Hazardous Flame Retardants Discovered in California Preschools and Day Care Centers

Flame retardants can be made of hazardous chemicals, affecting the health of those exposed to them. Now, a new study reveals that these flame retardants can be found in preschools and day care centers across California.

The researchers examined 40 child care centers serving 1,764 children in Monterey and Alameda counties. These facilities were located in urban, rural and agricultural areas. They collected samples from the air and floor dust while the children were present and tested for 14 different polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are flame retardants. They also tested for four non-PBDE flame retardants.

So what did they find? It turns out that there were PBDEs and non-PBDE flame retardants in 100 percent of the dust samples collected. Median levels of the PBDEs were a bit lower than those found in homes in other studies, but median levels of the non-PBDE retardants were higher.

"These findings underscore how widespread these materials are in indoor environments," said Asa Bradman, one of the researchers, in a news release. "A growing body of research has found links between flame retardants and a range of human health effects, including neurodevelopmental delays in children. Children are more vulnerable to the health effects of environmental contaminants, so we should be particularly careful to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals."

The findings reveal how important it is to take notice of what materials are being used in classrooms across California and the nation. Currently, there are plans in place. Gov. Jerry Brown has enacted new regulation that requires fabrics of upholstered furniture to withstand smolders, such as from lit cigarettes, instead of being fire resistant.

"The new standard is not a ban on flame retardants, but manufacturers can meet it without using chemicals," said Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute, in a news release. "Most upholstered fabrics, such as leather, are already smolder-proof. Consumers should verify that the furniture they are buying is free of flame retardants, especially when children will be exposed."

The findings are published in the journal Chemosphere.