Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a type of flame retardant. Flame retardants are chemicals that slow the spread of fire. Flame retardants save lives and reduce costly damage caused by fire.
There are 3 main types of PBDEs: PentaBDE, OctaBDE and DecaBDE.
How you’re exposed to PBDEs
PBDEs are found in many everyday items such as:
- materials used in buildings and cars
- carpet underlay
- furniture foam
- electronic equipment
PBDEs may be part of the product itself (for example, the foam used in furniture) or sprayed on the finished product (for example, on upholstery fabric). They are also released during the manufacturing process.
Research suggests that the most common source of exposure is from household dust, mostly from PBDEs being released from furniture and appliances that contain the chemicals. They have also been found in water, soil, lake sediment and sewage sludge and at low levels in food.
PBDEs and cancer
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has reviewed the evidence and wasn’t able to determine whether exposure to PBDEs causes cancer in humans. Find out more about how cancer-causing substances are classified.
However, one type of PBDE appears to cause liver tumours in rats and mice. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) calls this particular PBDE a possible cancer-causing substance.
PBDEs also have endocrine-disrupting properties. This means they may mimic or behave like hormones and can interfere with the normal hormonal activity in our bodies. Endocrine disruptions can lead to certain types of cancer. In lab animals (rats and mice), certain PBDEs have affected:
- the production of the thyroid hormone in lab animals
- the development of the reproductive system in lab animals
- the behaviour of adult lab animals exposed to PBDEs at a young age
PBDEs have also been found in fish and marine animals. They have also been found in human blood, fatty tissues and breast milk. However, the levels of PBDEs in people are much lower than the levels that produced these effects in rats and mice.
PBDE levels seem to be building up in both people and animals over the last 20 years. We do not know what this build-up means for people’s health.
Currently there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm whether or not PBDEs increase the risk of cancer in people.
PBDEs have been identified as toxic and are on the Canadian Environment Protection Act’s list of toxic substances. As a result, Environment Canada and Health Canada have put regulations in place to manage or ban PDBEs in Canada.
The Canadian Cancer Society supports the regulations to manage or ban PBDEs in Canada.
Tips to reduce your exposure
There is not enough scientific evidence to either confirm or rule out that PBDEs can increase your risk of cancer.
While we learn more, you can:
- Research a company’s policies before you purchase products from them. For example, many furniture, computer and electronics manufacturers are using flame retardants that don’t contain PBDEs. You can encourage companies to continue to look for safer alternatives.
- Purchase naturally flame-retardant materials, such as wool. You should check whether the material has been treated with additional fire retardants or other chemicals. You may have to contact the manufacturer directly to do this.
- Clean your house often, especially if you have young children, to reduce exposure to dust containing PBDEs.
- Cover any exposed carpet pads or upholstery foam pads to reduce the amount of PBDEs released into your home or car.
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