ATS Baby Product Testing Services
Applied Technical Services offers a range of baby product testing services to verify that samples meet industry standards for safety. While many manufactured products are subject to regulations that restrict the use of harmful substances, few are scrutinized as carefully as baby products. Developing babies and infants are extra-sensitive to chemicals potentially found in everyday items such as sippy cups, strollers, toys, and pacifiers.
Types of Chemicals Found in Baby Products
BPA is used in the manufacturing of certain plastics that are often used in food and beverage containers. However, even in small quantities, BPA can be harmful to babies. Food and drink containers are closely monitored for BPA levels, which can be ingested if they leach into foods and liquids. For BPA tests, we use our Triple Quad Liquid Chromatography Mass-Spectrometer (LC/MS/MS) to analyze BPA content at a detection limit of up to 100 parts per trillion (ppt).
Phthalates are chemical compounds often used to make plastics more elastic and durable. These compounds can enter the body through ingestion, breathing, or skin contact and pose a risk for babies and could potentially cause negative long-term health effects in adults. The limit for phthalate content in children’s toys or care articles is 0.1 percent of DEHP, DBP, or BBP phthalates. Our consumer product testing lab uses our Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS) to determine the level of phthalate content present in baby product materials.
To meet flammability requirements and reduce the risk of materials catching fire, manufacturers add flame retardant chemicals to certain products. Some baby products that could contain flame retardants include floor mats, nursing pads, mattresses, chairs, and strollers. Although these chemicals may slow the spread of flame in the event of a fire, they have negative health effects on babies and children. Examples of flame retardants to look for are TDCPP, TOCP, TCEP, TPP, and TCPP – all of which our expert technicians can detect in our consumer product testing lab.
Formaldehyde is a volatile organic compound (VOC), meaning that it is a harmful chemical that can easily evaporate. Baby hygiene products such as shampoo and soap can contain traces of formaldehyde. If exposed to formaldehyde over a long period, babies could suffer from adverse health effects. Our staff is experienced with formaldehyde testing and can quickly verify whether baby products contain any traces of this toxic chemical.
ATS and Baby Product Testing
For over 50 years, we have based our services on proven scientific and engineering principles. Applied Technical Services has a wide array of chemical testing capabilities equipped to handle baby product testing – and our consumer product testing lab is also ISO 17025 (A2LA), CPSC, and EN71 accredited. Contact our lab to arrange baby product testing that is tailored to your needs – We take a closer look!