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Flame retardants may affect fetal brain development  © Ng |
Flame retardants are chemicals that are present in many beds,
furniture, and other items that we use everyday. They are
present in our environment, including indoors. These chemicals
allow materials like beds to burn more slowly when exposed to
flames. Some people are considering avoiding them, as studies
have been accumulating to suggest that exposure to flame
retardants may lead to health problems.  A recent scientific
study by Dr. Julie Herbstman and colleagues adds some new
information to our knowledge about these compounds. The study
reported that higher exposure of pregnant women to a type of
flame retardant was associated with lower test scores of brain
function in their infants and toddlers.  What are flame
retardants? Several different chemical compounds are used as
flame retardants. One type of chemical flame retardant includes
the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). That mou