PBDE Exposure in utero Linked with Anxiety in Teens

A recent research study has advanced understanding of the link between exposure to environmental toxins (like the toxic flame retardant chemical PBDE) in utero and subsequent development of anxiety during adolescence.

Autism Linked to PBDE Fire Retardant Chemical on Furniture, Carpets

Scientists have uncovered another link between autism/autistic behaviors and toxic chemicals common in household environments.  More specifically, a recent animal study demonstrated that adult subjects exposed to PBDEs pass on these neuroendocrine-disrupting chemicals to their developing offspring. Further, the female offspring show traits relevant to autism spectrum disorders. 

Toxic Fire Retardant Chemicals in Products have Another Three Months to Enter the U.S. Market: Thanks EPA

Despite the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) own rules to restrict known toxic chemicals, on March 8, 2021 the EPA eased its chemical ban on known toxic fire retardant chemicals (PBTs/PBDEs), causing a win for corporations that use them in their products, including the electronics industry and companies producing home appliances, school laptops, and many other products for the home. 

Toxic Furniture and Industry Lies: Doc Recommendation

Fire retardant chemicals (also known as PBDEs) are released when humans and pets sit on furniture that contains them; they are toxic, volatile and travel widely into the air. These toxic chemicals have been linked to numerous serious health problems, including cancer. There is no scientific evidence in peer-reviewed journals that confirm these fire retardants in our sofas, beds and chairs really slow fires down enough to save lives.  These chemicals present significant risks to human health and well-being so if they do not definitively slow or retard fires, then why are they in our furniture? The HBO documentary ‘Toxic Hot Seat’ exposes the nexus of money, politics and power behind the answer.