Test Results
Reports & Consumer Guides
Body Burden: The Pollution in Newborns: Test Results
July 14, 2005
PBDE-47
PBDE-47 was found in 8 of 10 umbilical cord blood samples from babies born in U.S. hospitals in 2004, at concentrations ranging from 329.8 to 3,787.4 pg/g (lipid weight, in whole blood). It was also found in 3 of 3 adult blood samples, at concentrations ranging from 7,535.7 to 14,475.0 pg/g (lipid weight, in whole blood).
In PBDE chemical family - fire retardant in furniture foam, computers, televisions; may harm brain development and hormone systems.
| About PBDE-47 * | |
| CAS RN | 40088-47-9 |
| Chemical Class | Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) |
| Chemical SubClass | Tetrabrominated diphenyl ether |
| Manufacturing/ Use Status | Use/production of Penta and Octa commercial PBDE formulations have been discontinued. Deca commercial formulation is still in active use, and can break down into many other PBDE chemicals, including those used in the Penta and Octa formulations. |
| Chemical functions | flame retardant |
| May be found in the following types of products | computers, electrical cable and connectors, electronic equipment, fabric, foam seating, furniture, imitation wood, insulated pipes, packaging materials, plastics, sound insulation panels, televisions, upholstery |
| Uses | flame retardant in furniture, seating, sound insulation panels, imitation wood, packaging materials, plastics, fabric, upholstery, electrical cable and connectors, insulated pipes, and some industrial paints |
| Manufacturers | Albermarle, Great Lakes Chemical |
* Information may include trade names, manufacturers, and products for other chemicals in the Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) class.
| Suspected Health Concerns for PBDE-47 | |
| Hormone System, Stomach Or Intestines, Brain, Nervous System, Reproductive System, Birth Defects / Developmental Delays, Lungs/breathing, Male Reproductive System, Hearing, Female Reproductive System | |