Neurodevelopment Delays Linked To Flame Retardants
New research conducted by researchers at the University of California finds that childhood or prenatal exposure to flame retardants may result in problems with attention, fine motor coordination, and IQ in school-aged children.
According to Science Codex, the study is aimed at establishing a link between the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in household furniture items and neurobehavioral development in kids who were exposed to the chemical during the prenatal stages or until the age of 7. PBDEs are a class of endocrine-disrupting compounds commonly found in foam furniture, carpets, electronics, and other consumer products.
Specialists say this new study is significant because it confirms earlier published research about the effect of these chemicals on humans.
Science Codex reports that PBDEs can leak out into the environment easily and may be inhaled or ingested through dust that then accumulates in human fat cells. Exposure to PBDEs during the prenatal stages or childhood may affect the child’s IQ, motor coordination, and attention skills.
PBDEs can be found in the blood of almost 97 percent of U.S. residents, according to Science Codex. To reduce exposure, people are urged to take the following precautions:
• Wash hands after touching upholstered furniture
• Seal any cracks, fissures or tears in the furniture
• Ensure that the mop or vacuum cleaner stays clean and doesn’t hold dust, dirt from the furniture
The study was published in Environmental Health Perspectives journal.
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