http://ogoapes.weebly.com/uploads/3/2/3/9/3239894/flame_retardants_linked_to_lower_iqs_hyperactivity_in_children_-_scientific_american.pdf
Summary:
Almost a decade after manufacturers stopped using certain chemical flame retardants in furniture foam and carpet padding, many of the compounds still lurk in homes. However, new work to be presented today reaffirms that the chemicals may also still be hurting young children who were exposed before they were born. Spikes in the levels of one class of flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) correlated with behavior and cognition difficulties during early childhood. That state regulation has become the de facto law of the land as manufacturers have sought to comply with it so they can sell their wares throughout the U.S. Scientists believe that in humans PBDEs can lodge themselves in bodily lipids when contaminated air is inhaled or tainted dust swallowed, although exactly how they may wreak havoc inside the body remains unknown. The chemical structure of PBDEs strongly resembles thyroid hormones, and they affect thyroid regulation and decrease the level of thyroid hormones in the blood of animals. These hormones drive growth and development—in particular, brain development.
Almost a decade after manufacturers stopped using certain chemical flame retardants in furniture foam and carpet padding, many of the compounds still lurk in homes. However, new work to be presented today reaffirms that the chemicals may also still be hurting young children who were exposed before they were born. Spikes in the levels of one class of flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) correlated with behavior and cognition difficulties during early childhood. That state regulation has become the de facto law of the land as manufacturers have sought to comply with it so they can sell their wares throughout the U.S. Scientists believe that in humans PBDEs can lodge themselves in bodily lipids when contaminated air is inhaled or tainted dust swallowed, although exactly how they may wreak havoc inside the body remains unknown. The chemical structure of PBDEs strongly resembles thyroid hormones, and they affect thyroid regulation and decrease the level of thyroid hormones in the blood of animals. These hormones drive growth and development—in particular, brain development.
Reflection:
We know from many other exposures to different kinds of environmental compounds that impact behavior or intelligence that the impact doesn’t go away. But California is revising its standard so that products will only have to pass a “smolder test” that would prevent fires but would not require flame retardant use in manufacturing. California's residents will not have to worry about the purchasing the furniture that is actually harmful to their bodies.
We know from many other exposures to different kinds of environmental compounds that impact behavior or intelligence that the impact doesn’t go away. But California is revising its standard so that products will only have to pass a “smolder test” that would prevent fires but would not require flame retardant use in manufacturing. California's residents will not have to worry about the purchasing the furniture that is actually harmful to their bodies.