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« Toddlers' PBDE exposure (and some Queen for good measure) | Main | Envirohealth in Blogs: Christmas lists, Australia's smoking ban, and more »
7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDE flame retardants
PBDEs are everywhere, and there's some evidence connecting them to brain and developmental problems in animals, and possibly even cancer. Exposure to flame retardant chemicals is ubiquitous, but there are things you can do to keep the concentration of PBDEs in your body as low as possible. Here are some ideas pulled from the EWG research archives:
- Whenever possible choose PBDE-free electronics and furniture. PBDEs should not be in mattresses, couches and other foam products sold in 2005 or later. However they are still put in some new televisions and computer monitors. Our 2006 PBDE-free manufacturer and product list is a good place to start looking for electronics with out them.
- Avoid contact with decaying or crumbling foam that might contain fire retardants. This includes older vehicle seats, upholstered furniture, foam mattress pads, carpet padding, and kid’s products made of foam.
- Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum cleaner. These vacuums capture the widest range of particles and are good for reducing lead or allergens in house dust too.
- Replace couches, stuffed chairs, automobile seats and the like that have exposed foam. If you can't afford to replace them, cover them with sturdy cloth and vacuum around them frequently.
- Do not reupholster your older foam furniture, especially in homes where children or pregnant women live.
- Be careful when removing or replacing old carpet, since PBDEs are found in the foam padding beneath carpets. Isolate the work area with plastics and avoid tracking construction dust into the rest of your house. Pull out a HEPA vacuum to clean up when you're finished.
- The replacement chemicals for PBDEs in foam are not fully tested for their health effects. Buy products made with natural fibers (like cotton and wool) that are naturally fire resistant and may contain fewer chemicals.
Photo: That adorable girl is Clover. Her daddy, Evan Long, is the photographer.
« Toddlers' PBDE exposure (and some Queen for good measure) |
What about eating less animal fat? PBDEs collect in fat since they are lipophilic.
That's a great suggestion! And it's good for the environment in so many other ways as well. Thanks Rebecca.
I have curtains that are coated with flame retardant. How can I wash the flame retardants out?
This is helpful info, and I do all this stuff, but what about my baby's pajamas? On the tag, sometimes baby clothing will say "not to be used as sleepwear" I assume this is because an item of clothing hasn't been made fire retardant. Am I right? Does that mean that the sleepers which ARE meant for sleeping have fire retardants on them? Do I need to be ordering my baby's sleepers from Europe? What to do?
I always look for children's sleepwear that has a bright yellow tag attached that says it is not flame resistant and should fit snuggly. If I don't see that yellow tag on the outside, I don't even look at it! You won't find as many of this type, but I have found them in every major department/big box/specialty clothing store.
Thanks for the tips, I have been worrying about this lately and trying to find ways to eliminate sources in our home. It is hard to find solid information. Especially pj's. I wish I could find warmer ones.
When did they start putting PBDEs in furniture? What about very old furniture, from 30's, 40's 50's, etc.? Does that also contain PBDEs?
Cynthia, Please forgive the delayed reply. According to our senior analyst, Sonya Lunder, PBDEs were first used in the 1960s. The production ramped up after other toxic fire retardants like PBBs were banned in the 1970s. Hope that helps. Lisa
How long are PBDEs affecting our air quality after purchase? We've had furniture, carpets, electronics, etc. that have been in our home for years. Are they still exposing us? If so, any tips for removing it from the air, are there good plants, or other ways of protecting us?
are flame retardants only applied to children's clothes or adults' too? Does it wash out? wondering in the case of used baby clothes, etc...
Thanks!