Slick Finishes

Finishes such as "permanent-press," "no-iron," "water repellent" and "flame retardant," which promise to make fabrics care-free, may actually create headaches-or worse-by releasing these pollutants:

Formaldehyde: This common indoor air pollutant, found in permanent-press and some fire-retardant clothes and drapery, is an upper respiratory irritant and probable carcinogen.

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs): found in Stainmaster, Goretex and Teflon coatings and sprays, PFCs showed up in the blood of children tested at more than twice adult levels, a 2001 study by 3M reported. The variety found, PFOA, has been associated with testicular and bladder cancers in some human studies. Research suggests that many PFCs used in consumer goods will become PFOA when metabolized in the body. PFOS, another PFC compound, has been removed from 3M's Scotchgard under EPA orders owing to its developmental and reproductive toxicity.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Animal studies indicate that PBDEs disrupt thyroid hormone levels and harm the growth of developing brains. PBDEs are used as fire retardants in upholstery, carpets, home and office furniture; vehicle seats and some plastics. "American body levels of PBDEs are the highest in the world, 10 to 100 times the European level," says Arnold Schecter, M.D., coauthor of a 2003 University of Texas study.

See EWG's "Mother's Milk" report.