Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have chemical structures which are very similar to known cancer
causing and toxic compounds: PCBs, dioxins, furans, etc. Animal and Human studies have demonstrated
that PBDEs are significantly associated with changes in thyroid hormone levels (Birnbaum and Staskal,
2003; Chevrier et al. 2010; Stapleton et al. 2011). Human health studies have found significant associations between PBDEs in blood at birth and deficits in cognitive function and behavior (Herbstman
et al. 2010; Eskenazi et al. 2012). Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) evaluated risk to TDCPP
in a 2006 report. They estimated children’s exposure from use in residential furniture was higher than Acceptable Daily Dose (ADD–5.0 micrograms/kg/day). Chronic exposure to TDCPP is occurring today; even though alternatives to TDCPP are currently available on the market. Many of these newer flame retardant chemicals have properties suggestive of toxic effects, yet no studies have been conducted to evaluate potential health impacts on humans. Flame Retardant Tris (1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (TDCPP): What are the Health Risks? orginally available at http://che.webfactional.com/Documents/chealaskastapleton.pdf and last accessed July 16, 2015.
