Summary:
Researchers founded that the exposure of flame retardant to pregnant women might cause their children hyperactivity and lower IQ during their developmental years. If the mother has a high increase in PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), one class of flame retardant, in her blood then her five-year-old had about a four-point IQ deficit and hyperactivity. Aimin Chen said that if there are a lot of children are being exposed to PBDEs, then the social and economic will have a huge impact. The researchers, found out that the connection of PBDEs and the child IQ and behavior is not related to the mother's blood levels of lead.
One study shows that PBDEs, testing in animals, it disrupts its endocrine system, and resembles thyroid hormones. Exposure to PBDEs, in the womb of a mother it may damage the thyroid system and disrupts the newborn's babies in a animal studies. Scientist believed that PBDEs will contaminate one's body when the contaminated air is inhaled or tainted dust is swallowed. Children are most at risk for having flame retardant on their bodies since they crawl into the floor and put their hands in their mouth. Linda Chen, director of National Institute of Environmental Health Science, stated that if a child is contaminated and it impact on their development in their brain structures and neuropathways then it's too late to repair them later on their life. The flame retardant used in the furniture is long gone since 2004 but it may still be in the old furniture, carpets, or it remains in the atmosphere or dust in the home.
One study shows that PBDEs, testing in animals, it disrupts its endocrine system, and resembles thyroid hormones. Exposure to PBDEs, in the womb of a mother it may damage the thyroid system and disrupts the newborn's babies in a animal studies. Scientist believed that PBDEs will contaminate one's body when the contaminated air is inhaled or tainted dust is swallowed. Children are most at risk for having flame retardant on their bodies since they crawl into the floor and put their hands in their mouth. Linda Chen, director of National Institute of Environmental Health Science, stated that if a child is contaminated and it impact on their development in their brain structures and neuropathways then it's too late to repair them later on their life. The flame retardant used in the furniture is long gone since 2004 but it may still be in the old furniture, carpets, or it remains in the atmosphere or dust in the home.
Reflection
After reading this article, I'm more aware of my aunt's house since she has a children that's about a year old and a 4 year old boy and she has furniture that its second hand. I'm afraid since they are my cousins and it worries me now that this could affect their developmental years. I will tell my aunt to change their furniture to a new one and tell her that a chemical can harm her children, even though buying a new furniture is a bit expensive but it can help her children grow healthy. Also, I hope this chemical can be known to pregnant women so their future will be good.