HealthyCar.org

HealthyCar.org Car Seat Guide is based on research conducted by the Ecology Center that looks at the presence of key hazardous chemicals in child car seats. While there are numerous substances in vehicles that can lead to health and environmental problems, HealthyCar.org focuses on bromine, chlorine, lead, as well as some other heavy metals, allergens and carcinogens. All of these substances were chosen because of their toxicity, persistence, and/or tendency to build up in people and the environment. All of them have also been subject to regulatory restrictions and/or voluntary limits set by industry associations or third party certification organizations.

In the last two years, HealthyCar.org has tested over 130 popular 2007-2008 child car seats. The components sampled include: seat cushion, foam backing, seat base, seat belt clip and sun shade (when available). The XRF device identified the elemental composition of each of these components. Based on these findings, each car seat was given an overall car seat rating, as well as chemical ratings for bromine, chlorine, lead and a group of substances referred to as "other chemicals". A detailed description of the rating system is provided in the full report.

The overall car seat rating indicates the relative level of concern associated with the materials in the car seat, in comparison to all other car seats tested. The ratings range from 0 to 5, with 0 representing car seats with the relative lowest concern and 5 the relative highest.

Each car seat was also assigned a relative level of concern of low, medium or high. Car seats with a low rating are indicated in green. Car seats with a high rating are indicated in red. All others received an average or medium rating and are indicated in yellow.

The chemical ratings for bromine, chlorine, lead and other chemicals indicate the relative concern associated with levels of those chemicals detected in the car seat, in comparison to all other car seats tested. These ratings also range from 0 to 5, with 0 representing car seats with the relative lowest concern and 5 the relative highest.

HealthyCar.org ratings do not provide any absolute measure of health risk or chemical exposure associated with any individual car seat, or any individual element or related chemical. HealthyCar.org ratings only provide a relative measure of "level of concern" for a car seat in comparison to all others sampled.

It is important to always use a child car seat, no matter what rating is received.

In addition to toxic chemicals, consumers might also want to consider other issues when considering a child car seat purchase. Visit the resources page to find links to other helpful shopping tools.

For a detailed description of our rating system and methodology, download the full report.