UNEXPECTEDLY high levels of flame retardant chemicals have turned up in the breast milk of 20 women from across the US.
Though small, the study adds to evidence that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are rapidly accumulating in the fatty tissues of people and wildlife. The chemicals are used in products ranging from clothing to cars.
Some women had levels of PBDEs up to 75 times the average in Sweden, according to the non-profit Los Angeles-based Environmental Working Group, which sponsored the study. Similar levels have been shown to affect brain development in mice.
The group is urging the US Environmental…
