PBDE's - a fast growing concern
What are PBDE's?
PBDE's or PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ethers are a group of substances used as flame
retardants. They are used as fire retardants in a wide range of household goods,
including mattresses, upholstery and electronics.
There are three main types of PBDE's - penta, octa and deca.
Penta and octa are believed to by the most harmful to humans, however it is possible
deca may decay into a dangerous form as well.
PBDE's have been around for many years, however it's only recently that scientists have
been able to measure PBDE levels in humans. What they found was concerning.
On the Rise
The levels of PBDE's in humans are doubling every 5 years. This worrying rise has lead to
a ban of penta and octa PBDE's in Europe and California.
However there are still many
products being manufactured using these chemicals.
In North America, PBDE levels in people's bodies are 10 to 40 times higher than on other
continents. While they are presently not at a level where lab studies showed ill effects
on animals, they are growing fast.
Possible Risks
The main issue with PBDE's is that they accumulate in our bodies. They could even
combine with other chemicals such as carcinogens and heavy metals to cause further
damage.
In laboratory tests on animals, PBDE's have been found to cause learning and brain
disabilities, and it is possible that they could have similar effects on humans.
Solid proof of the danger of these chemicals is that they have been banned in Europe for
several years. They are now about to be banned in California - beginning 2008.
Minimising Contact
The best way to avoid having PBDE's in your home is to use natural wool and cotton
upholstery. This is because a common source of PBDE's is in synthetic padding.
Dubbed 'solid fuel' by firefighters, synthetic mattresses burn very well. So they need
strong fire retardants to pass safety regulations. PBDE's are excellent fire retardants
however they are dangerous in other ways.
And as we spend up to 8 hours a day on
our bed, a good place to reduce their impact is in your choice of mattress.
Wool or natural rubber mattresses (also fire resistant) are an excellent alternative to
synthetic foam.
Wool is a natural fire retardant (think of wool lined fireman's jackets) and
organic wool has none of the strong chemicals used to clean conventional wool.
Risks for Babies
Babies are especially vulnerable to chemicals. Their skin is 5 times more sensitive than
ours and their systems are still ls quicker and easier. Sometimes the effect chemicals
have on their development is permanent - the first few years of your babies life are developing.
This means they absorb chemicals quicker and easier. Sometimes the effect chemicals
have on their development is permanent - the first few years of your babies life are
crucial.
So as scientific evidence grows, the safest course of action is to use only mattresses
that contain no PBDE's.