Flame retardants spark new concern

From New Orleans, at a meeting of the Society of Toxicology

Breakdown products of some commonly used flame retardants may perturb the normal production of sex hormones, according to preliminary test-tube experiments conducted by Dutch and Swedish scientists. The residues are from polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are used to fireproof products ranging from furniture cushions to computer cases.