Flame-retardant chemicals that are present in many household consumer products may reduce fertility in women. The study links each 10-fold increase in the blood concentration of four PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) chemicals to a 30% decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant each month.
These chemicals are used in foam furniture, electronics, fabrics, carpets, plastics and other items. They became common decades ago in the United States when fire safety standards were adopted. They are being phased out nationwide but some are still found in products made before 2004. The research joins other animal and human studies that show health effects from PBDE exposure and that 97% of U.S. residents have detectable levels of the chemicals in their blood.
Even though the chemicals are being phased out, researchers remains concerned. "We know even less about the newer flame retardant chemicals that are coming out," they say in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. "We just don't have the human studies yet to show that they are safe."
Steve - as usual, new chemicals being put into the marketplace without sufficient safety testing. When are we ever going to learn?
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
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We have reached a pivotal point in fire safety. Recently, the fire protection industry announced a new generation of fire safety products as they safely phase-out the flame retardant deca-BDE. This groundbreaking move is one of many in the industry’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and fire safety. This commitment has been hailed by the US Environmental Protection Agency, credited by the International Association of Fire Fighters, and will undoubtedly prove to be the paramount model of sustainable fire safety in the future.
The EPA agreement sets forth a rational, effective transition to newer alternatives, while allowing critical services such as police, fire and airlines to continue to use existing fire safety products that are critically important to saving lives. Proactive fire safety companies have already announced the production of environmentally-friendly fire retardants which minimize the use of raw materials, energy, byproducts and waste.
As we make this transition, we must remain watchful of legislation that would preemptively ban existing products, leaving communities without adequate fire safety protection. We believe that the timeline that has been worked out with the EPA is the most appropriate. Let’s trust the scientists of the federal environmental agencies and not act precipitously to put our families and children at risk of serious injury or death. An effective national solution to this critical issue is the only solution that is truly safe
Sincerely,
Jason Sabo
Citizens for Fire Safety
T.310.310.2616
F.310-496.1335
Jason@jcipr.com
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