It is a shame that bicycle helmets don't have independent testing organizations like Snell Foundation. Even the DOT helmet requirements and the European Unions' requirements (for motorcycle and automobile racing) are much more thorough than the CPSC standards Bicycle helmets are subject to. The testing is more thorough and is ongoing for new helmets and in research into new materials and designs. The stickers for Snell, DOT or EU in a helmet mean something to motorcyclist and automobile racers. They have definite time limits for helmet life spans and these are researched not just a shop employee trying to sell more helmets. (UV and airborne pollutants do cause breakdown of the shells and the padding degrades, as well, from sweat and heat/cold cycles. We could do better for our helmet standards.

Bill