A new study finds chemical flame retardants known as PBDEs contaminate common foods available on supermarket shelves. The study appears in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Environmental Science & Technology and provides possible evidence that food may be a primary source of the flame retardant contamination found in humans. Recent studies by EWG and others discovered the presence of high levels of PBDEs in human breast milk.
Flame retardant PBDEs have been linked to cancer, brain defects and hormone interference in studies on laboratory animals. In August 2004, tests reported the flame retardant chemicals in farm-raised salmon and in endangered Canadian orca whales.
Related Links:
Supermarket Food Study News Release
Philadelphia Inquirer story
Related EWG Reports:
Study Finds Record High Levels of Toxic Fire Retardants in Breast Milk from American Mothers
Toxic Fire Retardants Building Up in San Francisco Bay Fish
