Flame Retardants Linked to Lower IQs, Hyperactivity in Children
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SummaryAfter decades of manufacturers stopping the use of chemical flame retardants, compounds are still found in homes. These chemicals are actually hurting young children and are exposed to these chemicals even before they were born. These flame retardants are connected with behavior and cognition difficulties early in their childhood. Researchers tracked children through their first five years of life and looked at their IQ and behavior. The results were that mothers in their second trimester had cognition deficits when the children were five as well as being very hyperactive between ages two to five. Being exposed to PDBE has the possibility of reducing the IQ of our entire nation. They also found thad association of PBDE and child IQ behavior did not result from the moms blood levels of lead. Scientist believe that PBDEs can lodge themselves in lipids when entering the body. Products that are treated with PBDE aren't labeled as such so extra precautions must be taken place when purchasing furniture.
ReflectionWhen reading this article, I started to become extremely worried about my own furniture that I own. Just knowing the fact that my couch has been treated with PBDE in itself is very scary but the fact that I know all of the effects this can have on a person is even worse. I really do not want to effect my future children with anything like this so I do plan on taking extra precautions on furniture buying to ensure that the welfare of my children is secured. There are many viable solutions to this problem as well. Just the fact that these products that are treated with PDBE has a very simple solution: just label them. In fact, considering that this has the possibility of reducing the intelligence of the US is very threatening to this country and I feel that these flame retardants should be banned altogether. We should have our children in consideration at all times and make sure the future of our world is in good hands.
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