Nonprofit groups says children's clothes potentially harmful; asks state for tests

SEATTLE (AP) — A nonprofit group is asking state regulators to investigate several companies they say appear to be selling children's products with harmful chemicals above state limits.

The Washington Toxics Coalition says it reviewed thousands of reports that manufacturers of children's products submitted to the state and found cases of possible violations of the state standards for cadmium and phthalates in children's clothing and personal care products.

The group wants the Department of Ecology to take appropriate enforcement action.

State law requires manufacturers of children's products to report if the products contain certain harmful chemicals.

Regulators with the Department of Ecology buy and test products to make sure manufacturers are reporting accurate information.

But Ecology officials say it's unclear whether it can use manufacturer's self-reported information to pursue possible enforcement action.