Today, all manner of materials are treated with flame retardant chemicals, often required by law, including children’s pyjamas, upholstery for plush furniture and car seats. At the same time, studies have shown children exposed to flame retardants are more likely to have poorer social skills. Flame retardants have been found at “considerable” levels in freshwater and in midwestern bobcats. At the same time, while one state after another has attempted to ban flame retardants, they have repeatedly failed. The Trump administration nominated a candidate whose research has bolstered industry safety claims about flame retardants to head the EPA’s chemical safety division.

Source: The Guardian May 24, 2019 06:01 UTC