7 Ways to Reduce Exposure to Flame Retardant Chemicals

Life is a game of calculated risks. It is always a good idea to ask yourself if any given treatment or preventative measure is really more beneficial or detrimental to the health and wellbeing of you and your family? Which is the best choice and why? The only way that you can make an informed decision is to have the facts.

One of these situations has to do with fire retardant chemicals. Nobody wants to have a fire ravage their home. But is it really worth the risk to you and your family to be exposed to flame retardant chemicals?

Flame retardant chemicals have been linked to serious health risks, including infertility, birth defects, neurodevelopmental delays, reduced IQ, behavioral problems in children, hormone disruptions and various forms of cancer.

Does that answer the question or are you now more confused? Read on!

Flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were recently identified as one of 17 “high priority” chemical groups that should be avoided to reduce your breast cancer risk.

Still, the idea that fire retardant chemicals might save your life, or the life of someone you love, is a powerful one. Chemical companies are cashing in on this idea, even though it may not hold up to scrutiny.

In short, flame retardants flow down the progression of a fire, but don’t prevent a fire. Adding insult to injury, you’re actually more likely to die from toxic smoke inhalation than the fire, when flame retardant furniture burns.

Fire fighters are also at heightened risk for cancer from the repeated exposure to these toxic fumes. Many firefighters have started to speak out against the use of flame retardant chemicals.

Previous studies have shown that an estimated 90% of Americans have flame-retardant chemicals in their bodies. Worse yet, recent tests have revealed that many Americans have no less than six different types of toxic flame retardants in their systems.

Researchers have also noted that American mothers have levels of flame retardants in their breast milk that are about 100 times greater than in European countries where these chemicals are not permitted.

Children, in turn, have been found to have levels of flame retardants that are as much as five times higher than their mothers. Such bioaccumulation can have serious health consequences over the course of a lifetime.

7 Ways to Reduce Your Exposure to Toxic Flame Retardants - From Dr. Mercola:

1. Be careful with polyurethane foam products manufactured prior to 2005, such as upholstered furniture, mattresses and pillows, as these are most likely to contain PBDEs. If you have any of these in your home, inspect them carefully and replace ripped covers and/or any foam that appears to be breaking down. Also avoid reupholstering furniture by yourself as the reupholstering process increases your risk of exposure.

If in doubt, you can have a sample of your polyurethane foam cushions tested for free to be sure. This is particularly useful for items you already have around your home, as it will help you determine which harmful products need replacing

2. Older carpet padding is another major source of PBDEs, so take precautions when removing old carpet. You’ll want to isolate your work area from the rest of your house to avoid spreading it around, and use a HEPA filter vacuum to clean up.

3. You probably also have older sources of the PBDEs known as Deca in your home as well, and these are so toxic they are banned in several states. Deca PBDEs can be found in electronics like TVs, cell phones, kitchen appliances, fans, toner cartridges and more. It’s a good idea to wash your hands after handling such items, especially before eating, and at the very least be sure you don’t let infants mouth any of these items (like your TV remote control or cell phone).

4. As you replace PBDE-containing items around your home, select those that contain naturally less flammable materials, such as leather, wool and cotton.

5. Look for organic and “green” building materials, carpeting, baby items and upholstery, which will be free from these toxic chemicals. Furniture products filled with cotton, wool or polyester tend to be safer than chemical-treated foam; some products also state that they are “flame-retardant free.”

6. PBDEs are often found in household dust, so clean up with a HEPA-filter vacuum and/or a wet mop often.

7. Look for a mattress made of either 100% organic wool, which is naturally flame-resistant; 100% organic cotton or flannel; or Kevlar fibers, the material they make bulletproof vests out of, which is sufficient to pass the fire safety standards. Stearns and Foster is one brand that sells this type of mattress.

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