As a functional medicine doctor, I’ve seen firsthand the impact of environmental toxins on our health. Today, I want to shed light on a group of chemicals that have quietly infiltrated our daily lives: flame retardants. These substances, found in everything from our clothing to our cars, have been linked to a range of health issues, from cancer and autism spectrum disorders to thyroid problems and developmental issues in children.
Flame retardants are chemicals added to materials to slow or prevent the start or growth of fire. They’re found in a variety of products, including furniture, electronics, and yes, clothing and cars. But here’s the catch: these chemicals don’t stay put. They migrate out of these products and into the air and dust in our homes and cars, where we’re exposed to them continuously.
In this article, we’ll delve into the dangers of flame retardants, focusing on their implications for children and infants due to their size and developing bodies. We’ll also explore ways to mitigate their effects.
The Dangers of Flame Retardants
The health effects of flame retardants are far-reaching. Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals can lead to a higher risk of cancer, including thyroid cancer. They’ve also been linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders and thyroid disorders.
But perhaps the most concerning aspect of flame retardants is their impact on brain development. These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, which plays a critical role in brain development. This disruption can lead to a range of neurodevelopmental issues, including cognitive and behavioral problems.
For children and infants, the risks are even more significant. Their bodies are still developing, which makes them more susceptible to the harmful effects of these chemicals. Their size also means they have a higher exposure to flame retardants relative to their body weight, further increasing their risk.
Flame Retardants in Our Cars
For countless individuals, our daily drive is an integral part of life. However, what if each time you settled into your car, you and your family were unwittingly inhaling toxic chemicals linked to cancer, autism, and other severe health concerns? A shocking new study has revealed that this is the reality for passengers in 99% of vehicles sold in the US between 2015 and 2022.
The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, scrutinized 101 vehicles across the US and uncovered that almost all of them contained significant levels of a flame-retardant chemical called tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP). This toxin, currently under investigation by the US National Toxicology Program as a potential carcinogen, was primarily found in the seat foam of the tested vehicles.
Staggeringly, the researchers observed that TCIPP concentrations within car interiors were two to five times higher in the summer compared to winter, a process termed “off-gassing.”1 Study lead author Rebecca Hoehn explained the gravity of this finding: “The average person spends about an hour in a car per day, making the findings particularly concerning for drivers with longer commutes as well as child passengers, who breathe more air pound for pound than adults.”
The risks are especially pronounced for infants and young children, who are not only more susceptible to the effects of these chemicals but also spend significant amounts of time being transported in cars.1 Exposure to flame retardants like TCIPP has been shown to interfere with the thyroid and the critical brain-developing hormones it produces. “Increased exposure could reduce a child’s IQ levels by three to five points,” the study authors warn, also noting the potential for “learning disabilities, autism, and behavioral issues.”
But it’s not just TCIPP that car manufacturers are using. Other harmful flame retardants like TDCIPP and TCEP, which have been linked to neurological and reproductive problems as well as cancer, continue to be added to vehicle interiors.1 Firefighters are raising the alarm about the toxicity of these chemicals as well. “Firefighters are concerned that flame retardants contribute to their very high cancer rates,” said Patrick Morrison of the International Association of Fire Fighters.
While opening windows and parking in the shade may help reduce exposure, the study authors stress that the real solution is for automakers to stop adding these dangerous chemicals to vehicles in the first place.1 As senior scientist Lydia Jahl put it, “Commuting to work shouldn’t come with a cancer risk, and children shouldn’t breathe in chemicals that can harm their brains on their way to school.”
With Americans spending more time in their cars than ever before, it’s imperative that we demand safer and healthier vehicle interiors. Our daily commutes shouldn’t be jeopardizing our health and the health of our families.
Mitigating the Effects of Flame Retardants
So, what can we do to protect ourselves and our children from the harmful effects of flame retardants? Here are a few strategies:
- Choose flame-retardant-free products: Look for products that are labeled as “flame-retardant-free.” This is especially important for items that come into direct contact with your body, like clothing and car seats.
- Wash your hands: Regular hand washing can help reduce your exposure to flame retardants, as these chemicals can accumulate in dust and be transferred to your hands.
- Vacuum regularly: Regularly vacuuming your home and car can help remove dust that contains flame retardants. Be sure to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, which can trap even the smallest particles.
- Ventilate your home: Proper ventilation can help reduce the concentration of flame retardants in your home. Open windows and use exhaust fans to keep the air moving.
In conclusion, flame retardants are a hidden danger in our daily lives. But by being aware of the risks and taking steps to mitigate our exposure, we can protect ourselves and our families from their harmful effects. Remember, knowledge is power, and in this case, it could be the key to a healthier life.
REFERENCES:
1. Main N. 99% of cars sold in US between 2015 and 2022 expose passengers to toxin linked to cancer and autism, study warns. DailyMail.com. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-12082479/99-cars-sold-2015-2022-expose-passengers-toxin-linked-cancer-autism.html. Published May 7, 2024. Accessed May 24, 2024.