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New study - A new study shows a link between PBDE (Polybrominated diphenyl ethers) exposure and a higher risk of dying from cancer. In fact, people with elevated PBDE levels in their blood showed a 300% increased risk of cancer-related death.

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Long-term health concerns - The study shows a link between PBDEs and cancer leading to long-term health consequences.

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Industry response - The American Chemistry Council acknowledges the study and stands by its commitment to responsibly using flame retardants for the safety of the public.

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PBDEs - PBDEs have been used in consumer products for decades to help with fire safety. However, there are concerns about the endocrine disruption they may cause as well as potential links to different health issues.

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Need for further investigation -

This study is an excellent start but continued research is needed in order to know which cancers are associated with PBDE exposure.

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Health dangers of PBDEs -

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are endocrine disruptors meaning they interfere with the body’s hormones. These chemical compounds have been tied to poor blood sugar metabolism, gestational diabetes, obesity, and much more.

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Exposure to PBDEs - According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tests show that most Americans have levels of endocrine disruptors in their blood that are three to ten times higher than those found in people from European countries.

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PBDEs and pregnancy -

Past research shows that flame-retardant chemicals can pass to developing fetuses via the placenta and to newborns through breast milk.

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Intellectual disabilities -

PBDEs are the largest contributor to children’s intellectual disability. According to an August 2020 study, “there was a total loss of 162 million IQ points and more than 738,000 cases of intellectual disability.”

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How are you exposed to PBDEs? -

Manufacturers use flame retardants in all types of padded products including sofas, loveseats, recliners, office chairs, car upholstery, infant car seats, and some toys.

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Electronics -

Electronics and kitchen appliances may also be coated with chemicals to reduce the chances of a fire occurring.

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History of PBDEs -

In 2004, two types of PBDEs were removed from the US market. However, the US Environmental Protection Agency did not regulate decabromodiphenyl ether, or DecaBDE, until January 2021.

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Chemical replacements -

In some instances, the industry has replaced certain chemicals with newer phosphorus-based flame retardants. However, researchers are concerned they may be linked to cancer as well.

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Existing contamination -

Vintage items may contain PBDE chemicals. For example, foam in older sofas and carpet padding. Additionally, flame retardants have come from landfills over decades to pollute the air, soil, groundwater, rivers, and more.

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Pathways of exposure -

Exposure to these chemicals can occur from contaminated household dust, consumer products, and residues in food, namely foods with a high fat content such as fatty fish.

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Consumption cycle -

Once PBDEs are in the environment, they gather in animal fat and as one animal eats another, the chemicals increase in concentration, with humans at the top of the food chain showing the highest levels.

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Who has the highest risk? -

According to the CDC, people who work in enclosed spaces where PBDE-containing products are manufactured, repaired, or recycled may have the highest risk.

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Fish contamination trends -

Over the past 20 years, PBDE levels in fish dropped by 75%, however, researchers still found the chemicals in 93% of fish sampled, with some sites showing an increase.

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How to protect your family -

To keep your family safe, put existing infant car seats, foam mattress pads, and furniture cushions in protective fabric that is not treated with flame retardants. Additionally, replace older foam in couches and chairs with flame-retardant-free foam, use HEPA filters, and clean carefully.

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Black plastic -

Black plastic consumer products, such as kitchen utensils and toys will often contain flame retardants that are recycled from electronic waste.

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Flame retardants in food contact materials -

Contaminated black plastic kitchen items, such as spatulas and food trays, can leak hazardous chemicals into food. Heating these plastics can further exacerbate the risk.

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DecaBDE in everyday products -

Despite a 2021 ban, DecaBDE, a brominated flame retardant that belongs to the group of PBDEs, was found in 70% of tested samples, often exceeding European safety limits

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The role of global trade in chemical exposure -

Global trade contributes to exposure risks, as imported goods may contain flame retardants banned domestically.

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Microplastics as secondary carriers -

Microplastics that come from flame-retardant-contaminated plastics act as additional carriers of these chemicals in the environment and can be very dangerous for humans.

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Socioeconomic disparities in exposure -

Lower-income communities face higher exposure to PBDEs due to older housing, secondhand goods, and limited access to safer products.

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Implications for wildlife and ecosystems -

PBDE contamination can impact wildlife and disrupt reproductive cycles, thereby threatening biodiversity through an accumulation in different food chains.

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Policy gaps and consumer responsibility -

Consumers can reduce exposure by using HEPA filters and avoiding black plastics. On a greater scale, though, systemic policy changes are necessary to eliminate harmful flame retardants.

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No safe level of some flame retardants -

There is no known safe level of brominated flame retardants, which accumulate in the body and cost the US health system US$159 billion in 2018 alone.

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Expert advice for kitchenware -

Experts recommend avoiding black plastic for food contact materials. Replace plastic utensils with stainless steel or ceramic options to reduce exposure.

Sources: (CNN Health) (Beyond Plastics) (Britannica)

See also: How does our environment affect our health

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