And James ranks Musial ahead of Tris Speaker, Hank Aaron (who is alive), Joe DiMaggio, and Lou Gehrig.

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Last year the state of California added the commonly used flame retardant TDCPP (chlorinated Tris) to its list of known cancer-causing chemicals.

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If this were to happen, Jeter would rank fifth all-time in hits just behind Stan Musial (3, 630) and ahead of Tris Speaker (3, 514).

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The listing of chlorinated Tris went into effect in October 2012, which means any product still containing the flame retardant needs to come with a warning label in California.

FORBES: Target, Walmart, Babies-R-Us Sued Over Toxic Baby Products

They've specifically fought to protect flame retardant chemicals such as chlorinated Tris, which is so dangerous that companies voluntarily stopped using it in children's pajamas more than 30 years ago.

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But while scientists have warned us about chemicals such as chlorinated Tris since the 1970s, they continue to be used in products all around us, including furniture, cribs, mattresses and high-chair cushions.

CNN: Are toxic chemicals putting your family at risk?