Are PBDEs an endocrine disruptor?

Epidemiological evidence demonstrates that PBDEs are also endocrine-disrupting compounds that interfere with thyroid hormone action [24], reproduction, and neurodevelopment [25–30].

Why are flame retardants still used?

Flame retardants are chemicals that are applied to materials to prevent the start or slow the growth of fire. They have been used in many consumer and industrial products since the 1970s, to decrease the ability of materials to ignite.

What is PBDE chemical?

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, are a class of organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants.

Where is PBDE found in the environment?

PBDEs have been detected in coastal and estuarine environments. They have also been found in the air, soil, sediments, humans, wildlife, fish and other marine life, and sewage treatment plant biosolids.

What parts of the endocrine system are more likely to be affected by PBDEs?

PBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites appear to primarily target the thyroid system, likely due to their structural similarity to endogenous thyroid hormones.

Do Ikea mattresses use flame retardants?

A Common Question: Does IKEA use Flame Retardants? This used to be a question that would result in a lot of run-around from the company. Now IKEA furniture (upholstered and mattresses) made after January 2015 and sold in the US and Canada does not contain flame retardants in the bedding and sofas.

What flame retardant is in children’s pajamas?

Tris
The story of how we ended up with children’s items (and children) full of flame retardants begins in the early 1970s, when manufacturers began incorporating the flame retardant TDCPP (Tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate) into kid’s pajamas and then, gradually, into furniture, mattresses, and other flammable items.

Is PBDE banned?

PBDEs have been widely used since the 1970s; however, due to their persistence in the environment, the manufacturing of PBDEs has been banned and the import, use and sale of PBDEs found in commercial mixtures of greatest concern (penta- and octaBDE) have been restricted in Canada since 2008 and in the US since the end …

How is PBDE harmful?

❖ Studies in rats and mice show that PBDEs cause neurotoxicity, developmental neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, thyroid toxicity, immunotoxicity, liver toxicity, pancreas effects (diabetes) and cancer (penta and decabromodiphenyl ether).

Do pillows have flame retardants?

As of 2014, pillows are just required to pass State and Federal testing, and do not require a flame barrier to do so- but the toxic flame retardants also aren’t banned from use and many companies still use it in their foam- despite the horrors they wreak on public health.

Do blankets have flame retardants?

For example, mainstream bedding — mattresses, pillows, quilts, duvets and linens — can have hidden dangers lurking within them like flame retardants and phthalates, which have been linked to a variety of health problems.