MIAMI – Graco, one of the most popular makers of products for babies, has announced that all of their newly-manufactured products will be completely free of chemicals that could cause cancer.
Like most moms, Cherie Behnke would do anything to protect her family, including buying the safest baby gear.
"I go to extremes when it comes to the kids," Behnke told Local 10's Jen Herrera. "Me and my family try to stick to the healthiest things for the kids."
That's was she was happy to hear of the changes Graco is making.
In 2011, Healthystuff.org did a study on car seats and the level of possibly toxic flame retardants found in them. The Graco Comfort Sport in Laurel got a high rating, as did the My Ride 65 in Prentis and the Nautilus 3-in-1 in Matrix. Graco, however, is the only manufacturer on the list that came back as completely free of these chemicals.
Their turbo booster in Anders has none. And now the company has announced all of their newly manufactured products will be made the same way.
They're finding that many of these compounds are carcinogenic or possibly carcinogenic.
Over time, these flame retardants could pose a health risk.
"Once they get in the body or absorbed thru the skin, they go to the fats because this type of compound likes to dissolve into fats more than water," said Dr. Bill Louda, a senior Chemistry Professor at Florida Atlantic University.
Local 10 contacted Graco and the company tells us there was no evidence that these chemicals were found in all of their products, but they added they are committed to do what's safest for their customers and that's why they are putting this ban in place.
Parents we found shopping for their kids say "Kudos to Graco."
"It's a good thing," said mom Jessica Washburn.
"That's awesome. That's amazing. Anything for the kids," said Behnke.