Child Restraints Save More Lives Than Any Other Children's Product

JPMA Questions Misleading Information in Recent Reports

MOUNT LAUREL, N.J., May 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) actively promotes the safe use and selection of car seats, booster seats and child restraint systems. Child restraints perform a significant job in preventing injuries in car accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has written comprehensive regulations governing child restraint systems and car seat manufacturers work diligently to produce compliant product. Automotive interiors and car seats are subject to strict flammability standard FMVSS 302 which is intended to prevent harm to occupants in the event of post accident vehicle fires.

Previous extensive testing performed on a range of plastic children's products by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that children are not at risk from vinyl plastics as used in children's products. The agency has a longstanding commitment to protecting children from the dangers of lead and other toxic chemicals.

JPMA is alarmed at potentially misleading statements such as those found at http://www.healthycar.org/. Organizations around the country like the American Chemistry Council, Vinyl Institute and American Academy of Pediatrics have scientific support that chemical levels in car seats are very, very low and do not pose a risk to children. In fact, the total amount of phthalates found in car dust is actually about ten times lower than is found in house dust.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Correspondent and well respected medical reporter, had this to say in a recent interview "I can't think of a scenario short of a child literally eating the car seat where this would be a problem."

JPMA believes instead of alarming parents, we should work together to educate them about the importance of the proper use and installation of car seats. No product is more effective at reducing fatalities and injuries to our precious children. Their use is required throughout the nation, because they are so effective at reducing injury to children. Child restraint manufacturers work diligently to ensure the safest product and as an industry, we are dedicated to the well being of our future. To that end, we welcome accurate and sound scientific information on the safety of any and all juvenile products. JPMA urges parents and caregivers to continue using their child restraint and follow all manufacturer recommendations and instructions for proper installation and use.