I just read this article by Nick Kristof in the NY Times about flame retardant chemicals in children's chairs with characters on them.

"RESEARCHERS this summer purchased 42 children’s chairs, sofas and other furniture from major retailers and tested them for toxic flame retardants that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, diminished I.Q.’s and other problems...In a study released a few days ago, the Center for Environmental Health reported the results: the toxins were found in all but four of the products tested."

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/11/24/opinion/sunday/kristof-danger-lurks-in-that-mickey-mouse-couch.html?_r=1&

And the press release from the Center for Environmental Health is here: http://www.ceh.org/news-events/press-releases/content/playing-on-poisons-childrens-furniture-found-with-harmful-flame-retardant-chemicals/