A study released today claims that more than half of children's car seats contain toxic chemicals such as bromine and chlorine. The study, by the Ecology Research Center, is based on tests of over 150 car seats.

The Ecology Research Center states that it tested for bromine, chlorine, lead and other heavy metals using X-Ray Flourescence (XRF) scanners, which can identify the chemical composition of a product (though it can't determine whether the chemicals are on the surface or interior of the product). The organization says it found that 60 percent of the tested seats contained at least one of the chemicals tested for.

Consumer Reports has not evaluated the findings of this study, and cannot comment on its merit or validity. We will provide more information and analysis in the near future. Regardless of the results of this study or any other, properly installed safety seats are vital to keep your child safe, and should be used every time a baby or young child is in a car.

Hazardous Flame Retardants and Chemical Additives Found in 60 Percent of 2011 Child Car Seats Tested by HealthyStuff.org | www.ecocenter.org [Press Release]
Consumer Reports' Car Seat Buying Guide