Issues > May/June 2005 (#108) > Learning Hazards: Toxic Fire Retardants And How To Avoid Them In Consumer Products And Food - The Executive Summary

Learning Hazards: Toxic Fire Retardants And How To Avoid Them In Consumer Products And Food - The Executive Summary

Below is the executive summary to the Green Guide's special report on PBDEs.

A PDF of the full report is available for $3.50 (see sidebar).

Edited by Mindy Pennybacker and Catherine Zandonella, M.P.H.

Introduction

As a general rule fire retardants help protect us, but not all fire retardants are made alike. Certain of these chemicals, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), raise safety concerns because they have been collecting in our bodies and may, at high exposures, cause nervous system damage in children. Americans are just beginning to learn about possible risks posed by PBDEs, which are being found in our blood, body fat and breastmilk at levels several times higher than in the citizens of any other country where they've been tested. In a few cases, these levels are comparable to those that have caused reproductive and nervous system damage in animals.

Luckily, consumers have a choice: There are safer alternative fire-retardants, and the Solutions section of this report lists consumer products that are PBDE-free, along with simple ways to minimize PBDE exposure in our homes and in our diets. The report also examines the literature on PBDEs to date, including new studies released in the spring of 2005.

PBDES: The "New PCBs"

PBDEs, widely used in polyurethane furniture foam and plastic TV and computer monitors, have been found to be collecting in the bodies and breast milk of human beings over the past 30 years. They also have been found in wildlife, house dust and our food. Children's PBDE levels, in particular, may receive occasional spikes from dust encountered while playing on the floor.

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