Does Exposure to Flame Retardants Increase the Risk for Preterm Birth?

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been in widespread use as flame retardants in home construction, furniture, clothing, and electronic appliances for decades. They save lives and reduce injury by giving occupants valuable time to extinguish or escape from a spreading fire. However, they are not covalently bound to materials that they are used in. With time, they leach into the environment and have become one of the most prevalent of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Source: Journal of Reproductive Immunology - Category: Allergy & Immunology Authors: Source Type: research