Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used for years in everyday products - baby strollers, carpeting and electronics.  A new study presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies shows that prenatal exposure to flame retardants are linked to lower IQ and increased hyperactivity in early childhood.

Lead author Aimin Chen, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Health at University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. "Our study adds to several other human studies to highlight the need to reduce exposure to PBDEs in pregnant women."

Researchers collected blood samples from 309 pregnant women to measure PBDE levels. Once the children were born, the researchers assessed their intelligence and behavior yearly until age 5 to see if there was a correlation between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and IQ and behavior.  They found that PBDEs were associated with deficits in child cognition at age 5 and increased hyperactivity that kicked in between ages 2-5.  A 10-fold increase in maternal PBDEs was associated with a 4 point IQ deficit in the 5 year old children.

Dr. Chen stated that PBDEs are not easily biodegradable and they remain in human tissue and are transferred to the developing fetus.  Dr. Chen added "Because PBDEs exist in the home and office environment as they are contained in old furniture, carpet pads, foams and electronics, the study raises further concern about their toxicity in developing children.

For additional information on how flame retardants impact childrren, please visit Flame resistant materials pose a health risk to children.

CEASE Therapy can help children and adults detox from PBDEs.  Call us at 310-738-8878 to get started.