Flame retardants, called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemicals used to reduce the flammability of household items. PBDEs are universal and are used on items such as couches, furniture cushions, carpet padding and children’s pajamas.

The danger in being exposed to PBDEs is that they are known to be hormone-disrupting. It was recently found that PBDEs can negatively affect human fertility, specifically in women. PBDEs have been found to contaminate dust and food in homes containing items treated with PBDEs. Through animal testing, it was discovered that PBDEs can alter brain development and thyroid hormones.

Americans are the most contaminated with PBDEs because of strict flammability guidelines and their widespread use. Penta and octa BDE are two flame retardant chemicals that were banned in the U.S. in 2004, however, nearly every American tested contains traces of the two chemicals because of their popularity as furniture treatments.

To learn more, go to:
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/flame-retardants-and-human-fertility