Video Story
Watch VideoFire retardant costumes may pose Halloween danger
Story By: Jamie Smith
Source: NBC
Published Fri Oct 24, 2008, 07:24 AM MDT
Updated Fri Oct 24, 2008, 08:28 AM MDT
Halloween costume shopping is now a bit trickier for parents who are worried about flame retardants.
Nearly all Americans tested have trace levels of the chemicals in their blood, but what impact the compounds has on human health is a question that may not be answered for some time.
So what's a concerned consumer to do in the meantime? For years it has been a Halloween costume safety seal of approval, but now the flame retardant label is triggering concern and confusion amid ongoing research. There is concern over mixed messages about the safety of p-b-d-e's, the chemicals used to treat fabrics and a menu of other consumer products everything from mattresses to cell phones.
"I think caution not alarm what we're really looking for here," said Dr. Randy Wexler of Ohio State Medical Center. Randy Wexler said while it is nearly impossible to completely avoid p-b-d-e's, eating a low-fat, high fiber diet is one way to help reduce exposure. "One of the benefits of the low fat diet is the p-b-d-e's tend to accumulate in animal fat," said Wexler.
Housecleaning, regular vacuuming and dusting can lower the amount of p-b-d-e residue in the home, says Wexler who also recommends keeping an eye on the thermostat in the winter. "Higher heat actually releases these chemicals and increases their concentration," Wexler said.
As for fabric choices, wool gets the thumbs-up for health and fire safety from Ohio state burn center director, Dr. Sydney Miller. "It is naturally flame retardant and the whole issue of the chemicals doesn't really come up," said Miller. The only problem is that wool may not be the most comfortable choice for a Halloween costume.
Miller says a layer of natural fabric under costumes can help protect skin from chemicals, and also notes using flashlights and avoiding the use of any open flames is a Halloween fire safety strategy that still gets the seal of approval.
In April, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that some p-b-d-e-s may act as thyroid disruptors in humans and other animals and that exposure in rats and mice affected brain development. A number of institutions, including Duke University are launching studies to better understand the potential effect on human health.
The American Council on Science and Health defends the use of the flame retardants and says there is no credible evidence that the chemical represents a danger to humans or the environment.
