Rankings By Seat Type

15 Car Seat Guide – Complete Test Results

A P P E N D I X

23 Understanding the Car Seat Ratings

23 Selecting the Chemicals of

Concern

26 Car Seat Sampling

31 Establishing the Relative Levels of

Concern

W W W . H E A L T H Y C A R . O R G - T H E E C O L O G Y C E N T E R – 3

IN TR O D U C TIO NSmog checks are required in some states tolimit pollution coming out of cars. But whatabout a car’s indoor air pollution?Consumers are increasingly concernedabout toxic chemicals that off-gas and leachfrom interior auto parts such as steeringwheels, dashboards and seats. This reportshows that the same toxic chemicals that areused to make interior auto components arealso used to make child car seats. Many ofthese chemicals can be harmful wheninhaled or ingested and may lead to severehealth impacts such as birth defects,learning disabilities and cancer.

Since the average American spends morethan 1.5 hours in a car every day1, toxicchemical exposure inside vehicles isbecoming a major source of potential indoorair pollution. Additionally, since childrenare most vulnerable to the health effectsassociated with these chemicals, their use inchild car seats is especially worrisome. Therating system also considers potentialhealth and environmental impacts duringthe production of materials and the end ofthe products useful life.

The good news is that some car seats arebetter than others. Toxic chemicals are notrequired to make car seats or indoor autoparts, and some manufacturers have begunto phase them out. Scientists andresearchers at the Ecology Center havecreated www.HealthyCar.org so thatconsumers can access information about thechemicals used in their child’s car seat orthe car seat they are thinking of purchasing.In addition to crash test ratings, car-buyerscan now learn if the materials in their carseat are safe for their child.

U S IN G TH E G U ID EThe HealthyCar.org 2006/2007 Guide toCar Seats includes test results from 62 seatssold by Toys “R” Us and Target in the U.S. 1 Dong, L.; Block, G.; Mandel, S. 2004. Activities contributingto total energy expenditure in teh United States: Resultsfrom the NHAPS study. Int. J. Behavioral Nutrition Phys.Activity 2004, 1, 4.

market in Dcember 2006. In each car seat, 2– 6 different components were sampledusing a portable, hand-held X-RayFlouresence2 (XRF) spectrometry device.The components sampled include: seatcushion, seat base, seat belt clip, fabric trimEPS foam and sun shade. The XRF deviceidentified the elemental composition of eachof these components. XRF tests are limitedto analysis of elements and do not revealthe compounds containing a particularelement. For example, the presence ofchlorine indicates a chlorine-containingcompound, such as PVC. Based on ourfindings, each car seat was given an overallcar seat rating, as well as chemical ratings forbromine, chlorine, lead and a group ofsubstances referred to as “other chemicals”.3

A detailed description of the rating systemis provided in the Appendix.

The overall car seat rating indicates therelative level of health and environmentalconcern associated with the materials inthe car seat, in comparison to all other carseats tested. The ratings range from 0 to 5,with 0 representing car seats with therelative lowest concern and 5 the relativehighest.

Each car seat is also assigned a relative levelof concern of low, medium or high. Car seatswith a low rating are indicated in green. Carseats with a high rating are indicated in red.All others received an average or mediumrating and are indicated in yellow.

The chemical ratings for bromine,chlorine, lead and other chemicals indicatethe relative concern associated with levels

2 More information about X-Ray Flouresence (XRF)spectrometry can be found in the Appendix. Moreinformation about the XRF device used by HealthyCar.orgcan be found at: http://www.innov-x-sys.com/home.php3 Other chemicals include: antimony, arsenic, chromium,cobalt, copper, mercury, nickel and tin.


of those elements detected in the car seat,compared to all other car seats tested.These ratings also range from 0 to 5, with 0representing car seats with the relativelowest concern and 5 the relative highest.

Table 1 below is a sample of the car seatratings for the infant type of car seats.

In addition, the online guide provides thedetection information for bromine, chlorine,lead, antimony, arsenic, chromium, cobalt,copper, nickel, mercury and tin in parts permillion in each individual car seatcomponent that was tested. A sample of thisdata is shown in Table 2. It also indicatesthe percent rank of any individual sample, ascompared to the same component in othercar seats.

HealthyCar.org ratings do not provide anyabsolute measure of health risk or chemicalexposure associated with any individual carseat, or any individual element or relatedchemical. HealthyCar.org ratings onlyprovide a relative measure of "level ofconcern" for a car seat in comparison to allcar seats sampled.

It is important to always use a child car seatno matter what rating it received. Inaddition to toxic chemicals, consumersshould also consider other issues, such assafety, and ease-of-use, when considering acar seat purchase. Visit HealthyCar.org tofind links to other helpful car seat shoppingtools.

For answers to frequently asked questionsabout the guide, refer towww.HealthyCar.org.

Ove

rall

Rat

ing

Bro

min

e

Ch

lori

ne

Lea

d

Oth

er C

hem

ical

s

Graco–SnugRide Emerson (8465EME3) 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.7Evenflo–Discovery Infant Churchill (3911698) 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.4Graco–SnugRide Lindsey (8465LRD3) 1.1 0.2 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SnugRide Family Tree (8645FMT2) 1.1 0.2 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SnugRide Windsor (8465EME) 1.3 0.3 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Pierson (8A00PSN) 1.4 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) French Roast (8A10FNR) 1.4 0.3 5.0 0.0 0.7Evenflo–Embrace DLX Infant (3961613) 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.0 2.1Graco–SnugRide Park Meadows (8646RRY3) 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.0 2.1Graco–SnugRide Josephine (8643JOS2) 2.3 1.8 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Roxy (8A05RXY) 2.4 1.9 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Heirloom (8A08HLR) 2.4 1.9 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Fusi on (8A03QST) 2.5 3.4 0.0 0.0 2.1Britax–Companion Monza (E9L8OC9) 2.5 3.4 0.0 0.0 2.1Peg Perego–Primo Viaggio Toffee (P73RU46) 3.8 3.5 5.0 0.0 2.9Combi–Centre EX Mango (808660) 5.0 5.0 5.0 0.0 5.0

Infant

Table 1: Car Seat Ratings for Infant Car Seats

PPM Rank % PPM Rank % PPM Rank %

Base 0 0% 0 0% 0 0%Clip 146 63% 0 0% 0 0%Seat 5,078 80% 0 0% 0 0%Shade 64,444 87% 0 0% 0 0%

COMPONENT

BROMINE CHLORINE LEAD

Table 2: Concentrations found in the Britax Companion Monza


C H E M I C A L S O FC O N C E R NCar seats and other indoor auto partscontain chemicals that are added during theproduction processes to impart specificproperties such as rigidity, durability orflame resistance. Many of these chemicalsare not chemically bound to the parts andare consequently released into theenvironment during the life of the product.One of the common ways chemicals arereleased is referred to as “off-gassing,” andevidence of this is sometimes present as awindow film or “fogging” that develops onthe inside of the windshield. Heat and UV-ray exposure can accelerate this process andmay also cause chemicals to break downinto more toxic compounds. Thesechemicals are inhaled or ingested by driversand passengers through dust and air,potentially causing allergic or other acutereactions, or even long-term health impactssuch as birth defects, impaired learning,liver toxicity and cancer. Children are oftenmore vulnerable to these health effects thanadults, since their systems are stilldeveloping.

The same chemicals that may cause humanhealth issues can also cause problems in theenvironment. When car seats and vehiclesare discarded at the end of their life, themajority of plastic and other nonmetallicparts are shredded and put into landfills orburned in incinerators. When discarded inlandfills, harmful chemicals contained in carseat and vehicle plastics and other materialscan leach out and contaminate soil andwater. When incinerated, toxic chemicalsare dispersed throughout the atmosphere.

While there are numerous chemicalcompounds in products like car seats andvehicles that may lead to health andenvironmental problems, HealthyCar.orgfocuses on chemicals containing theelements bromine, chlorine, and lead, aswell as other heavy metals, allergens andcarcinogens. All of these elements and theirrelated chemical compounds were chosenbecause of their toxicity, persistence, and

tendency to build up in people and theenvironment.

These substances were also chosen becausethey could be easily and quickly identifiedusing non-destructive methods. This wasessential since sampling for HealthyCar.orgwas limited to new car seats. In addition,these substances, or their elementalbuilding blocks, have been subject to eitherregulatory restrictions or voluntary limitsset by industry associations or third partyenvironmental certification organizations.

HealthyCar.org ratings do not provide anyabsolute measure of health risk or chemicalexposure associated with any individual carseat or vehicle, or any individual element orrelated chemical. HealthyCar.org ratingsonly provide a relative measure of "level ofconcern" for the car seats and vehiclessampled. The ratings allow comparisonbetween car seats based on the presence andlevels of chemicals of concern detected inthe car seats.

B R O M I N EDetection of bromine in a car seatcomponent indicates the likely presence of abrominated flame retardant (BFR). Anumber of different BFRs are commonlyused in car seats and vehicles components.While the sampling conducted forHealthyCar.org could not identify thechemical structure of the brominated flameretardant in a particular component,automakers in general use the followingthree BFRs.

Deca-Brominated Diphenyl EtherOne of the most common BFRs used in autoapplications in the U.S. is deca-brominateddiphenyl ether (decaBDE, or “deca”)4. Decais also used in many other products,including furniture, mattresses, televisions,and computers. In 2003, over 56,000 tons

4 Stuer-Lauridsen, F.; Havelund, S.; Birkved, M. 2000.Alternatives to brominated flame retardants, Screening forenvironmental and health data. Danish EPA.http://www.mst.dk/homepage/ (Accessed 03/08/07).


were used worldwide5. Deca is used atloadings of 10-15% weight in polymers andis always used in conjunction withantimony trioxide6. Deca is physicallymixed into the plastic during productionand can be released to the environment overthe life a product. It is becoming ubiquitousin homes, offices, and even the outdoorenvironment.

One of the major concerns with deca is thatit may “debrominate,” or break down whenexposed to UV radiation. Some of thebreakdown products include pentaBDE andoctaBDE, which have been phased-out bygovernment health organizations and theglobal automotive industry, due to theirtoxicity. This is of particular concern todrivers and passengers since vehiclecomponents that contain deca are exposedto high UV levels and heat when parked inthe sun. In a recent report, Ecology Centertesting found that concentrations of penta,octa and deca were much higher in dustand window film samples from new modelvehicles than from samples obtained inhomes and offices7. Once released fromproducts, these chemicals remain in theenvironment for long periods and build upin people's bodies, in breast milk, and infish and other animals8.

Exposure to deca is linked to a number ofhuman health effects. Deca may passthrough the placenta9 and cause neuro-

5 Bromine Science and Environmental Forum. 2006. “Factsheet: brominated flame retardant Deca-BDE.”http://www.bsef.com. (Accessed 02/21/07).

6 Stuer-Lauridsen, F.; Havelund, S.; Birkved, M. 2000.Alternatives to brominated flame retardants, Screening forenvironmental and health data. Danish EPA.http://www.mst.dk/homepage/ (Accessed 03/08/07).7 Ecology Center. 2006. “Toxic at any speed: chemicals incars and the need for safe alternatives.”http://www.ecocenter.org/toxicatanyspeed.shtml.(accessed 02/21/07).8 Rayne S, Ikonomou MG, Antcliffe B. 2003. “Rapidlyincreasing polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations inthe Columbia River system from 1992 to 2000.”Environmental Science and Technology. Jul 1: 37(13): 240A-241A.9 Mazdai A, Dodder NG, Abernathy MP, Hites RA, BigsbyRM. 2003. “Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Maternaland Fetal Blood Samples.” Environmental Health Perspectives.111: 1249-1252.

developmental toxicity in unborn babies10.Other suspected health concerns forpolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)include: thyroid hormone disruption11,permanent learning and memoryimpairment12, behavioral changes, hearingdeficits, delayed puberty onset, decreasedsperm count13, fetal malformations14,15 andpossibly cancer16.

Alternatives to deca and BFRs in generalexist and are readily available on themarket. Testing for HealthyCar.org foundthat for each component tested, numerousmodels did not contain any bromine,showing that automakers have metstringent fire safety codes without usingdecaBDE or other BFRs. For furtherdiscussion of alternatives see thealternatives section below.

Many companies are voluntarilyeliminating their use of deca. The use ofdeca has been restricted in electronics andelectrical equipment in the European Unionas of 2006. Some computer companiesbegan phasing out deca even before thisrestriction was put in place17.

10 Porterfield, S.P. 1994. “Vulnerability of the developingbrain to thyroid abnormalities: environmental insult to thethyroid system.” Environmental Health Perspectives102(supplement 2): 125-30.11 Zhou T, Taylor MM, DeVito MJ, Crofton KM. 2002.“Developmental exposure to brominated diphenyl ethersresults in thyroid hormone disruption.” Toxicology ScienceMar; 66(1): 105-16.12 Eriksson P, Jakobsson E, Fredriksson A. 2001. “Brominatedflame retardants: a novel class of developmentalneurotoxicants in our environment?” Environmental HealthPerspectives Sep; 109(9): 903-8.13 Kuriyama, S. and Chahoud, I. 2003. “Maternal exposure tolow dose 2,2'4,4',5 pentabromo diphenyl ether (PBDE 99)impairs male reproductive performance in adult maleoffspring.” Organohologen Compounds (61): 92- 95.14 International Program of Chemical Safety (IPCS). 1994.“Brominated Diphenyl Ethers.Environmental Health Criteria162. World Health Organization.”15 Norris, J.M.; Kociba, R.J.; Scwetz, B.A.; Rose, J.Q.;Humiston, C.G.; Jewett, G.L.; Gehring, P.J.; Mailhes, J.B.1975. “Toxicology of octabromobiphenyl anddecabromodiphenyl oxide.” Environmental HealthPerspectives. (11): 153-161.16 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006.“Decabromodiphenyl ether (DBDPE) (CASRN 1163-19-5)”http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0035.htm. (Accessed12/12/06).17 Clean Production Action. 2006. “Safer Products:Computers.” http://www.safer-


While our testing did not conclusivelydetermine the chemical form of brominefound is car seat components, the mostcommon forms of BFRs are well known.Other BFRs other than deca that could becontained in car seats or auto parts arelisted below.

Tetrabromobishenol ATBBPA is another type of BFR that iscommonly used in plastic applications.Over 130,000 tons were used in 2002 aroundthe world, predominantly in circuit boardsfor electronics, but also in acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS)18. TBBPA is knownto off-gas to the environment, though theamount of off gassing varies dependinghow the TBBPA was combined with theplastic19. Lab tests have suggested that itmay disrupt thyroid function20. Studies alsosuggest that it may adversely affecthormone levels and the immune system21.

The use of TBBPA can be eliminated byreplacement with available alternatives.Many electronics companies are voluntarilyremoving TBBPA from their products.Sony Ericson has promised to eliminate it incircuit boards by 2007, Dell by 2009.Meanwhile, Motorola and Fujitsu SiemensComputers have begun introducingTBBPA-free and BFR-free products to themarket. They are able to do this bysubstituting TBBPA in circuit boards withphosphorous-based alternatives that are

products.org/page.php?p=hous&s=comp. (Accessed03/01/07).18 Bromine Science and Environmental Forum. 2006. “Factsheet: brominated flame retardant TBBPA.”http://www.bsef.com. (Accessed 02/21/07).19 Birnbaum L, Staskal D. 2004. “Brominated flameretardants: cause for concern” Environmental HealthPerspectives Vol. 112:1.20 Kitamura S, Kato T, Iida M, Jinno N, Suzuki T, Ohta S,Fujimoto N, Hanada H, Kashiwagi K, Kashiwagi A. 2005.“Anti-thyroid hormonal activity of tetrabromobisphenol A, aflame retardant, and related compounds: Affinity to themammalian thyroid hormone receptor, and effect on tadpolemetamorphosis.” Life Sciences. 2005 Feb 18; 76(14); 1589-601.21 Birnbaum L, Staskal D. 2004. “Brominated flameretardants: cause for concern?” Environmental HealthPerspectives. Vol. 112:1.

capable of meeting the same fire safetyregulations22,23.

Hexa-BromocyclododecaneHBCD is used in extruded polystyrene forthermal insulation foams and is also appliedin the back coating of textiles for furniture.It is produced in much smaller quantitiesthan deca and TBBPA, but is stillsubstantial, with 16,700 tons usedworldwide in 200124. Use of HBCDincreased in recent years as it began to beused as a substitute for penta and octa afterthese chemicals were banned by theEuropean Union. HBCD has a very strongpropensity to bioaccumulate and is found inincreasing concentrations in theenvironment. Studies suggest that HBCDaffects thyroid hormone levels, causeslearning and memory defects in neonatallaboratory animals, and has been detectedin breast milk25. In general, research islimited and more studies are needed inorder to understand the extent of humanhealth and environmental impacts causedby HBCD.

C H L O R I N EDetection of chlorine in a car seatcomponent indicates the likely use of PVC,a widely used type of plastics that is ofconcern to the environment and publichealth during all phases of its life cycle.During the production phase, workers atPVC facilities, as well as residents andwildlife in surrounding neighborhoods,may be exposed to the vinyl chloridemonomer and/or dioxin, both of which arelikely carcinogens26. At the end of car seat

22 Green Peace. 2006. “Guide to Greener Electronics.”http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/press/reports/guide-to-greener-electronics. (Accessed 03/01/07)23 Environmental Data Services Ltd. 2006. “Search continuesfor alternatives to TBBA.” ENDS Report 384. January 2006.24 Bromine Science and Environmental Forum. 2006. “Factsheet: brominated flame retardant HBCD.”http://www.bsef.com. (Accessed 02/21/2007).25 Birnbaum L, Staskal D. 2004. “Brominated flameretardants: cause for concern?” Environmental HealthPerspectives Vol. 112:1.26 The Center for Collaborative on Health and theEnvironment. 2006. “CHE Toxicant and Disease Database:Vinyl chloride and dioxins.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm (See -


and vehicle life, PVC causes a host ofadditional environmental issues. PVC is noteasily recycled from auto parts andtherefore often ends up in landfills, wherethe chemicals can leach out andcontaminate soil, water and wildlife.Otherwise, it is incinerated or burned, inwhich case highly toxic dioxins and furanscan form and be emitted into the air.

Flexible PVC also contains plasticizers, or“softeners,” called phthalates, which off-gasduring car seat and vehicle use and aredeposited on dust particles andwindshields, where they can cause“fogging.” One of the most commonphthalates used, DEHP (di 2-ethyl-hexylphthalate), has been linked to a number ofserious health problems. The EPA classifiesit as a probable human carcinogen27, andthere is also evidence that it causes maleand female genital and urinarymalformations, pre-term deliveries, andtesticular atrophy28. Short-term highexposure to DEHP interferes with spermformation in mice and rats as well asdelayed sexual maturity. Long-termexposure affects the liver and testes, and insome cases thyroid, ovaries, kidneys, andblood29. Studies on animals suggest thatDEHP, or some of its breakdown products,pass across the placenta and reach the fetus,causing birth defects, alterations in thestructure of bones, brain, liver, kidney, andtestes of the young animals, and even fetaldeath30. Studies have also shown thatDEHP, or some of its breakdown products,can pass from mother to babies through Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, VinylChloride and Dioxins) (Accessed 03/01/07).27 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2006. “Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) (CASRN 117-81-7).”http://www.epa.gov/iris/subst/0014.htm. (Accessed12/13/06).28 The Center for Collaboration on Health and theEnvironment. 2006. “CHE Toxicant and Disease Database:di-2 ethylhexyl phthalate.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm. (See- Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, di-2ethylhexyl phthalate.) (Accessed 12/13/06).29 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public Health Statements: Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate(DEHP).”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs9.html.Accessed 12/13/06).30 Ibid.

breast milk and alter the development of theyoung animals31.

PVC-free alternatives are availablefor almost every use of PVC in theautomotive sector. In recent years,automakers have begun replacing PVC withpolyurethanes and polyolefins, whichcontain fewer harmful additives and areeasier to recycle. In the event that anautomaker cannot avoid using PVC, thephthalates in the PVC should be replacedwith alternative plasticizers. Higher price iscurrently the biggest barrier to substitutionof phthalates and PVC. Some automakersare getting close to eliminating PVC, butothers still have a long way to go. Forinformation on automakers’ policiesregarding the use of PVC and other types ofplastics, refer to the Ecology Center’s 2006Automotive Plastics Report Card32.

A second common use of chlorine inplastics is chlorinated paraffins, which areby far the most widely used aliphaticchlorine-containing flame retardants. Theyhave applications in plastics, includingPVC, fabrics, paints and coatings. Theymay be present in the car seats componentsthat were found to contain chlorine.

Since there are no indications of the use ofinorganic forms of chlorine (e.g. chlorides)in interior automotive applications, weassume that XRF detectable concentrationsof chlorine above 10,000 ppm (1%) indicatethe presence of organic chlorinecompounds, such as PVC and otherchlorinated hydrocarbons. Depending onthe percentage of additives, such asstabilizers, plasticizers, and flameretardants, the chlorine content of PVCranges between 28 and 57% by weight(280,000-570,000 ppm)33. Since all chlorinedetection levels in HealthyCar.org testing 31 Ibid.32 Ecology Center. 2006. “Automotive Plastics Report Card.”http://www.ecocenter.org/sustainableplastics/ (Accessed12/13/06).33 European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers. 2007. The roleand origins of PVC.http://www.ecvm.org/code/page.cfm?id_page=108(Accessed 03/16/07)


were found to be consistent with theselevels, it is likely that detection of chlorineindicates the use of PVC in all car seatscomponents we tested.

L E A DLead is sometimes used as an additive inplastics such as PVC. The European Unionbegan restricting some uses of lead inautomotive applications in accordance withits End of Life Vehicle Directive issued in2000. Since then, many auto companieshave significantly reduced their use of lead,but nonetheless it is still found in some carseats and many vehicle components in theU.S.

The link between lead exposure and anumber of severe health effects is wellestablished. Long-term exposure inchildren can affect a child’s growth, damagekidneys, and cause learning and behavioralproblems, as well as possible braindamage34. In adults, exposure to lead canincrease blood pressure, cause kidneydamage, nerve disorders, reproductiveproblems, and other health problems35. TheDepartment of Health and Human Serviceshas determined that lead and leadcompounds are reasonably anticipated to behuman carcinogens. Lead also causesenvironmental concerns when disposed ofin landfills or incinerated at the end of carseat and vehicle life because it cancontaminate water, soil, air and wildlife.

O T H E R C H E M I C A L S ,A L L E R G E N S A N D H E A V YM E T A L SXRF measurements of car seat componentsalso revealed the presence of several otherelements and chemical compoundscontaining these elements. Since these areknown to cause health and environmental

34 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for lead.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs13.html#bookmark06. (Accessed 03/01/07).35 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for lead.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs13.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).

problems at varying degrees depending onconcentration and application, they wereincluded in our evaluations, but at a lesserrelative weight than bromine, chlorine andlead. Voluntary and mandatory safetystandards for most of these chemicals havebeen published both in the U.S. and Europe,particularly for applications involvingdirect human contact, such as with toys.The “levels of concern” in these standards— based either on leaching tests or thepercent by weight of the element containedin a material — are typically much lowerthan levels found by XRF analyses of carseat components. All of these chemicalsmay be released from plastics or fabrics dueto abrasion or evaporation. It must be notedthat the presence of low-level toxic metalsin cars and car seats also has the potentialfor negative environmental impacts duringthe end-of-life processing of these products.

AntimonyDecaBDE and other BFRs are commonlycombined with antimony trioxide duringthe production process to increase fireresistance36. Antimony is also used as acatalyst in the production of polyesters37. Inour testing we found both lower levels ofantimony (160-700 ppm range) that areconsistent with polyester applications, aswell as higher levels (2000-5000 ppm range)that may be consistent with flame retardantapplications38,39. In either case, it is possiblethat antimony is released from the material,contaminating the air and dust insidevehicles.

36 Stuer-Lauridsen, F.; Havelund, S.; Birkved, M. 2000.Alternatives to brominated flame retardants, Screening forenvironmental and health data. Danish EPA.http://www.mst.dk/homepage/ (See: puliciations,publications database, type title.)37 Victor-Innovatex, Inc. 2006. Sustainable Textile Design atVictor Innovatex. www.victor-innovatex.com/doc/sustainability.pdf. (Accessed on02/25/07).38 Survey of chemical substances intextile colorants, in Survey of Chemical Substances inConsumer Products, No. 58 2005, Danish Ministry ofEnvironment, Environmental Protection Agency, 2005.39 International Antimony Oxide Industry Association,Antimony Trioxide Frequently Asked Questions:March 2006

1 0 – T H E E C O L O G Y C E N T E R – W W W . H E A L T H Y C A R . O R G

Antimony trioxide is classified as acarcinogen in the state of California and hasbeen listed as a possible human carcinogenby the International Agency for Research onCancer40 and the European Union41. Inlong-term studies, animals that breathedvery low levels of antimony had eyeirritation, hair loss, lung damage, and heartproblems. Higher levels of antimony havebeen shown to cause fertility problems andlung cancer in animals42.

ArsenicIn automotive applications, arsenic istraditionally used as a biocide in coatedfabrics43. Arsenic is a known humancarcinogen44. There is strong evidence thatarsenic is linked to lung, skin, and bladdercancer45. It may also cause skin irritation,blood disorders, cardiovascular diseases,and hormone disruption46.

ChromiumIn many products, including car seats andvehicles, the presence of chromiumcompounds is often linked to leather

40 Stuer-Lauridsen, F.; Havelund, S.; Birkved, M. 2000.“Alternatives to brominated flame retardants, Screening forenvironmental and health data.” Danish EPA.http://www.mst.dk/homepage/ (See: puliciations,publications database, type title.)41 European Commision. 2007. “The Directive on DangerousSubstances.”http://ec.europa.eu/environment/dansub/consolidated_en.htm. (Accessed 03/01/07).42 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.Public health statement for antimony.http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs23.html.(Accessed 03/01/07).43 Inventory of biocides used in Denmark, DanishEnvironmental Protection Agency. Environmental Projectno. 585, 2001.http://glwww.mst.dk/udgiv/Publications/2001/87-7944-383-4/html/helepubl_eng.htm (Accessed 03/01/07)44 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for arsenic.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs2.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).45 The Collaborative on Health and the Environment. 2006.“CHE Toxicant and Disease Database: Arsenic.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm (See -Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, Arsenic).(Accessed 03/01/07).46 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for arsenic.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs2.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).

tanning47. Our vehicle testing confirmedthat chromium (most likely chromiumCr(III)) was often used in leather seatingapplications. Approximately 90% of allleather is tanned with Cr(III)48. Chromiumcompounds may be released from leatherupholstery as the material is abradedduring the life of the product. The toxicityof chromium strongly depends on theoxidation state of this element, two of themost common forms are the less toxic Cr(III) and the highly toxic Cr (VI) state. XRFdoes not however distinguish betweenoxidation states and only indicates thepresence of the element chromium.

While chromium is an essential nutrient49,the limit level of chromium in fabrics,leathers and plastics established to beprotective from allergic reactions is <50ppm50. HealthyCar.org revealed levelsgreater than this in car seats and automotiveseating. There is strong evidence thatchromium can cause asthma attacks andother allergic reactions, bronchitis and lungconditions, skin irritation, and kidneydisorders51. There is also evidence thatexposure to chromium may cause braincancer, photosensitivity, stomach cancer,and possibly reduced fertility, immunesystem disorders, adult-onset Leukemia andother cancers52.

47 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for chromium.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs7.html#bookmark01. (Accessed 03/01/07).48 International Council of Tanners. 2003. Perspective onleather. http://www.tannerscouncilict.org/perspective.htm(Accessed 03/01/07)49 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for chromium.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs7.html#bookmark01. (Accessed 03/01/07).50 TUV Rheinland SG Standard for low polluting leathers,fabrics and plastics, 2001http://www.tuvdotcom.com/pi/web/TuvdotcomIdSearchResults.xml?TUVdotCOMID=4111008300&LanguageChanged=en-us (Accessed 03/01/07)51 The Collaborative on Health and the Environment. 2006.“CHE Toxicant and Disease Database: Chromium.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm (See -Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, Chromium).(Accessed 03/01/07).52 Ibid.


CobaltCobalt is used as a catalyst in production ofpolyethylene and other plastics53. It can alsobe used as pigment in paints54.HealthyCar.org detected cobalt in severaldifferent car seats.

Cobalt is essential in trace amounts forhuman life. The toxicity of cobalt is quitelow compared to many other metals,however high exposure can cause severalhealth effects. Cobalt is an allergen that cancause asthma and skin irritation55. Somecobalt compounds are classified as apossible human carcinogen according to theInternational Agency for Research onCancer56. Long term exposure to low dosesresults in damage to the heart, liver,kidneys, blood, testes, and behavioralchanges in laboratory animals57. There isalso strong evidence that cobalt is linked tohearing loss, lung disorders, and thyroiddisorders. There is limited evidence that itcauses lung cancer, damage to the pancreas,and skin cancer58.

CopperCopper has a number of uses in fabrics and

53 Basketter D.A.; Angelini G.; Ingber A.; Kern P.S.; MennéT., Nickel, chromium and cobalt in consumer products:revisiting safe levels in the new millennium. ContactDermatitis, Volume 49, Number 1, July 200354 Substitution of cobalt driers in woodcoatings, Jakob Kjær Larsen, Dyrup A/S; Eva Wallström,EnPro ApS. Danish Minister of Environment, EnvironmentalProtection Agency, Working Report No. 20 200655 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for cobalt.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs33.html.(Accessed 03/01/07).56 International Agency for Research on Cancer. 2003. Cobaltin Hard-metals and Cobalt Sulfate, Gallium Arsenide,Indium Phosphide and Vanadium Pentoxide. InternationalAgency for Research on Cancer. 2003. “Cobalt in Hard-metals and Cobalt Sulfate, Gallium Arsenide, IndiumPhosphide and Vanadium Pentoxide.”http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Meetings/vol86.php.(Accessed 03/01/07).. Accessed on March 1, 2007.57 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for cobalt.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs33.html.(Accessed 03/01/07).58 The Collaborative on Health and the Environment. 2006.“CHE Toxicant and Disease Database: Chromium.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm (See -Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, Cobalt).(Accessed 03/01/07).

plastics. Copper ions are often added topolyester and a variety of other fibers,ranging from cotton to rayon,polypropylene and nylon in order to protectagainst bacteria, fungus and odors59,60. Themain application in car seats is seatupholstery. Copper may also be used incombination with flame retardants toreduce the toxicity of combustionemissions61.

Copper is an essential nutrient for all livingthings, but too much can be harmful. Long-term exposure to copper dust can irritatethe nose, mouth and eyes, and causeheadaches, dizziness, nausea and diarrhea62.Exposure to excess levels of copper mayresult in liver and kidney damage, andanemia63. Children may be more sensitive tocopper than adults64.

NickelAutomotive uses of nickel are wide ranging,including printed circuit boards inelectronic components, batteries, valves andother applications. Nickel is alsoincreasingly used in electroplating of plasticcomponents.

The most common harmful health effect ofnickel in humans is allergic reaction.Approximately 10-15% of the population issensitive to nickel. Reactions may occur in

59 Foss Manufacturing Company, LLC.http://www.fossmfg.com/bu_fosshield.cfm (Accessed03/01/07)60 Advanced Seat Fabrics with High Performance DeodorantFunction, R&D Review of Toyota CRDL Vol. 35 No. 4 (2000.12)61 PVC Additives Make Vinyl More Fire-retardant withoutToxic Heavy Metals, Innovations Report.http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/materialwissenschaften/bericht-32741.html. (Accessed 03/01/07)62 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for copper.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs132.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).63 The Collaborative on Health and the Environment. 2006.“CHE Toxicant and Disease Database: Chromium.”http://database.healthandenvironment.org/index.cfm (See -Science, Toxics Database, Browse by Toxicant, Copper).(Accessed 03/01/07).64 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for copper.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs132.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).


the form of skin irritations or asthma65. TheDepartment of Health and Human Serviceshas determined that nickel metal mayreasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogenand that some nickel compounds are knownhuman carcinogens.

MercuryMercury is used as a catalyst in reactions toform polymers66. HealthyCar.org did notdetect mercury in any of the car seatcomponents.

Mercury is a persistent toxin that can buildup in the body. According the Departmentof Health and Human Services, long-termexposure to high levels of methylmercuryor phenylmercury causes behavior changesand damage to the kidneys, stomach, largeintestine, circulatory system, andreproductive organs in animals67. Thenervous system is more sensitive tomethylmercury toxicity than are otherorgans in the body and is affected at lowerconcentrations. Animal studies also provideevidence that mercury damages the nervoussystem during development and increasesthe incidence of spontaneous abortions andstillbirths68. It is not known whethermercury compounds cause cancer inhumans.

TinOrganic tin compounds are used asesterification catalysts in polyurethane foamproduction and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) heatstabilizers in plastic production. The majoruse of organotin compounds is for heatstabilization of PVC, which represents

65 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for nickel.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs15.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).66 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 1999.Toxicological Profile for Mercury, March 1999http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp46.html#bookmark08 (Accessed 03/01/07).67 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for mercury.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs46.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).68 Ibid.

approximately two-thirds of the globalconsumption69.

Organotins may also be used as additives infabrics and plastics due to their strongfungicidal and bactericidal properties70.Exposure to some organic tin compoundscan occur through contact with consumerproducts that are made of PVC,polyurethane and other plastics, or whenthese products are abraded and turned intodust that is inhaled.

According to the Department of Health andHuman Services, breathing, swallowing, ordirect skin contact with some organotinscan interfere with the way the brain andnervous system work. Some have also beenshown to affect the immune andreproductive system in animals, though theeffects depend on the exact compoundused. Direct contact with certain organotinscan also produce skin and eye irritation71.

A L T E R N A T I V E SWhen considering alternatives, car seatmanufacturers have the following threechoices, listed in order of environmentalpreference:

1. Change the product: Redesign or engineerthe car seat component to eliminate theneed for a chemical. This can be done,for example, by eliminating the need forfoams that contain BFRs, or enhancingbarriers between foam and fabric.

2. Change the material: Select an alternativematerial that does not require thechemical.

69 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2005.“Toxicological Profile for Tin .”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp55.html#bookmark09. (Accessed 03/01/07).70 Ibid.71 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. 2006.“Public health statement for tin.”http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/phs55.html#bookmark05. (Accessed 03/01/07).


Note: We define Virtually-Halogen free as not containing any intentionally-added PVC or BFRs. Bromine found at levels<100 ppm are believed to be inconsistent with the use of BFRs.

3. Change the chemical: For example, replaceBFRs with an alternative flame retardantthat is non-halogenated (i.e. does notcontain bromine, chlorine or otherhalogens).

In addition to following this generalapproach, car seat manufactures andretailers should implement acomprehensive chemicals policy. Keyelements of a comprehensive chemicalspolicy are outlined at HealthyCar.org.

HealthyCar.org testing found that at leastsome car seat companies are producing carseats that meet stringent safety standardswithout using harmful compounds likePVC and brominated flame retardants(BFRs) in the components tested. Table 3below illustrates this. Overall, 28% of thecomponents tested contained no PVC orBFRs.

COMPONENT Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent Number Percent

Base 62 100% 44 71% 44 71% 56 90% 56 90%

Clip 51 100% 9 18% 9 18% 31 61% 31 61%

EPS Foam 26 100% 4 15% 4 15% 6 23% 6 23%

Seat 62 100% 5 8% 5 8% 25 40% 25 40%

Shade 8 47% 1 6% 0 0% 3 18% 0 0%

Trim 0 0% 1 20% 0 0% 3 60% 0 0%All Components 209 94% 64 29% 62 28% 124 56% 118 53%

VIRTUALLYHALOGEN-FREE

CHLORINE/PVC-FREE

BROMINE/BFR-FREE

HALOGEN-FREE

BROMINE/BFR<100ppm

Table #3: Number of Bromine-Free and PVC-Free Car Seats


C A R S E A T GU ID E — R A N K IN GS B Y C A R S E A T TY P E

This section lists the car seat ratings for carseats retailed by Target and Babies “R” Usin December 2006. The car seats are listedby car seat type(infant, convertible orbooster) and in order of overall rating,lowest concern to highest concern. Theoverall car seat rating, as well as ratings forbromine, chlorine, lead and other chemicals,are provided. Detailed information on theconcentrations of elements found inparticular components is available on thenext page(listed alphabetically) and atwww.HealthyCar.org.

Ove

rall

Rat

ing

Bro

min

e

Ch

lori

ne

Lea

d

Oth

er C

hem

ical

s

Graco–SnugRide Emerson (8465EME3) 0.2 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.7Evenflo–Discovery Infant Churchill (3911698) 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.4Graco–SnugRide Lindsey (8465LRD3) 1.1 0.2 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SnugRide Family Tree (8645FMT2) 1.1 0.2 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SnugRide Windsor (8465EME) 1.3 0.3 5.0 0.0 0.0Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Pierson (8A00PSN) 1.4 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) French Roast (8A10FNR) 1.4 0.3 5.0 0.0 0.7Evenflo–Embrace DLX Infant (3961613) 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.0 2.1Graco–SnugRide Park Meadows (8646RRY3) 1.5 1.8 0.0 0.0 2.1Graco–SnugRide Josephine (8643JOS2) 2.3 1.8 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Roxy (8A05RXY) 2.4 1.9 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Heirloom (8A08HLR) 2.4 1.9 5.0 0.0 0.7Graco–SafeSeat (Step 1) Fusi on (8A03QST) 2.5 3.4 0.0 0.0 2.1Britax–Companion Monza (E9L8OC9) 2.5 3.4 0.0 0.0 2.1Peg Perego–Primo Viaggio Toffee (P73RU46) 3.8 3.5 5.0 0.0 2.9Combi–Centre EX Mango (808660) 5.0 5.0 5.0 0.0 5.0

Cosco–Scenara 5-Point (22120POL) 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Safety 1st–Alpha Sport (22452RB) 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Eddie Bauer–Deluxe Convertible Hampton (22740HPN) 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Eddie Bauer–3 in 1 Convertible Montecito (22759MTT) 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Graco–Toddler SafeSeat (Step 2) (8B00BDR) 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Graco–ComfortSport Convertible Watercolor Flowers (8C03WCF) 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.3Evenflo–Titan Delux Convertible Cobblestone (3671702) 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.3Evenflo–Triumph Premier Car Seat Stonehenge (3931624) 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0Graco–Toddler SafeSeat (Step 2) Pierson (8B03PSN2) 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.3Graco–ComfortSport Convertible Graphite (8C00GRP) 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.3Graco–ComfortSport Convertible Timber (8C00TMB) 0.6 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0Britax–Decathlon Cappucino (E9L47D4) 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.3Britax–Marathon Graystone (E9LO6D5) 0.6 0.5 0.0 0.0 1.3Eddie Bauer–3 in 1 Convertible Cambridge (22758CMP) 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Evenflo–Tribute V Premier Brighton (3791686) 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.3Evenflo–Triumph LX Convertible (3891609) 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.3Evenflo–Triumph Deluxe Ashby (3941611) 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.3Britax–Roundabout Bridgeport (E9L02D2) 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Britax–Marathon Brooke (E9LO6D6) 0.8 0.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Britax–Roundabout Jefferson Tan (EPL0270) 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 1.3Evenflo–Triumph 5 Rain Shadow (3591658) 2.7 2.8 0.0 0.0 2.5Graco–ComfortSport Convertible (8636AER) 2.7 3.0 0.0 0.0 1.3Britax–Marathon Olivia (E9L06D1) 2.7 2.8 0.0 0.0 2.5Fisher Price–Safe Voyager (EF20EDA) 2.7 2.8 0.0 0.0 2.5Cosco–Alpha Omega Elite (22155BDF) 2.9 3.0 0.0 0.0 2.5Britax–Marathon Platinum (E9LO6B9) 5.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 5.0

Evenflo–Big Kid No-Back Gold Dust (3331703) 0.2 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0Eddie Bauer–Summit Booster Astoria (22862AT1) 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Britax–Parkway Express (E904157) 0.5 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Cosco–SoHo Booster Youth (222985OH) 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 5.0Evenflo–Big Kid Mocha Chill (3391706A) 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 5.0Evenflo–Chase DLX Booster Arlington (3261567) 2.3 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Graco–Backless TurboBooster Belmont (8491BEM) 2.3 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Compass–B505 Pistachio (B505PST) 2.3 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0Evenflo–Generations (3521607) 2.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Graco–Platinum CarGo Booster (8689CAV) 2.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Graco–TurboBooster SafeSeat (Step 3) Gabrielle (8693GBR) 2.5 2.5 0.0 0.0 2.5Cosco–Gotham High Back Booster (22206GTH) 2.7 2.8 0.0 0.0 2.5Cosco–Alpha Elite Apex (22534BDW) 2.7 2.5 0.0 0.0 5.0Eddie Bauer–Summit Booster Brown Tech Print (22862EBCE) 2.7 2.5 0.0 0.0 5.0Evenflo–Chase DLX Moonbeam (3261722) 2.7 2.5 0.0 0.0 5.0Graco–TurboBooster SafeSeat (Step 3) Pierson (8498PSN) 2.7 2.5 0.0 0.0 5.0Graco–Platinum CarGo Booster Zephyr (8D01ZPH) 2.7 2.8 0.0 0.0 2.5Graco–TurboBooster SafeSeat (Step 3) Glory (8693GLY) 4.5 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0Graco–TurboBooster Emily (8498DEH) 5.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 5.0Graco–TurboBooster SafeSeat (Step 3) Athens (8674ATH) 5.0 5.0 0.0 0.0 5.0

Convertible

Infant

Booster


C A R S E A T GU ID E — C OM P LE TE TE S T R E S U LTSThe table below shows the test results for all components tested in parts per million (ppm).

Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 93 0 0 0 0 5,078 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 146 0 0 0 0 0Shade 0 1,453 0 0 0 0 64,444 0 0 0 0 0Britax–Companion

Monza (E9L8OC9) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 3,029 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 66 972 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 1,421 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 191 727 821 0 0 0 0 0Britax–DecathlonCappucino(E9L47D4) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,345 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 212 12 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 973 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 61 0 0 161 1,044 750 0 0 0 0 9Britax–MarathonBrooke (E9LO6D6) Shade 0 0 0 0 0 127 4,032 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 177 1,088 749 0 0 0 0 0Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0

Britax–MarathonGraystone(E9LO6D5) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,009 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 82 0 0 0 198 22 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 865 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 281 665 1,053 0 0 0 0 0Britax–Marathon

Olivia (E9L06D1) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 1,227 6,006 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 665 150 0 236 0 23,512 0 0 2,644 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 295 709 1,078 0 0 0 0 0Britax–Marathon

Platinum (E9LO6B9) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 839 5,843 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 94 935 0 0 0 0 0Britax–Parkway

Express (E904157) EPS Foam 0 156 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 113 0 0 0 34 4 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 199 831 897 0 0 0 0 0Britax–RoundaboutBridgeport(E9L02D2) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,304 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 143 10 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 1,871 3 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 181 697 843 0 0 0 0 0

Britax–RoundaboutJefferson Tan(EPL0270) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 1,072 1,525 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 1,935 159 0 220 130 24,586 0 0 1,651 49 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 976 0 0 233 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,289 0 0 442 0 0Combi–Centre EX

Mango (808660) Shade 334,646 26,410 1,453 0 0 1,785 366,776 0 1,011 10,599 1,126 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,353 0 0 0 0 0Compass–B505Pistachio (B505PST) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 69 0 0 0 0 1,383 0 179 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Cosco–Alpha EliteApex (22534BDW) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 60 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 282 77 0 0 0 4,490 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 124 0 0 0 0 0Cosco–AlphaOmega Elite(22155BDF) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 51 92 108 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cosco–AlphaOmega EliteGrayson(22158GRS) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 381 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 445 284 0 0 2,628 36,713 0 421 0 107 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 0

Cosco–GothamHigh Back Booster(22-206GTH) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 240 1,868 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 135 164 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 135 0 0 0 0 0 0Cosco–Scenara 5-

Point (22120POL) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 108 202 4 0 0 0 0 0Cosco–SoHoBooster Youth(222985OH) Base 0 0 0 0 236 312 0 0 0 0 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 98 0 0 93 0 256 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Eddie Bauer–3 in 1ConvertibleCambridge(22758CMP) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 90 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 711 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Eddie Bauer–3 in 1ConvertibleMontecito(22759MTT) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 79 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 44 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Eddie Bauer–DeluxeConvertibleHampton(22740HPN) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 25 218 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0

Eddie Bauer–SummitBooster Astoria(22862AT1) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 22 33 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 357 200 0 247 2,343 29,938 0 504 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Eddie Bauer–SummitBooster Brown TechPrint (22862EBCE) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 28 386 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 75 173 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Big KidMocha Chill(3391706A) Base 0 0 0 131 162 93,857 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Big Kid No-Back Gold Dust(3331703) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,887 0 257 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Chase DLXArlington (3261567) Clip 0 0 0 0 50 0 287 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 106 0 0 0 0 1,172 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Chase DLXMoonbeam(3261722) Clip 0 0 0 0 60 112 81 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 406 0 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 69 1,276 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 34 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–DiscoveryInfant Churchill(3911698) Shade 0 0 0 0 0 0 324 0 0 564 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 0 0 0 212 376 25 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 412 0 0 0 0 0 200 0 0Shade 0 0 0 0 0 0 10,316 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–EmbraceDLX Infant(3961613) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,745 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,813 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 114 452 62 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Generations

(3521607) Trim 174,766 0 0 0 0 258 11 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 98 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–Titan DeluxConvertibleCobblestone(3671702) Clip 0 0 0 0 93 126 73 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 24 87 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–Tribute VPremier Brighton(3791686) Clip 0 0 0 0 274 596 97 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 70 2,045 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 308 0 28 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–Triumph 5Rain Shadow(3591658) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 365 5,290 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 85 55 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 49 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 140 221 177 0 0 0 0 0

EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 499 5,029 0 0 0 0 0Evenflo–TriumphDeluxe Ashby(3941611) Trim 415,304 0 0 0 0 740 791 0 0 5,002 0 557

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 66 134 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 25 199 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 87 0 281 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–Triumph LXConvertible(3891609) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 421 5,200 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 66 42 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 80 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 0 0 0 0 0EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 524 6,092 0 0 0 0 0

Evenflo–TriumphPremier Car SeatStonehenge(3931624) Trim 550,000 0 0 0 0 678 1,543 0 0 5,434 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 58 1,720 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 211 535 902 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 815 0 0 0 0 0 0Fisher Price–SafeVoyager (EF20EDA) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 213 3,894 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 26 1,083 0 0 0 0 0Graco–BacklessTurboBoosterBelmont (8491BEM) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 145 0 0 0 0 6,620 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 0 0 0 0

Trim 346,712 0 0 0 0 995 51 0 0 5,692 0 0Graco–ComfortSportConvertible(8636AER) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,922 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 178 429 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–ComfortsportConvertible Timber(8C00TMB) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 429 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 135 0 30 0 222 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–ComfortsportConvertibleWatercolor Flowers(8C03WCF) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 575 0 0 0 64 36 0 238 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 409 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–ComfortSportConvertible Graphite(8C00GRP) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,028 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,761 0 224 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–PlatinumCarGo Booster(8689CAV) Trim 118,797 0 0 0 0 239 0 0 0 2,251 0 0

Seat 0 128 0 0 0 0 5,780 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–PlatinumCarGo BoosterZephyr (8D01ZPH) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 124 107 0 0 30 50 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 0 637 0 0 0 0 0 0Graco–SafeSeat(Step 1) FrenchRoast (8A10FNR) Shade 184,464 0 0 0 0 0 219 0 0 0 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 769 0 0 0 0 4,858 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 0 605 91 0 0 0 0 0Shade 0 1,379 0 0 0 0 15,027 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SafeSeat(Step 1) Fusion(8A03QST) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 686 33 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 108 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 502 153 0 0 0 0 0Shade 542,171 0 0 0 0 0 1,167 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SafeSeat(Step 1) Heirloom(8A08HLR) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 160 3,260 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 68 10 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 439 16 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SafeSeat(Step 1) Pierson(8A00PSN) Shade 0 363 0 0 0 0 21,789 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,112 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 0 599 52 0 0 0 0 0Shade 175,092 0 0 0 0 0 595 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SafeSeat(Step 1) Roxy(8AO5RXY) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 360 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 67 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SnugRideEmerson(8465EME3) Shade 0 0 0 0 0 0 756 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 140 0 0 1,969 0 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–SnugRideFamily Tree(8645FMT2) Shade 67,540 0 0 0 0 0 77 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,150 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Graco–SnugRideJosephine(8643JOS2) Shade 208,906 0 0 0 0 0 33 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0Graco–SnugRide

Lindsey (8465LRD3) Shade 113,003 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 0 0 0 84 0 12 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 90 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Shade 0 518 0 0 0 0 13,009 0 0 0 0 47Graco–SnugRidePark Meadows(8646RRY3) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,073 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 23 21 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Graco–SnugRide

Windsor (8465EME) Shade 288,727 0 0 0 0 0 296 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 925 436 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 63 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–ToddlerSafeSeat (Step 2)(8B00BDR) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 5,153 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 1,116 262 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 0 164 0 0

Graco–ToddlerSafeSeat (Step 2)Pierson (8B03PSN2) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 4,751 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 524 6,714 0 0 0 0 0

Base 0 75 0 0 0 0 3,319 0 0 0 0 0Graco–TurboBoosterEmily (8498DEH) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 169 0 0 0 758 6,225 0 0 0 0 19

Base 0 228 0 0 0 0 11,564 0 0 0 0 35Graco–TurboBoosterSafeSeat (Step 3)Athens (8674ATH) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 0 2,927 0 0 0 0 0Graco–TurboBoosterSafeSeat (Step 3)Gabrielle (8693GBR) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 408 6,680 0 0 0 0 25Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,655 0 0 0 0 0

Graco–TurboBoosterSafeSeat (Step 3)Glory (8693GLY) EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 91 55 0 0 0 3,886 0 0 0 0 0Graco–TurboBoosterSafeSeat (Step 3)Pierson (8498PSN) Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0


Com

pone

nt

Chlorine/PV

C

Chrom

ium

Cob

alt

Nicke

l

Cop

per

Zinc

Bromine/BFR

s

Cad

mium

Tin

Antim

ony

Mercu

ry

Lead

Seat 0 0 0 0 0 43 195 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Safety 1st–Alpha

Sport (22452RB) Clip 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 0 0 0 0 0

Seat 0 134 75 0 0 3,820 5,627 0 0 0 0 0Base 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0

Clip 0 123 0 0 0 494 375 0 0 0 0 0Shade 203,435 3,027 1,123 0 0 85,890 137,519 0 0 0 0 0

Peg Perego–PrimoViaggio Toffee(P73RU46 EPS Foam 0 0 0 0 0 156 1,459 0 0 0 0 0


A P P E N D IX :U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E C A R S E A T R A T I N G SThe www.HealthyCar.Org child car seat rating system was developed in order to provide ameans for consumers to compare the relative concern associated with materials in new modelcar seats. The following section provides an overview of the method used to determine the carseat ratings.

S E L E C T I N G T H EC H E M I C A L S O F C O N C E R NHealthyCar.org rates car seats based on thedetection and concentrations of thefollowing elements or chemical compoundscontaining these elements: Antimony,Arsenic, Bromine, Chlorine, Chromium,Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Mercury, Nickel, Tin.These elements or compounds were chosenfor the following reasons.

1. They could be easily and quicklyidentified using non-destructivemethods. Sampling for this project waslimited to new car seats, thus testingcould not damage the car seat. The XRFdevice was used to sample eachcomponent for the presence of 38elements as percent by weight or partsper million (ppm). The reporting of 27of these elements was eliminated on thebasis of non-occurrence or low concern,leaving the 11 elements mentionedabove.

2. These elements, and the chemicalsassociated with them in car seatapplications, have been subject toeither regulatory restrictions and/orvoluntary limits set by industryassociations or third party certificationorganizations. These elements and theirchemical compounds have beenassociated with health andenvironmental concerns in the range ofthe concentrations detected in thesampling conducted for this study. Awide-range of regulatory and voluntarylimits for elements in products werereviewed for this study. A summary ofthe standards reviewed for childrensproducts, toys, paints, vehicles,

electronics and packaging is included inTable A1 on the next page.

Two voluntary certification standardsare currently being used by Volvo72 andFord73 to certify vehicles for air qualityand allergen-free content: the Oeko-Tex100 and TÜV standards. Ford certifiesvehicles using the TÜV RheinlandGroup’s TOXPROOF Certification(including the SG textiles standard).74 Sofar, four of Ford’s European modelvehicles have been certified, includingthe Focus, Focus C-MAX, Ka andGalaxy.75 Volvo has certified all of itsvehicle interiors to the Oeko-TexStandard 100. 76,77 Each of thesestandards are also relevant child carseats. The Oeko-Tex 100 standard hasspecific standard for babies productswhich children are likely to come indirect contact with.

Two other standards for plastic andfabric in other types of products are alsohighlighted. Since the 1980’s TCO

72 Volvo Cars.http://www.volvocars.com/corporation/environment/CleanInside.htm (Accessed 03/09/07).73 TUV Rheinland. 2007. “First Allergy Label for CarBuyers.”http://www.tuv.com/de/en/news_first_allergy_label_for_car_buyers.html (Accessed 03/09/07).74TUV Rheinland. 2007.http://www.tuvdotcom.com/pi/web/TuvdotcomIdSearchResults.xml?TUVdotCOMID=4111008300&LanguageChanged=en-us (Accessed 03/01/07)75 TUV Rheinland. 2007. “First Allergy Label for CarBuyers.”http://www.tuv.com/de/en/news_first_allergy_label_for_car_buyers.html (Accessed 03/09/07).76 Volvo Cars.http://www.volvocars.com/corporation/environment/CleanInside.htm (Accessed 03/09/07).77 Volvo Cars.http://www.volvocars.com/corporation/FactsandFigures/EnvironmentalProductInformationEurope/incar.htm(Accessed 03/09/07).


Development in Sweden has developedstandards for information technologyequipment for ease of use andenvironmental considerations. TheTCO’05 Desktop Computer and WorkChairs Standard is one of the morecomprehensive and restrictive standardsavailable. The Nordic Swan label forcomputers also limits the presence ofmany groups of chemicals, includinghalogens, in plastic components. Theelemental limits for all of thesestandards are listed in Table A1.

Due to the current use of the Oeko-Tex& TÜV standards within the autoindustry, the elemental limits in thesestandards were used as a baseline for

evaluating the health of the insidevehicle environment. While theelemental limits in these standards arebased on the amount of extractablemetals from a homogeneous material,the XRF measures elementalcomposition of materials as percent byweight and averages measurementsbetween different layers of aheterogeneous material (e.g. fabriccovers the seat foam). In general, theamount of metals extractable frommaterials is typically less then the actualcontent of the material.

The XRF results were considered to berelevant because the levels typicallyobserved in cars significantly exceeded

Table A1: Samples of Product Standards and Elemental Limits

1 BFR includes: PBB, TRIS, TEPA, pentaBDE, octaBDE. A list of approved flame retardant materials are listed on OekoTex web site.

2 Chromium (VI)3 Total Chromium content. 200 ppm adults/50 ppm children4 Available at: http://www.svanen.nu/Eng/products/ (Accessed on 03/02/07).5 No PVC in housing and chassis. No chlorinated flame retardants.6 No BFRs. Exemption for printed wiring boards and plastic parts weighing less than 25g. These parts must not, however,

contain any PBB (polybrominated biphenyls), PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) or chlorinated paraffins (maximumallowable concentration for impurities is 0.1 % by weight in homogenous material).

7 Chromium (VI)8 Available at: http://www.tcodevelopment.com/ (Accessed on 03/02/07)9 Plastic parts weighing more than 25 grams shall not contain flame retardants that include organically bound bromine or

chlorine. Exempted are printed wiring board laminates, electronic components and all kinds of cable insulation. Plasticparts weighing more than 25 grams shall not contain chlorine or bromine as a part of the polymer. Parts containing othermaterials in any significant amounts, e.g. cables with their metal conductors, are not included in the requirements.

Oeko-Tex 100 TUV Nordic Swan4 TCO8

PRODUCTSFabrics and

LeatherCars and Fabrics Computers

Computers and Work Chairs

ELEMENTSAntimony 30 ppm 2 ppmArsenic 1 ppm 0.2 ppm None, LeathersBromine No BFRs1 Non Detect No BFRs6 No BFRs9

Chlorine

No PVC/

No Cl FRs5

No PVC

NoClFRs9

Chromium 2 ppm

2 ppm2 /

200/50 ppm3 3 ppm7

Cobalt 4 ppm 4 ppmCopper (organic) 50 ppm 60 ppmLead 1 ppm 0.8 ppm 1,000 ppm NoneMercury 0.02 ppm .02 ppm 1,000 ppm NoneNickel 4.0 ppm 4 ppmTin (organic) 1 ppm Non Detect

TEST METHOD Extractable Extractable By weight By weight

"SAFE" LIMITS


guideline limits cited in Table A1. TheXRF also underestimates actual levels ofelements in heterogeneous materialsdue to the averaging of different layersof the material. Most materials in thisstudy were multi-layer materials. XRFresults greater than the instrumentdetection limit in general exceed thelevels outlined in Table A1.


C A R S E A T S A M P L I N GThe primary purpose of testing individualcomponents in car seats was to establish thepresence and relative abundance ofchemicals of concern.

Two to six components from each car seatwere selected for sampling. Thecomponents were selected based on thefollowing criteria:

• Potential of exposure, i.e. componentsthat drivers or passengers come incontact with, that are subject toabrasion, or that otherwise releasevapors or particles to the environment;

• Surface area and relative size ofcomponent;

• Potential to off-gas or degrade duringheat and/or UV-ray exposure;

• Ease of access to component forsampling.

Components sampled included:

BaseClipSeatShadeEPS Foam*Trim*

*Components not present in all car seats.

Examples of sample location and results areshow to the right. Non-destructivesampling was conducted on car seatcomponents using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)spectrometry. XRF spectrometry is used toidentify elements in a substance andquantify the amount of those elementspresent. Hand-held, portable XRF devicesare now commonly used in many industrialsettings to verify material quality andassure adherence to compositionspecifications.

XRF devices use the following process todetermine the composition of materials:

1. An x-ray tube emits high-energy x-rayphotons that strike the sample being

analyzed.2. These photons knock electrons in each

atom from the innermost orbitals ofsome atoms in the sample, making theatoms unstable.

3. As electrons move from outer orbitals tothe vacant space closer to the nucleus ofthe atom, they emit energy in asecondary x-ray photon; this is knownas fluorescence.

4. The analyzer measures the amount ofenergy in the x-rays emitted by theatoms in the sample material as they


return to their original state, an energythat is characteristic of each element.

5. The analyzer quantifies this energy andmakes a conversion to report whetheran element is present and in whatconcentration.

When in use, the analyzer emits radiationfrom the exit port (the front of theinstrument). Radiation levels at the port areapproximately 28,000 millirems per hour inthe direct x-ray beam, and 2,000 milliremsper hour 4 inches away. To put thesenumbers in perspective, a chest x-rayprovides a dose of 100 millirems; 5,000millirems total per year are consideredacceptable for a non-pregnant adult. Theradiation level for the operator is less than0.1 millirems per hour. The analyzer doesnot emit radiation when it is not in use.When it is emitting radiation during a test,the red light on the top of the analyzerblinks. The XRF Analyzer is manufacturedby Innov-X Systems, Inc., located inWoburn, Massachusetts. More informationabout the analyzer and the company may befound at www.innov-xsys.com.

Each component was sampled for 30seconds. Components were sampled atsimilar locations in each car seat. Detectionlimit guidelines were provided by the XRFmanufacturer. (Detection limits areestimates based on 1-2 minute test timesand detection confidence of 3-sigma, or99.7% confidence.) Detection limitguidelines and lowest observed detectionlimits are presented in Table A2. Observeddetection limits were consistent withmanufacturers guidelines.

The XRF sampler also automaticallycalculates a 1-sigma (68.2%) error marginfor each sample. A sample of the test datashowing detected level in ppm and +/- one-sigma error margin is shown in Table A3.To ensure that our readings were accurate,we performed a quality analysis on severalsamples. In this analysis, we tested the same

Table A2: XRF Detection Limits

ELEMENT

Manufacturers

Detection Limits1

Observed Detection Limits

(30 second sample)2

Antimony 50-150 ppm 109 ppmArsenic 10-100 ppm 1 ppmBromine 10-100 ppm 2 ppmChlorine 1%-5% 2.80%Chromium 10-100 ppm 39 ppmCobalt 10-100 ppm 37 ppmCopper 10-100 ppm 38 ppmLead 10-100 ppm 5 ppmMercury 10-100 ppm 7 ppmNickel 10-100 ppm 27 ppmTin 50-150 ppm 130 ppm


component at multiple points in two vehiclemodels, the Subaru Legacy and the NissanVersa. The results of these samples areshown in Table A4 on the next page. In allcases, we found adequate consistency indetection levels at different locations in thesame component.

XRF measures surfaces up to a depth of6–12 mm and provides quantitative valuesfor specific elements within the matrix of agiven test object. For homogeneousmaterials, the results are expected to reflectthe actual concentration of the measuredelement. However, since components likeseat cushions are usually composed ofseveral layers of different materials, the XRFresults are an average of all materials up tothe depth of X-Ray penetration. Forexample, the XRF reading for brominelevels in a seat will be composed of thefoam, the fabric or

leather seat covering, and any fabricbacking as shown in Table A5. Therefore,the seat foam alone may have a higherbromine level, but the reading will be lowerdue to the presence of the fabric and backcoating, or vice versa. This type ofaveraging results in lower levels beingreported in heterogeneous samples. Mostsamples used in this study are consideredheterogeneous samples.

MAKE MODEL SPECS MARKET CLASS YEAR CHLORINECl

(1-sigma +/-) BROMINEBr

(1-sigma +/-)

Chrysler Town & Country LTD Minivan 2006 247,636 10,424 0 4VW Jetta - Small Car 2006 183,186 8,736 0 4Buick Lucerne CXL Large Sedan 2007 157,568 7,659 3 1Audi Q7 - SUV 2007 175,511 8,534 4 1VW Touareg V8 SUV 2006 170,562 8,181 0 3GMC Yukon Denali SUV 2006 141,634 8,001 2,500 35Saturn Sky - Convertible 2007 163,789 9,607 0 4Mercedes GL450 4matic SUV 2007 204,440 9,236 0 4Cadillac DTS 4.6L V8 Luxury Sedan 2007 134,341 7,362 26 2Buick Terraza CXL 1SD Minivan 2007 121,029 7,504 791 13Saturn Relay AWD RF3 Minivan 2006 153,625 7,867 0 4Audi A6 Avanti 3.2 Luxury Sedan 2006 175,068 8,707 17 2

Table A3: Sample Date for Door trim (soft), Cl and Br error margins (ppm)

1 InnovX Model ABC XRF Detector detection estimates based on 1-2 minute test times and detection confidence of 3-sigma, or 99.7%confidence. Detection limits are a function of testing time, sample matrix and presence of interfering elements.

2 Observed detection limits varied by type of material being tested. Detection limits presented here are the lowest observed from alltesting.


Table A4: Repeat Sample DataNote: <LOD, Level of Detection

Cosco Alpha Omega Elite Convertible Infant Seat: Repeat samples & elemental detection levels (ppm)COMPONENT Cl Cl +/- Br Br +/- Sb Sb +/- Pb Pb +/- Cr Cr +/-Seat - Cushion <LOD 21,046 126 5 <LOD 220 <LOD 12 <LOD 80Seat - Cushion <LOD 16,820 95 4 <LOD 176 <LOD 9 <LOD 66Seat - Cushion <LOD 16,667 102 4 <LOD 174 <LOD 9 <LOD 70Base - Hard Plastic <LOD 15,848 <LOD 2 <LOD 170 <LOD 7 <LOD 49Base - Hard Plastic <LOD 17,837 <LOD 3 <LOD 195 <LOD 10 <LOD 65Base - Hard Plastic <LOD 18,746 <LOD 3 <LOD 194 <LOD 9 <LOD 51Clip <LOD 17,694 610 13 <LOD 185 <LOD 11 <LOD 62Clip <LOD 15,308 357 8 <LOD 170 <LOD 10 <LOD 50Clip <LOD 12,236 177 4 <LOD 137 <LOD 7 <LOD 40

SUBARU LEGACY: Repeat samples & elemental detection levels (ppm)COMPONENT Cl Cl +/- Br Br +/- Sb Sb +/- Pb Pb +/- Cr Cr +/-Steering Wheel <LOD 11,160 7 1 <LOD 125 <LOD 5 <LOD 36Steering Wheel <LOD 12,139 6 1 <LOD 130 <LOD 5 <LOD 37Steering Wheel <LOD 12,981 8 1 <LOD 139 <LOD 5 <LOD 40Dashboard <LOD 12,375 9 1 <LOD 133 <LOD 6 <LOD 46Dashboard <LOD 12,692 10 1 <LOD 134 <LOD 6 <LOD 43Dashboard <LOD 13,383 11 1 <LOD 143 <LOD 6 <LOD 48Headliner <LOD 23,444 11 2 <LOD 220 <LOD 12 <LOD 98Headliner <LOD 19,856 8 2 <LOD 208 <LOD 9 <LOD 73Headliner <LOD 22,590 13 2 <LOD 218 <LOD 12 <LOD 89Seat Front <LOD 16,443 <LOD 3 <LOD 175 14 3 <LOD 59Seat Front <LOD 17,072 <LOD 3 <LOD 182 <LOD 8 <LOD 66Seat Front <LOD 18,561 <LOD 3 <LOD 193 <LOD 8 <LOD 69Exterior Window Seal 303,078 12,526 <LOD 5 <LOD 159 <LOD 12 <LOD 153Exterior Window Seal 258,969 11,484 <LOD 5 <LOD 168 <LOD 9 <LOD 140Exterior Window Seal 277,308 12,366 <LOD 5 <LOD 166 <LOD 11 <LOD 128

NISSAN VERSA: Repeat samples & elemental detection levels (ppm)COMPONENT Cl Cl +/- Br Br +/- Sb Sb +/- Pb Pb +/- Cr Cr +/-Armrest/Center Console 116,232 8,766 <LOD 4 2,866 81 <LOD 9 <LOD 92Armrest/Center Console 112,203 8,793 <LOD 4 2,855 83 <LOD 9 <LOD 94Armrest/Center Console 100,292 8,086 <LOD 3 2,685 76 <LOD 8 <LOD 78Seat Front <LOD 36,809 34,098 835 7,761 255 139 11 492 58Seat Front <LOD 34,375 32,146 764 7,577 242 156 11 626 65Seat Front <LOD 31,505 25,283 550 5,964 190 115 9 431 51Hard Door Trim <LOD 13,921 <LOD 3 <LOD 146 <LOD 7 128 25Hard Door Trim <LOD 15,796 <LOD 2 <LOD 158 <LOD 7 146 29Hard Door Trim <LOD 14,302 <LOD 3 <LOD 153 <LOD 8 131 26Soft Door Trim 112,451 6,485 53 2 1,566 55 9 3 <LOD 62Soft Door Trim 282,862 13,035 203 7 3,523 92 48 7 <LOD 158Soft Door Trim 136,685 7,748 65 3 2,012 62 16 3 <LOD 76Exterior Window Seal 471,785 20,375 <LOD 11 <LOD 162 <LOD 24 <LOD 374Exterior Window Seal 547,122 22,473 <LOD 12 <LOD 154 <LOD 28 939 205Exterior Window Seal 550,000 23,843 <LOD 12 <LOD 158 31 10 735 204


1 Seat coverings (cloth, PVC or leather) were removed from foam and analyzed from the outer and inner surface of thematerial. “Full seat” reading is taken with seat assembly intact and is typical of samples used in this study. “Foam only”sample is for seat foam that has been sliced in half to give a foam only sample.

VEHICLE COMPONENT BROMINE1996 Dodge Neon Full Seat (Cloth) 21,300 ppm

Seat Foam Only 89 ppmFabric Only - outer surface 62,400 ppmFabric Only - inner surface 77,400 ppm

1993 Mercury Grand Marquis Full Seat (PVC) 87 ppmSeat Foam Only 8 ppmFabric/PVC - outer surface 192 ppmFabric/PVC - inner surface 34 ppm

1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette Full Seat (Leather) 4,181 ppmFoam Only 10,100 ppmLeather - outer surface 2,780 ppmLeather - inner surface 2,564 ppm

Table A5: XRF Averaging of Heterogeneous Samples1


E S T A B L I S I N G T H ER E L A T I V E L E V E L S O FC O N C E R NCar seat ratings were calculated based onthe XRF results from two to four car seatcomponents that were tested on all carseats. Seat and base were tested on allbooster seats; seat, base, clip were sampledon all convertible car seats; and seat, base,clip and shade were sampled on all infantcar seats.

The rating for each car seat was determinedusing the following process:

1. Each component was given a weightingbased on its relative size and potentialto release chemicals or dust. Thisweighting was based on judgment onthe part of the researchers. Thecomponent weighting factor for eachcomponent is indicated in Table A6.

2. Each element was given a chemicalweighting factor (multiplier) based onthe level of concern associated with itand its related chemical compounds, aswell as the concentration level detected.Higher concentrations were assignedhigher weights. For instance, there were2 levels of concern determined forbromine depending on theconcentration that was detected. Theweighting for each element and fordifferent concentrations of elements isshown in Table A7. Explanation of therelative weight of each element isprovided below.

Bromine: Bromine indicates the likelypresence of a brominated flameretardant (BFR). BFRs, particularlydecabrominated diphenylethers (deca),have been found in dust and windshieldfilm samples from new model vehicles.Deca may degrade into more toxicchemicals when exposed to heat and UVradiation. We therefore considerbromine a relatively high-concernsubstance when present at higherconcentrations. We thus assigned it arelative weight of 10 for concentrationsabove 1,000 ppm. Concentrations lowerthan 1,000 ppm received a weight of 1.

Chlorine: All chlorine detected was inconcentrations higher than 10,000 ppm,which indicates the likely prescence ofPVC. We cannot, however, rule out thepossibility of other chlorinatedcompounds, like flame retardants, beingpresent in the materials. PVC has beenidentified as a problem chemicalthroughout its lifecycle. Formation ofhighly toxic dioxins and furans duringcombustion and evaporation inproduction and end of life, as well asrelease of phthalates from soft PVCmaterials are of particular concern.Considering the likely possibility thatchlorine indicates the use of PVC and

Table A7: Elements Detected and TheirRelative Weight in the RatingsLOD = Level of Detection

ELEMENTRELATIVE WEIGHT

Bromine (low) 1 (>LOD, <1,000 ppm)Bromine (high) 10 (>1,000 ppm)Chlorine 10 (> 10,000ppm)Lead (low) 1 (>LOD, <600 ppm)Lead (high) 5 (>600 ppm)Antimony 1 (>LOD)Arsenic 1 (>LOD)Chromium 1 (>LOD)Cobalt 1 (>LOD)Copper 1 (>LOD)Nickel 1 (>LOD)Mercury 1 (>LOD)Tin 1 (>LOD)

COMPONENTCOMPONENT

WEIGHT

Base 1

Clip 1

Seat 1

Shade 1

Table A6: Relative Weighting of EachComponent


phthalates additives, we regard chlorineas a relatively high-concern substanceand assigned it a relative weight of 10.

Lead: The link between lead and seriousdevelopmental and other healthconcerns is well established. The toyindustry restricts the use of lead inconcentrations higher than600 ppm. We therefore assigned arelative weight of 5 to leadconcentrations above 600 ppm, and arelative weight of 1 to lowerconcentrations.

The remaining elements were alsofound in car seat components and areassociated with harmful health effectseven at relatively low concentrations.Some of them are carcinogens, othersare allergens or heavy metals.Concentrations of these substances weremostly found at lower levels than theabove-mentioned substances, and thuswe consider them to have acomparatively low health concern, andassigned them each a relative weight of1.

3. The component weight factor wasmultiplied by the chemical (andconcentration) weight factor to produce

Table A8: Final Points Used for VehicleRatings

points. The shaded area in Table A8shows the resulting points.

4. The points for each of the components(2to 4 depending on seat type) wereadded to produce chemical scores forbromine, chlorine, lead and otherchemicals. In order to communicate therelative concern to the public, thesescores were then scaled on a 0-5 basis,with 5 being the highest concern and 0being the lowest. These 0-5 scores arereferred to as the chemical ratings.

5. The total scores for all the chemicalswere added to produce an overall scorethat indicates the relative concern of thecomplete car seat. This score was thenscaled on a 0-5 basis with 5 being thehighest concern and 0 being the lowest.This scaled score is referred to as theoverall car seat rating. It allowsconsumers to identify car seats of lowerconcern.

6. Finally, the general categories ofconcern were established. This wasdone by ranking the overall car seat ratingfor each type of seat sampled, andassigning relative low concern to car seatsin the 0-15th percentile; relative mediumconcern to car seats between the 15th to85th percentile; and relative high concernto car seats above the 85th percentile.

CHLORINE OTHER***PPMs >LOD & <1000 >1000 >10,000 >LOD & <600 >600 >LOD

COMPONENTCOMPONENTWEIGHT 1 POINT 10 POINTS 10 POINTS 1 POINT 5 POINTS

UP TO 8 POINTS

Base 1 1 10 10 1 5 8Clip * 1 1 10 10 1 5 8Seat 1 1 10 10 1 5 8Shade ** 1 1 10 10 1 5 8

** Only infant seats have this component.*** Includes antimony, tin, arsenic, chromium, copper, nickel and mercury.

LEADBROMINE

*Only convertible and infant seats have this component.

2006/2007 guide to child car seats - ecology center · the car seat, in comparison to all other car...

Documents