Flame Retardants Linked to Increase in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the fastest increasing cancer in the United States, and PBDEs flame retardants may be associated with the disease. Found in commonly encountered objects such as computers, sofas, mattresses, and building materials, PBDEs were promoted as products that make us safer at home by delaying the ignition of a fire. However, Duke University researchers recently analyzed blood from thyroid cancer patients and controls and found that those living in homes with exposure to high levels of two specific types of PBDEs (BDE-209 and TCEP) were twice as likely to develop thyroid cancer than those with low levels. Subjects with high TCEP levels were four times as likely to develop larger and more aggressive tumors. These preliminary findings were presented at the Endocrine Society's 99th annual meeting in April 2017, and are the first to examine home exposure to flame retardants among papillary thyroid cancer patients.

[Source: U.S. News & World Report; Science Daily]