"Black and Latino toddlers may have significantly higher levels of toxic flame retardants in their bodies than white children, according to a new study that challenges one of industry's chief arguments for expanding use of the chemicals."
"The peer-reviewed study, to be published Wednesday in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found flame retardants known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, in the blood of all 83 children tested. But black and Latino toddlers had levels nearly twice as high on average as white children did.
Led by Duke University chemist Heather Stapleton, the researchers also found that levels were higher in children whose fathers didn't have a college education, an indicator of lower economic status. The children, ages 1 to 3, were tested from May 2009 to November 2010 in North Carolina."
Michael Hawthorne reports for the Chicago Tribune May 23, 2012.
SEE ALSO:
"Watchdog Update: Pressure Grows for Limits on Flame Retardants" (Chicago Tribune)
"Fight Over Flame Retardants In Furniture Heats Up" (NPR)
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