Present in every household, neurotoxic flame retardants (like polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)) and stain resist chemicals (perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)) are as ubiquitous as the products that contain them. PBDEs are found in products such as electronics, couches, and carpet pads; and PFASs are found in water and stain repellant products such as cleaning products and non-stick cookware. Ingested by way of dust and diet, these chemicals are also found in the serum of pregnant women.

New research links PBDE and PFAS exposures to compromised executive function in children at 5 and 8 years of age. Executive function governs mental processes that are needed for focus, working memory, the ability to delegate tasks, and self-regulate emotions. As noted by lead author Ann Vuong, DrPH, "Given the persistence of PBDEs and PFASs in the environment and in human bodies, the observed deficits in executive function may have a large impact at the population level. Further research is needed to understand and clarify the population impact of their potential neurotoxicity."

Researchers conducting the ongoing prospective birth cohort Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study in the Greater Cincinnati area have been following 256 mother-child pairs to better understand the long term health outcomes of prenatal and childhood exposures to environmental toxicants. PBDEs and PFASs are two important measured exposures due to the fact that they are so commonly found in the environment, and have been linked to negative health outcomes, such as obesity, and higher autism risk.

Health Care Without Harm and the Healthier Hospitals Initiative Safer Chemicals Challenge encourages health care facilities to phase out both PFASs and flame retardants from furniture, building materials and medical supplies used in their facilities. As highlighted by recent commitments from furniture companies, there are many opportunities to purchase products that do not contain chemicals of concern.

[Source: Medical Xpress]