Quick and Easy Tips to Avoid Toxic Exposure from Car Seats

According to Discovery's Tree Hugger, some car seats have been found to leak toxic elements. This means that children are exposed to these toxic elements. Of course, there are ways to reduce children's exposure. Follow these tips to help children avoid toxic elements from car seats.

Use Solar Reflectors

There are a variety of solar reflector products for automobiles. Sunlight aids in the leaking of toxic elements from car seats. As long as these products are used correctly so they do not obstruct the driver's view while driving (meaning using the product correctly while driving or only using the product while the vehicle is parked), they help to reduce exposure to toxic elements, according to Ecomall.

Park in the Shade

Parking in the shade keeps sunlight from hitting the car seat. This keeps the car seat from leaking the toxic elements. There are other ways that Ecomall suggest reducing exposure to toxic elements.

Ventilate Your Car Before Entering

Ecomall says that before you get into the car, and especially before your child gets into your car, make sure the car is ventilated and has a good air flow through vehicle. While this doesn't stop the leaking of the toxic elements, it helps to air out the car. Toxic elements that have leaked into the car can be aired out more than if the car is not ventilated.

Reduce the Amount of Time Your Child Spends in the Car

Discovery's Tree Hugger suggests that instead of leaving your child in the car with another parent or sibling (never leave a child alone in a car), have the child get out with you when making stops. Have the child get out at times that you may only be outside the car, too. Such a time may be when filling the gas tank as you may never leave the side of your car. The child will be with the car seat less which will reduce the exposure to any toxic elements.

Use Car Seats that Have Been Rated as Safer Brands

Some car seats have high risk of exposure to toxic elements. Others have medium risk and others have a low risk. Low risk brands include Graco and Sunshine kids. However, even each product from the companies have different ratings. For a full list of ratings, go to Healthystuff.org's children's products. This company is dedicated to researching toxic chemicals in every day products.

Sources:

Parent's Corner - Green Living Tips - Sierra Club. (n.d.). Sierra Club Home Page: Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet . Retrieved December 22, 2011, from http://www.sierraclub.org/tips/parents.aspx
HIGH LEVELS OF TOXIC CHEMICALS FOUND IN CAR INTERIORS. (n.d.).Earth Friendly Products, organic gifts, organic products, natural products, eco-friendly, Greentailing, non toxic, green guide, sustainable, recycled, hemp, solar . Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://www.ecomall.com/greenshopping/e

HealthyStuff.org | Children's Products. (n.d.). HealthyStuff.org | Researching Toxic Chemicals in Everyday Products . Retrieved December 22, 2011, from http://www.healthystuff.org/departments/childrens-products/product.carseatsonly.php

Over Half of Child Car Seats Contains Toxic Chemicals : TreeHugger. (n.d.).TreeHugger . Retrieved December 26, 2011, from http://www.treehugger.com/cars/over-half-of-child-car-seats-contains-toxic-chemicals.html