Posted on 10/19/2008 10:30:38 AM PDT by nickcarraway
California residents have twice the level of flame retardant chemicals in their blood and 10 times as much in their homes as the rest of the nation, according to new research.
Thirty years ago, California raised its flame retardant standards with safety in mind. The widespread use of flame retardant chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, followed. But there was an unintended consequence: elevated levels of PBDEs in people's bodies and homes.
PBDEs are embedded in furniture, cars, electronics and other consumer products to slow fires. But the life savers also contain toxic chemicals, which are ingested and inhaled.
California has the highest levels of PBDEs in the nation, according to research published two weeks ago in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.
Researchers led by the Silent Spring Institute in Massachusetts showed that PBDE chemical blood levels were twice as high in California residents when compared to other states. Household levels were four to 10 times as high. Levels were 200 times higher than in Europe, where most types of PBDEs have been banned.
The natural wear and tear of household furniture releases dust contaminated with PBDEs. Young children are particularly vulnerable to PBDEs because of their close contact with the floor and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior.
PBDEs have been linked with thyroid disruption and can interfere with developing nervous and reproductive systems.
"The health effects are of particular concern for babies, children and pregnant women," said lead author Ami Zota, a researcher at Silent Spring.
The most toxic forms of PBDEs were banned and discontinued in 2004 in California. Exposure continues despite the phase out because most people have furniture dating from before 2004. Also, imported furniture can still contain PBDEs.
To keep up with the strict California flammability standards, furniture is now treated with alternative flame retardants that have not been tested for toxicity levels.
The paper's findings are timely. Right now state and federal governments are considering imposing new fire safety standards that would expand the use of flame retardants to bed coverings and pillows.
Zota said it is possible to turn the elevated levels around. In Europe, after PBDEs were banned, levels in the bloodstream went down over time.
"Part of the solution is working together as a collective to urge the government to make changes," Zota said.
Ping
Yea you could say California citizens flame retardants!
Given the frequency of wildfires in the state, this is probably a good thing.
Liberals always generate the opposite effect of their intended outcome.
This is probably why San Francisco hasn’t exploded in a firestorm.
I would say CA has the highest number of flaming retards.
There...That’s better...
Just one more reason I don’t visit or live in that state.
liberals’ unintended consequences . . .
like this example, and like offering “free” healthcare in Hawaii and then those who were paying for their health insurance there just said “gimme” and the scheme flopped in six months. unintended consequences . . .
Californian librals lay around half naked watching TV on their sofas treated with PBDE’s - whadda’ ya expect?
I am sure there is no agenda or bias from this group.
Does this mean I can get an insurance discount because I’m less likely to spontaneously combust?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.