Toxic homes

BERKELEY — Women with higher blood levels of PBDEs, a type of flame retardant commonly found in household consumer products, took longer to become pregnant compared with women who have lower levels of PBDEs, according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley.

The study, to be published Jan. 26 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that each 10-fold increase in the blood concentration of four PBDE chemicals was linked to a 30 percent decrease in the odds of becoming pregnant each month.

Sign the petition:

Dear FDA Administrator Jackson,

A UC Berkeley study recently revealed that women with high levels of Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants in their blood were 30-50 percent less likely to become pregnant than those women with lower levels.

This is a troubling and dangerous statistic. I am aware that the current PBDE that is being used will not be phased out until 2013, and I believe that is too far away. However, I am more concerned that the chemicals that are replacing PBDEs are just as unknown to us, as are their affects on the human body. If these chemicals are going to be replacing PBDEs in order to meet fire safety standards, then it is critical that these chemicals undergo rigorous testing as to their affects on human health.

It is incredibly disconcerting to find out that products are extremely dangerous many years after having those products in my home. Please ensure that any chemicals released for public use are properly tested.

Thank you for your time.

Respectfully,

[Your Name]