U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer is proposing legislation to ban 10 flame retardants from upholstered furniture and children’s products, saying the chemicals have been linked to developmental delays in children and rare cancers in firefighters when treated furniture burns.

The New York Democrat says studies have also shown that the 10 most toxic retardants in the padding of furniture and children’s products like crib mattresses and changing table pads are not effective in reducing fire risks.

According to Schumer’s office, a study by the Environmental Working Group and Duke University published in August found children at particular risk from closer contact with the products and dust particles that contain the toxins.

The bill would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ban the 10 and review all other chemical flame retardants.

(AP)