How does PBDE affect human health?

Based on studies on experimental animals, the toxicological endpoints of exposure to PBDEs are likely to be thyroid homeostasis disruption, neurodevelopmental deficits, reproductive changes, and even cancer.

How are humans exposed to PBDE?

The main source of exposure to PBDEs may be through foods, particularly those with high fat content, such as fatty fish. Some lower brominated PBDEs have been detected in air samples, indicating that people can also be exposed by inhalation.

How do flame retardants affect humans?

Flame Retardants have been shown to cause neurological damage, hormone disruption, and cancer. One of the biggest dangers of some flame retardants is that they bioaccumulate in humans, causing long-term chronic health problems as bodies contain higher and higher levels of these toxic chemicals.

Is PBDE harmful?

The toxicity of PBDEs is not as well understood as that of PCBs. PBDEs are endocrine disruptors and neurotoxins. They are believed to cause liver tumors, neurodevelopmental and thyroid dysfunctions.

How do I get rid of PBDE?

7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDE flame retardants

  1. Whenever possible choose PBDE-free electronics and furniture.
  2. Avoid contact with decaying or crumbling foam that might contain fire retardants.
  3. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner.

What products have PBDE?

Finished products that may contain PBDEs are furniture foam padding; wire insulation; rugs, draperies, and upholstery; and plastic cabinets for televisions, personal computers, and small appliances.

Where is PBDE found?

PBDEs are found in a variety of consumer products, from TVs and toasters to mattresses and drapes. These chemicals are intended to slow the rate of ignition and fire growth, allowing people more time to escape from a fire or extinguish it.

Why is PBDE in our environment?

The disposal of materials treated with PBDEs, for example if disposed of in landfill sites or illegally dumped, permits PBDEs to enter the environment and ecosystems. Studies have shown that PBDE concentration levels are elevated in sewage treatment works (De Boer et al.

Is flame retardant carcinogenic?

There is growing evidence that many flame retardant chemicals can affect the endocrine, immune, reproductive, and nervous systems. Some animal studies have shown that long-term exposure to flame retardants can lead to cancer.

Is PBDE a carcinogen?

IARC has classified PBDE as a Group 3 carcinogen (not classifiable as to its carcinogenicity to humans) based on inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity in humans and inadequate or limited evidence in experimental animals (IARC 2014).

When was PBDE banned?

Brominated flame retardant chemicals, banned in the U.S. since 2004, still pollute the bodies of newborn American babies, according to a new study from Indiana University scientists. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, were once widely used in products including furniture foam and electronics.