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While most Californians count themselves lucky to live in a state that leads the nation in health standards such widespread organic farming practices and strict vehicle emissions standards, why is it that Californians also have the highest concentration of toxic flame retardant chemicals in their bodies than people in any other state? That’s because in 1972, state lawmakers passed flammability standards legislation for furniture and baby products, but did not specify how those standards could be met. And because American chemical companies do not have to prove the safety of chemicals they use in consumer products, a class of flame retardants that are hazardous halogenated chemicals similar to PCB’s and Dioxins, were used to lace everything from children’s baby strollers and car seats to nursing pillows. The chemicals are widely used today, and because of California’s consumer might, they are often the defacto national standard used by manufacturers. In 2008, state legislation to curb the most toxic of these chemicals was soundly defeated via a huge lobbying campaign by the chemical industry, who also paid off minority groups to testify that flame retardants protect people in poor neighborhoods because of the higher risk of fires. Meanwhile lawmakers are now considering legislation that could expand the use of the toxic chemicals in all mattresses.

GUEST: Ruth Rosen is a former columnist for the Los Angeles Times and San Francisco Chronicle, and a professor emerita of history at U.C. Berkeley.

Read Ruth Rosen’s article at http://www.alternet.org/healthwellness/145215/why_you_should_fear_your_sofa%2C_baby_stroller_and_nursing_pillow.

Find out more about flame retardants at http://greensciencepolicy.org/