In the first nationwide tests for brominated fire retardants, known as PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found unexpectedly high levels of these neurotoxic chemicals in house dust. EWG’s tests indicate that consumer products such as computers, TVs, furniture, carpets and drapes, not industrial releases, are the most likely sources of the rapid buildup of PBDEs in people, animals and the environment. In particular, their findings raise concerns that children may ingest harmful amounts of brominated fire retardants via dust.
The article is available at the Environmental Working Group website.
