-WJLA Script-

Anchor:

We live in a sea of fire retardant chemicals that reduce the fire hazards in our homes, but a new medical student find unexpectedly high leverl of these toxic chemicals are accumulating in our children.

This is the first investigation comparing the build up of these chemicals in children compared to their mothers. The I-Team's Roberta Baskin is here with the details, Roberta?

Roberta Baskin:

Europe and Canada have already banned production of these chemicals for being a danger to public health. Which leaves American children, according to the new study, with among the highest exposures in the world. This new report shows just how high.

Story:

Amanda Castel: "They’re everywhere. You really have to be concerned."

Takoma Park's Amanda Castel and 5-year old Olivia participated in a nationwide study of moms and their children. The results showed Olivia's blood with levels of flame retardant chemicals three times higher than her mom.

Roberta: "What did you know about fire retardants before this?" Amanda Castel: "Surprisingly little."

Amanda now worries about the long term effects on Olivia's learning, memory, and behavior.

Decades ago, flame retardants were hailed as a breakthrough in protecting children from scenes like these. Growing concern of "over-exposure" to these toxic chemicals led to some being banned. But others still exist in everything from mattresses to the plastic casings around televisions and computers.

» Environmental Working Group report

» Washington Fire Retardant Law

» Maine Signs Deca Ban Bill Into Law

» EPA's Response to I-Team's Investigation

View other I-Team Investigations

Read the I-Team's Blog on WJLA.com

Dr. Anila Jacob: "We’re very concerned about the effects on hormone systems, and most importantly on brain development in young children."

Dr. Anila Jacob of the Environmental Working Group co-authored the study on fire retardant chemicals and found small children today typically have levels three times higher than their parents. Some five to six times higher!

EPA Senior Toxicologist Linda Birnbaum says this latest study is troubling.

Dr. Linda Birnbaum: "And the high levels in children, given special vulnerability of children because of rapid growth and development does raise concerns."

Why is it children absorb higher levels of these toxic chemicals? Well, upholstery and electronics shed dust which gets onto children’s hands and inevitably into their mouths.

Dr. Anila Jacob: "They’re putting objects in their mouth. We think that’s why, with this particular group of chemicals, that their exposure are higher than moms."

Two toxic fire retardants were banned several years ago. But another called “DECA” still is widely used.

Dr. Linda Birnbaum: "Deca does break down in our bodies and we know almost nothing about the potential toxicity of these breakdown products."

The states of Maine and Washington already have banned DECA, and Maryland may soon follow their lead. It’s a balancing act between protecting against the obvious risk of fire and the invisible threat of toxic chemicals.

Dr. Anila Jacob: "We don’t think fire safety has to come at the expense of our children’s health."

Roberta Baskin:

You won't find the flame retardant DECA listed on product labels. The most effective way to avoid these chemicals is keeping dust levels down in your house and encouraging frequent hand-washing with children. Meanwhile, more manufacturers are turning to alternatives and more states are considering a ban on DECA. 

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