Flame retardants are widely used in furniture, mattresses, carpets, electrical appliances and other common products, which are easy to volatilize and stay in the indoor environment.A new us study has found that flame retardants may have unexpected effects on the early development of children, and that exposure to them can lead to behavioural problems such as aggression and resistance.
Previous studies have found that two common environmental flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organophosphates, are associated with poor cognitive function in children.In the latest study, researchers at Oregon state university and others had 92 children, ages 3 to 5, wear a wristband that traps chemicals in the environment to track their exposure to flame retardants for seven days.The researchers then screened the chemicals collected by the wristbands and looked at questionnaires filled out by parents and teachers about the children's behaviour and home environment.
The data analysis found that all children were exposed to flame retardants, the researchers report in the new issue of the British journal environmental health.After controlling for family environment, children exposed to organophosphorus flame retardants are more prone to aggressive, resistant, hyperactive, distracted and bullying behaviors.According to the teachers, the children who were exposed to more pbdes were less confident.
The study's lead author, Molly kell of Oregon state university, said further research is planned to better understand the relationship between flame retardants and children's social skills development.If there is strong evidence that exposure to flame retardants affects children's behaviour, authorities could develop public health measures to reduce their exposure.
what should we do ?
Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your exposure and, hopefully, limit the damage:
Don’t buy furniture that carries a TB 117 label.
Vacuum carpets and furniture using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.
Damp dust furniture and floors regularly.
Don’t eat on, around, or near your coach. Also, use wooden chairs without padding in your dining areas.
Wash your hands frequently, especially after cleaning.
Buy naturally flame-resistant materials such as wool and cotton.
Ask your sales rep or the manufacturer about the presence of flame retardants in their products before you buy.
Regularly vacuum your car’s interior.
Let your all service and salesmen know you don’t want flame retardants in your furniture, clothes, or any product entering your home.