Toxic Substances in Children's Products
The Departments of Consumer Protection (DCP), Public Health (DPH), and Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) worked jointly to develop a list of toxic substances that they recommend should not exist in children's products based on a specific set of criteria that can be found in their Hazard Assessment. This process has also involved collaboration with Trinity College’s environmental science students and faculty.
We have developed a fact sheet with information useful to families who would like to avoid products containing these flame retardants and otherwise prevent children’s exposure to potentially harmful products. Families should also be encouraged to contact DPH and DCP for more information.
Use of these evaluation criteria outlined in the MOU has resulted in an initial list of three chemicals present in children’s products that are of high concern due to their potential to cause toxicity to children, and can be found below:
Tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP)
- Product Type: Flame retardant
- Health Concern: Carcinogen
- Children’s Products Concern: Children’s foam padded sleep mats, crib bumpers, changing table pads
- Detailed Report
Tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl phosphate, TDCPP)
- Product Type: Flame retardant
- Health Concern: Carcinogen
- Children’s Products Concern: Children’s foam padded sleep mats, crib bumpers, changing table pads
- Detailed Report
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
- Product Type: Flame retardant
- Health Concern: Endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity
- Children’s Products Concern: Children’s car seats, soft furniture
- Detailed Report
Additional Background Information
- Class Report on Toxic Substances from Trinity College
- State Statute requiring the list within the Child Protection Act
- Memorandum of Agreement between the three agencies
- Assessment Criteria
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California's recent ban on organohalogen flame retardants
Agency Contact Information
Department of Consumer Protection:
Food, Standards and Product Safety Division
Email: dcp.productsafety@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 713-6160
Food, Standards and Product Safety Division
Email: dcp.productsafety@ct.gov
Phone: (860) 713-6160
Department of Public Health:
Environmental and Occupational Health Assessment Program
Phone: (860) 509-7740
Environmental and Occupational Health Assessment Program
Phone: (860) 509-7740