Car Advice reports that US-based consumer website HealthyStuff.org tested more than 150 child car seats for bromine (used in flame retardants), chlorine (in PVC), lead, other heavy metals and allergens, and discovered three in five new products currently on sale in the US contain at least one of these substances. The article points out that heat and UV-ray exposure accelerate the breakdown of these chemicals and potentially increase their toxicity especially to babies who are the most vulnerable demographic to exposure to chemicals. According to the tests the best and worst seats in terms of chemical toxicity are:
2011 Most Toxic car seats:
- Infant seat – Graco SnugRide 35 in Edgemont Red/Black and SnugRide 30 in Asprey
- Convertible seat – Britax Marathon in Platinum and Marathon 70 in Jet Set
- Booster seat – Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal and ProSPORT Toddler in Mist
2011 Least Toxic car seats:
- Infant seat – Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay and Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche
- Convertible Carseat – Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, Safety 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater and Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe
- Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders
Here are the ten best and worst picks:
