The 6 Most Toxic Products at Baby Stores

Many changing pads are made from polyurethane foam and are coated in polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Products made with polyurethane foam could contain harmful flame-retardant chemicals. For decades, such chemicals—linked to hormone disruption, cancers, and improper brain development—have been added to foam-based products to prevent fires, but scientists disagree about whether the chemicals improve fire safety. Avoid the "TB117" label – which indicates that the item meets a California flame resistance standard that virtually requires the use of chemical flame-retardants. And rest assured that keeping these chemicals out of your baby's changing pad won't increase your risk of a house fire.

Additionally, it's possible these pads could contain phthalates, which can cause hormone disruption, liver and thyroid toxicity, asthma symptoms, and obesity. Look for products that have a GREENGUARD Gold Certification to ensure minimal chemical emissions.