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Chemical Families

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

PBDEs are chemicals used as fire retardants in foam furniture and the plastic of TVs and computer monitors. They accumulate in people and wildlife and disrupt brain development and hormone systems. 2 forms of PBDEs have been pulled from the US market after EWG and others revealed high levels in the blood, milk and body tissues of Americans, but a 3rd type is still used in electronics.

EWG Research on Chemicals in Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)


Related News Clips on Chemicals in Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)


Health Effects related to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Brain and nervous system, Reproduction and fertility, Persistent and bioaccumulative, Neurotoxin; brain damage

Routes of Exposure related to Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs):

  • Consumer products: adhesives, electronics, furniture, homes, paints and coatings
  • Environment: industrial water pollution
  • Food: breast milk, fish
  • Found in people: breast milk

Related Chemicals

pbde-3, pbde-1, pbde-2, pbde-12, pbde-13, pbde-15, pbde-11, pbde-37, pbde-30, pbde-154, view all...