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Flame retardants pose risk for endocrine disruption
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MONTREAL — Pediatric endocrinologists should be aware of the possible consequences of exposure to brominated flame retardants in the everyday environment, according to a presenter at the annual meeting of the Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group.
“This approach is based on the precautionary principle,” said Cynthia Gates Goodyer, PhD, associate professor in pediatrics at McGill University in Montreal. “We know that, in animal studies, given at high levels, [polybrominated diphenyl ethers] are potential endocrine disruptors. In human studies, several associations have been reported, suggesting potential risks to individuals of all ages, from the fetus to the adult, with effects on neurocognitive development and fertility.”
Regarding the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and the benefits of fire safety compared with the risks of endocrine disruption, Goodyer told clinicians they should stay current with the literature on the family of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are ubiquitous in the environment, to be able to counsel patients who have questions about exposure to flame retardants.
“The very young are the most vulnerable, as they are highly exposed to the PBDEs that leach out of our household furniture and plastics in the form of dust. ... [Young children] crawl around constantly putting their dusty hands in their mouths, ingesting the contaminants,” Goodyer said. “As scientists, we are worried that whatever is happening at those early developmental stages will influence what they become as adults. The impact on fertility is also important as the endocrine disruptor effects could potentially be trans-generational.”
Given these possible effects on pediatric health, Goodyer said parents can aim to keep household dust to a minimum with the use of HEPA-filter vacuums and damp mops, replace old foam-based furniture, which contains PBDEs, and opt to use furniture and baby products that are manufactured with down, wool, cotton or wood, for they are less likely to contain flame retardants.
“They should check the tags on their furniture and children’s clothing or with the manufacturer for whether they contain BFRs,” Goodyer said.
One of the dangers of PBDEs is that they are not readily metabolized, she said.
“The old products are put in landfills, the PBDEs leach out as dust that gets into our water and soil, and eventually enters the food chain, so they will be around for many decades,” Goodyer said.
There is an absence of federal or clinical guidelines regarding what are acceptable levels of exposure to PBDEs, she noted.
“It is different from environmental contaminants like lead or mercury. The impacts of those have been well defined. Hopefully, with continued research, we will soon have a better idea of what the exposure levels to PBDEs mean,” Goodyer said.
For more information:
Goodyer CG. Use of brominated flame retardants in our everyday environment: Benefits of fire safety vs. risks of endocrine disruption. Presented at: Canadian Pediatric Endocrine Group 2014 Scientific Meeting; Feb. 20-22, 2014; Montreal.
Disclosure: Goodyer reports no relevant financial disclosures.