56 | February 2020
(My son left incense burning in his room one evening and
the whole room caught on fire!) If you have a fireplace or
wood stove in your home, use protective grates and keep
kids away from the flames. Likewise, don't let children get
close to a gas stove when the burners are ignited.
Switch out pajamas with flame retardants in favor
of untreated cotton t-shirts, cotton long underwear, and
close-fitting shorts or sweatpants. The Washington Post
reports that polyester is flame-resistant due to the nature
of the fabric and how it is woven. The PJ label should say
100% polyester and "flame resistant."
Take out the foam padding from under carpeting. If
it can't be replaced, consider adding an area rug on top to
reduce dust, and vacuum and dust frequently.
Keep furniture with foam padding in good shape. Sew
up holes or replace if the furniture starts to shed foam.
Check car seats. This report from the Ecology Cen-
ter provides recommendations for safer alternatives to car
seats without added flame retardants.
TELL CONGRESS:
HOLD THE EPA ACCOUNTABLE
TO PROTECTING FAMILIES
Flame retardants have previously been shown
to increase the risk of reading problems in young children
who were exposed to them in utero. Flame retardants have
also been linked to hyperactivity and ADHD in youngsters.
It is thought that PBDEs cause such serious problems
because they disrupt the body's endocrine system. Evident-
ly, PBDEs resemble thyroid hormones, which drive growth
and development, particularly brain development. Studies
have shown that PBDEs decrease the level of thyroid hor-
mones in animals. Other research reported on by the Na-
tional Institutes of Health has found a connection between
prenatal exposure to PBDEs and motor, cognitive, and
behavioral development in infants and children.
Flame retardants can be found in contaminated dust that
may come from carpet padding and foam-filled household
furniture, like couches and cushioned chairs, as well as
electronics, and even children's car seats. Pajamas for kids'
age 9 months through size 14 must be flame resistant, or
else fit so snugly that they'd be unlikely to catch fire if they
got near an open flame.
5 Ways to Ditch Flame Retardants
Minimize the chances of fire, especially in the room
where children sleep. Install smoke detectors, and don't
allow children to light candles or burn incense in their rooms.
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