Gerratana, Urban Call for Ban on Toxic Flame-Retardants

State Sen. Terry Gerratana (D-New Britain) and State Rep. Diana Urban, co-chairs of the Select Committee on Children, took up the issue of potentially toxic flame-retardants in baby products today at a news conference at the State Capitol.

The legislators pointed to a recent report, “Hidden Hazards In the Nursery,” that claims 80 percent of new baby and children’s products tested contained the chemical chlorinated Tris, a flame-retardant linked to cancer, hormone disruption and classified by the state of California as a carcinogen.

The items tested included bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats.

“Parents expect that any products they buy – especially for their children – should be safe. That’s common sense,” Gerratana said in a press release. “The fact that these products are still sold just about everywhere is surprising and alarming. As legislators, I believe it is very appropriate that we take steps to ban these carcinogens, especially among our most vulnerable population: children.”

Gerratana and Urban were joined by members of the Coalition For A Safe and Healthy Connecticut, health care advocates, parents and legislators.

The issue is expected to be the subject of legislation when the legislature convenes next month with health advocates urging a state ban on toxic Tris flame retardants.