"Good News: Toxic Flame Retardants Declining in NYC Kids’ Blood"

"Phase-out of the toxics is working—but every kid tested still had some levels in their blood "

"The levels of harmful flame retardants in children's blood are dropping every year, according to a new study of kids from New York City.

The flame retardants—polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)— were used for decades in furniture, electronics and clothing in an effort to slow the spread of flames if they catch fire. The chemicals were voluntarily phased out starting in 2004 because they build up in the environment and people—PBDEs are found in the air (in and outside our homes), some food, and in people all around the world.

People are mostly exposed by breathing in contaminated dust. The chemicals are linked to a host of health problems, including impaired brain development, altered thyroid hormones, lower IQs in exposed children and some birth defects."

Brian Bienkowski reports for Environmental Health News April 4, 2018.