October 1, 2008
Excerpt: BERKLEY, Calif., Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Residents of California have significantly higher levels of toxic flame retardants compared to other locations in the country or world, researchers said.
Flame retardants called polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, can further break down into pentabromodiphenyl ether, or penta BDEs.
A study, published online in Environmental Science & Technology, said California's unique furniture flammability standard -- requiring furniture to be fire resistant to an open flame for 12 seconds, has led to increased exposure to penta-BDE.