PBDE Flame Retardants
Faith Connections
As people of faith, we are especially concerned about protecting vulnerable populations from harm, especially children. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) are bromine-based chemicals used as flame retardants that can be found in household products such as computers, televisions, mobile phones, furniture, and texitles. 
While this chemical additive offers protection from fire, these chemicals persist in the environment and can be found in breast milk, passing from mother to infant. A new study from the Environmental Working Group found that children and infants have three times as much flame retardants in their bodies than their mothers. Some believed side effects of PBDEs include autism, attention deficit disorder, cerebral palsy, and mental retardation. PBDEs also disrupt proper thyroid functioning. Recent studies have found links between flame retardants and cat thyroid disease. While high levels have been found in fish and other species, the effects on most of God's creation is unknown.
Humans can be exposed through eating fish or animals with high levels of PBDEs, especailly animals with a lot of fatty tissue. Exposure can also occur through household dust and direct contact with certain plastics.PBDEs are a concern for our children and pregnant mothers because of their bioaccumulative effect (magnifying as it moves up the food chain)and the increased levels in humans. Currently, people in North America carry 40 percent more PBDEs in their bodies than people on any other continent.
There are three PBDEs that are particularly harmful. The manufacturer of Penta- and Octa- is currently phasing out use of these classes of flame retardants.
- Penta: Used in polyurethane foam such as in mattresses, seat cushions, other upholstered furniture and rigid insulation.
- Octa: Used in high-impact plastics such as fax machines and computers, automobile trim, telephones and kitchen appliances.
- Deca: Used in carpet foam pads, draperies, television sets, computers, stereos and other electronics, cable insulation, adhesives, and textile coating.
While it is important to protect children from fires, it is equally important to make sure that they have the opportunity to have healthy minds and bodies. By promoting alternatives that are pure from toxics, we can protect God's children.
Take Action
Buy products with natural fibers such as cotton and wool, which are naturally fire resistant.
Write a letter, make a phone call, or visit your state legislators and ask them to ban Deca in your state.
Learn More
- Michigan Children’s Environmental Health Network
- Pocket sized quick tips
- Washington State Department of Ecology PBDE website
Other Environmental Health Issues
- Air Quality
- Children’s and Women’s Health
- Cosmetics
- Environmental Justice and Health
- Flame Retardants
- Food and Health
- Lead
- Mercury
- Pesticides
- Plastics
- Toxic Chemicals