Study: harmful chemicals found in nurseries

West Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) - Some experts say certain products that are in a nursery could be flammable or harmful to a child's health.

Expectant parents spend a lot of time and a lot of energy trying to make their baby's nursery perfect. They assume everything that's found in there is safe, but a state representative says there are harmful chemicals found in some things in a nursery and she wants those chemicals banned in the state of Connecticut.

Some parents may think that basically any baby item found on a store shelf is worry free.

"New mom's are sleep deprived, they have a lot to worry about as it is," said mom Christa Allard. "They want to be able to go to a store and worry about the products that they are choosing for them."

State Representative Diana Urban will be pushing new legislation next month that will ban toxic chemicals used as flame retardants in baby products.

A recent Washington Toxics Coalition study showed harmful chemicals in products such as bassinet pads, nursing pillows, changing pads, and car seats. [Read the study]

"Once the polyurethane foam starts to burn, they release the gases, it's toxic," said Rep. Urban. "Talk to firefighters, almost all the deaths are caused by smoke inhalation."

The chemicals are not listed on packaging. While it's unknown whether this will become law this year, Allard is learning she must now be even more protective of her daughter, even when shopping.

"I own that changing table over there and had no idea until I came here today that there were chemicals in there that I'd want to avoid for her," Allard said.

Rep. Urban doesn't expect this legislation to be easy, she expects quite a fight.