Handwashing prevents exposure to flame retardants

Children who wash their hands before eating can greatly reduce their exposure to toxic flame retardant chemicals, according to a new study published by Environmental Health News.

The study found that a major source of flame retardant exposure for kids comes from putting hands in their mouths – hands that carry PBDE-contaminated dust. PBDEs are a toxic form of flame retardant chemicals. The chemical is found in many common household items like mattresses, couches, televisions and other electronics. Over time PBDEs leach out of these items and mingle with household dust.

Now we know the chemicals travel through that dust into children’s mouths and bodies.

Children are much more vulnerable to PBDE exposure in the home. A recent Environmental Working Group study found that toddlers had and pre-schoolers typically had 3 times as much of the neurotoxin in their blood than their mothers did.

Because they spend much more time low to the ground and playing on floors, children have a much higher risk of exposure to PBDEs through dust. The new study found that small children had 10 times as much of the chemicals on their hands compared to adults in the home.

The study found that washing hands or wiping off hands before mealtime greatly reduced exposure.