Health Dangers of Flame Retardants

Story at-a-glance

• In the largest study to date of its kind, researchers found in utero and childhood exposures to flame-retardant chemicals (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs) were associated with neurodevelopmental delays in school-age children
• As many as 97 percent of all Americans have significant levels of PBDEs in their blood, which makes in utero exposure highly likely; up to 80 percent of children’s products, including 60 percent of car seats, also contain PBDEs and other chemicals.
• PBDEs have also been linked to decreased fertility, thyroid problems and liver toxicity.
• Your mattress is likely to be one of your most significant exposures to PBDEs, as all U.S. mattresses are required to be highly flame retardant; look for a chemical-free, organic or 100% wool mattress for yourself and your child instead.