Highly toxic fire retardants and scotch guards known as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are considered contaminants and are prolifically overused, existing in a multitude of consumables throughout our homes and environment. Two such pollutants are Polybrominated-diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). Both synthetic chemicals are widely utilised in a variety of household white goods and appliances from fridges, televisions, remote controls, mobile phones, upholstered furniture, bedding, carpets, curtains, babies’ cots, high chairs, prams to nursing pillows, rendering them difficult to burn or stain.
Unfortunately, there was very little safety testing performed on these chemicals and there is now mounting evidence to prove these unscrupulous pollutants pose a significant health risk to both people and wildlife. The major problem with POP’s and PFO’s, unlike other toxins in our homes, is that they are not water soluble and are extremely resistant to environmental breakdown. Therefore, they cannot be flushed out of our bodies, enabling pollutants to slowly build-up in our systems and the environment, binding to proteins and fatty tissues, which in turn, over time, may lead to potential health implications such as reproductive, immune disorders and cancer.
Research has proved these harmful chemicals to be extremely damaging to babies and young developing children—even in small doses. POPs have been discovered in high levels in indoor dust, foods such as salmon and beef, water and more alarmingly, human breast milk, which is then transferred directly to babies and toddlers. Heightened concerns relating to these chemicals have forced certain companies to respond by using less-toxic alternatives in the production of fire retardants and scotch guards; nevertheless, be aware that products, primarily foam products manufactured before 2005, are especially high risk. Because PBDEs disperse particles that hang around in the air before settling on objects and surfaces throughout your home, be vigilant with your dusting and vacuuming routine, and employ a damp microfibre cloth to dust, so as not to stir the fragments back into the air. To further reduce your risk of exposure, ensure your home is always well-ventilated , buy bedding and furnishings made from natural, organic fibres that have not been coated with fire retardants or stain guards. This applies especially to babies’ and children’s mattresses.
Source ethical, untreated eco-friendly materials, fabrics and furniture produced from natural fibres whenever possible. Never allow young children to put mobile phones or TV remote controls in their mouths and limit daily exposure to electrical items. If you are exposed to PBDEs at work, always shower and take a change of clothing to put on before returning home each day, to avoid transporting the particles on your work wear. Store items well away from other clothing and wash them separately to prevent contamination.