Sofas, electronic devices, cars and even curtains can have a compound called “flame retardant”. It serves to delay or prevent fire from spreading through products in cases of fire. Despite appearing to be beneficial, in reality, this chemical carries dangers.
Researchers from Brunel University and the University of Birmingham discovered that the substance, contrary to what was imagined, can enter the human body not only through the airways, but also through the skin and cause health problems. Details were published in Environment International.
Chemical is absorbed through the skin and causes hormonal changes
- Using a 3D printed human skin model, scientists have proven that a flame retardant is absorbed by the skin.
- When microplastics loaded with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a type of this chemical, come into contact with the skin, it takes 24 hours to reach our blood.
- In tests, the model absorbed 8% of the exposure dose and 0.1% reached the blood. If your skin is sweaty, this can happen more efficiently.
- With prolonged contact with the retardant, the individual can develop hormonal disorders and even cancer.
- This is the first time that research has proven that the chemical can enter the body not just through breathing.
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Flame retardants
PBDEs were created in the 1970s to prevent fires in various products. Some of the chemicals have been banned due to new scientific evidence of health risks, but others are still found in consumer items.
Mixed with plastic, they present additional concerns. Degradation into microplastics, in addition to being an environmental problem, can have impacts on human health, mainly due to the toxic additives present in the combination.
The real impact on health is still a mystery
The public health consequences of microplastics are still uncertain, but their link to additives linked to cancer and endocrine disruption raises concerns. More research is still needed to better understand the risks and potential dangers.
Unfortunately, there are myriads of toxic chemical additives, ranging from plasticizers and stabilizers in microplastics, some of which are unregulated, that can potentially enter the human system.
Ovokeroye Akpojevwe Abafe, author of the research, for Science Alert
The researchers highlight the need for regulation and protection of public health against exposure to toxic chemicals, calling for urgent measures.
