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Flame retardant chemicals can imitate hormones in
our body and disrupt their activity, potentially leading
to lower iqs and hyperactivity

Flame retardants in consumer products don’t actually prevent
most household fires. But once they escape from these products
and make their way into our air, dust and eventually our bodies,
they can cause us harm. Today, 97 percent of the U.S. population
has flame retardants in its blood.

Thyroid cancers are on the rise, and flame retardants
may be to blame. Recent research found that those
living in homes exposed to higher levels of flame
retardants were at an increased risk for thyroid cancer.

In September, the U.S. took a huge step in getting flame
retardants out of our homes after federal regulators called
for banning an entire class of them in children’s products,
mattresses, electronic casings and furniture. While consumers
keep up the pressure to make this ban a reality (add your voice
by filling out the attached postcard), here are some of the most
common places to find flame retardants, as well as the main
health concerns of these toxic chemicals.

Women with high levels of flame retardants could find
it harder to become pregnant and carry a baby to term,
according to a recent harvard study.

Cushion foam
and upholstery

Polyurethane foam
in the seats

Outer casings

Plastic shells that
encase the circuitry

Particles escape
from products and
accumulate in dust