A research report on toxic chemicals in children's car seats was released by a consumer-oriented website, called www.HealthyStuff.org, and Ecology Center on Wednesday, found over half contained toxic chemicals.

Over 150, 2011 model car seats were tested for bromine, chlorine, lead, and other heavy metals and allergens, while some seats were found to be virtually free of the most dangerous chemicals, over 60 percent contained at least one of the chemicals tested.

The reports says that babies are the most vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and they spend a lot of time in their car seats, although the substances have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer in children.

"Car seats save lives. It's absolutely essential that parents put their children in them while driving," said Jeff Gearhart, research director at the center, which has done more than 20,000 tests for toxic chemicals on 7,000 consumer products since 1997. "However, our research shows that some car seats contain more harmful chemicals than others."

Most Toxic 2011 Car Seats:

  • Infant Seat: Graco Snugride 35 in Edgemont Red/Black & Graco SnugRide 30 in Asprey.
  • Convertible Seat: Britax Marathon 70 in Jet Set & Britax Marathon in Platinum.
  • Booster Seat: Recaro Pro Booster in Blue Opal & Recaro ProSPORT Toddler in Mist.

Least Toxic 2011 Car Seats:

  • Infant Seat: Chicco KeyFit 30 in Limonata, Graco Snugride 35 in Laguna Bay & Combi Shuttle 33 in Cranberry Noche.
  • Convertible Carseat: Graco Comfort Sport in Caleo, Graco MyRide 65 in Chandler and Streamer, Safety 1st OnSide Air in Clearwater, and Graco Nautilus Elite 3-in-1 in Gabe.
  • Booster Seat: Graco Turbo Booster in Anders.

The site reported that these substances have been linked to allergies, birth defects, impaired learning, liver toxicity, and cancer, and babies are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and they spend hours in car seats.

Cancer Cancer