7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDE flame retardants

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7 ways to reduce your exposure to PBDE flame retardants

_http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/09/7-ways-to-reduce-your-exposure-to-pbde-fl

ame-retardants.html_

(http://www.enviroblog.org/2007/09/7-ways-to-reduce-your-exposure-to-pbde-flame-\

retardants.html)

 

_PBDEs are everywhere_ (http://www.ewg.org/node/8449) , and there's some

evidence connecting them to brain and developmental problems in animals, and

possibly even cancer. Exposure to flame retardant chemicals is ubiquitous,

but there are things you can do to keep the concentration of PBDEs in your

body as low as possible. Here are some ideas pulled from the EWG research

archives:

 

1. Whenever possible choose PBDE-free electronics and furniture.

PBDEs should not be in mattresses, couches and other foam products sold in 2005

or later. However they are still put in some new televisions and computer

monitors. Our _2006 PBDE-free manufacturer and product list_

(http://www.ewg.org/pbdefree) is a good place to start looking for electronics

with out

them.

2. Avoid contact with decaying or crumbling foam that might contain

fire retardants. This includes older vehicle seats, upholstered furniture,

foam mattress pads, carpet padding, and kid’s products made of foam.

3. Use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter vacuum

cleaner. These vacuums capture the widest range of particles and are good for

reducing lead or allergens in house dust too.

4. Replace couches, stuffed chairs, automobile seats and the like

that have exposed foam. If you can't afford to replace them, cover them with

sturdy cloth and vacuum around them frequently.

5. Do not reupholster your older foam furniture, especially in homes

where children or pregnant women live.

6. Be careful when removing or replacing old carpet, since PBDEs are

found in the foam padding beneath carpets. Isolate the work area with

plastics and avoid tracking construction dust into the rest of your house. Pull

out a HEPA vacuum to clean up when you're finished.

7. The replacement chemicals for PBDEs in foam are not fully tested

for their health effects. Buy products made with natural fibers (like cotton

and wool) that are naturally fire resistant and may contain fewer

chemicals.