Environmental Health News

Lawsuit Cites Environment California Research & Policy Center’s Latest Report

The California Attorney General Jerry Brown filed a lawsuit yesterday against five manufacturers of baby furniture for high levels of formaldehyde in products such as cribs and changing tables. In filing the suit, the Attorney General cited Environment California Research & Policy Center’s latest report on children’s health, Toxic Baby Furniture: The Latest Case for Making Products Safe from the Start, which tested common nursery items for high levels of the toxic chemical.

“We applaud Attorney General Brown for taking on this important public health issue,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro with Environment California Research & Policy Center. “Parents absolutely have the right to know what kinds of toxic chemicals are in children’s products, and ultimately California should phase out the use of toxins in consumer products altogether.”

The California lawsuit is based on Proposition 65 requirements that manufacturers provide “clear and reasonable warnings” of chemicals in products known to cause cancer and birth defects. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical widely used in the manufacturing of building materials and a variety of household products. Manufacturers use formaldehyde in glues and adhesives, as a preservative in paints, and as a means to give fabrics a permanent-press quality. When used in the home, formaldehyde-containing products can release the chemical into indoor air. The state of California and the International Agency for Research on Cancer classify formaldehyde as a known human carcinogen. In addition, children chronically exposed to elevated levels of airborne formaldehyde face an increased risk of developing allergies and asthma.

Environment California Research & Policy Center’s report shows that baby nursery cribs, changing tables, and dressers can emit formaldehyde at levels linked with increased risk of childhood allergies and asthma.   

Environmental groups are calling on the state of California to move beyond toxic chemicals in consumer products. The state has undertaken a new initiative—called the Green Chemistry Initiative—to tackle the problem of toxic chemicals in consumer products and introduce safer alternatives.

“Consumer products, especially when it comes to our children, need to be safe,” said Del Chiaro. “We are looking to Governor Schwarzenegger to launch a strong Green Chemistry Initiative to protect California’s babies and all California consumers.”