Currently in the News

There are many chemicals that can be found within homes. Some of these chemicals we have knowingly brought in to our homes, others have entered our homes unnoticed. PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers) are one group of chemicals that may exist in our homes without us being aware. PBDEs are chemicals that are often used in products such as

• Curtins
• Carpet
• Mattresses
• Upholsted furniture eg: lounge suites
• Electronic equipment eg: televisions, computers and cell phones

PBDEs are used in an attempt to decrease the risk of these products catching fire, however in the article, "Unwelcome Guest: PBDE in Indoor Dust", Kellyn Betts discussed suspected links between these chemicals and various health problems.

On January 20, 2010 Sciencedaily reported that, researchers at the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health at Columbia University have been looking at the effects of PBDEs on children who were exposed to these chemicals before they were born. These chemicals can enter our bodies by being swallowed or by breathing in dust particles that contain PBDEs. These chemicals can then enter an unborn baby via the umbilical cord. Researchers found that children between the ages of one and six, who's umbilical cord contained high levels of PBDEs, achieved lower results in tests that assessed both their mental and physical progress. The report indicates that IQ scores were noticeably lower in children aged four, who's unbilical cord contained high levels of PBDEs. Sciencedaily's report quotes Julie Herbstman, PhD, stating that,"The findings are consistent with effects observed in animal studies".

Clearly further studies need to be performed to establish the extent of the effects of PBDEs on our health. In the meantime for anyone who wishes to limit their exposure, Kellyn Betts suggests that washing our hands is a good place to start. Washing our hands will decrease the amount of dust particles that may contain PBDEs on our fingers, and reduce the amount that then enters our mouths when we eat or place our fingers in our mouths.

Betts, K. (2008) Unwelcome Guest: PBDEs in Indoor Dust. Environmental Health Pervspectives. 116(5). Retrieved 21 January, 2010, from http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2008/116-5/focus.html

Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. (2010). Prenatal exposure to flame-retardant compounds affects neurodevelopment of young children. ScienceDaily. Retrieved 21 January, 2010, from http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/members/2008/116-5/focus.html