California residents have twice the level of flame retardant chemicals in their blood and 10 times as much in their homes as the rest of the nation, according to new research.

Reducing exposure


•Buy PBDE-free furniture.
•Choose electronics made with PBDE alternatives.
•Buy products made with natural fibers that are naturally fire resistant.
•Replace furniture that has exposed foam.
•Use a high-efficiency particulate air filter vacuum cleaner.
•Avoid farmed fish. Wild fish have lower levels of PBDEs.
•Eat leaner meat. PBDEs collect in animal fat.
Visit www.ewg.org/pbdefree for a PBDE-free manufacturer and product list by the Environmental Working Group.

Thirty years ago, California raised its flame retardant standards with safety in mind. The widespread use of flame retardant chemicals known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, followed. But there was an unintended consequence: elevated levels of PBDEs in people's bodies and homes.

PBDEs are embedded in furniture, cars, electronics and other consumer products to slow fires. But the life savers also contain toxic chemicals, which are ingested and inhaled.

California has the highest levels of PBDEs in the nation, according to research published two weeks ago in the journal Environmental Science and Technology.

Researchers led by the Silent Spring Institute in Massachusetts showed that PBDE chemical blood levels were twice as high in California residents when compared to other states. Household levels were four to 10 times as high. Levels were 200 times higher than in Europe, where most types of PBDEs have been banned.

The natural wear and tear of household furniture releases dust contaminated with PBDEs. Young children are particularly vulnerable to PBDEs because of their close contact with the floor and frequent hand-to-mouth behavior.

PBDEs have been linked with thyroid disruption and can interfere with developing nervous and reproductive systems.

"The health effects are of particular concern for babies, children and pregnant women," said lead author Ami Zota, a researcher at Silent Spring.

The most toxic forms of PBDEs were banned and discontinued in 2004 in California. Exposure continues despite the phase out because most people have furniture dating from before 2004. Also, imported furniture can still contain PBDEs.

To keep up with the strict California flammability standards, furniture is now treated with alternative flame retardants that have not been tested for toxicity levels.

The paper's findings are timely. Right now state and federal governments are considering imposing new fire safety standards that would expand the use of flame retardants to bed coverings and pillows.

Zota said it is possible to turn the elevated levels around. In Europe, after PBDEs were banned, levels in the bloodstream went down over time.

"Part of the solution is working together as a collective to urge the government to make changes," Zota said.

Contact Cassandra Brooks at 706-3254 or jcopeland@santacruzsentinel.com.