Exposure to flame retardants in everyday household items increases the risk of cancer death more than fourfold.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants – a broad class of compounds commonly applied to fabrics, carpets, furniture, cell phones, and many other household items. New evidence suggests that exposure to flame retardants more than quadruples the risk of dying from cancer.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from 1,100 adults enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and tracked their health for about 16 years. They found that PBDE exposure markedly increased the risk of dying from cancer. Participants with the highest serum PBDE levels were more than four times more likely to die of cancer than those with the lowest levels, even after considering age, sex, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, and other factors that influence cancer death risk.
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These findings suggest that PBDE exposure increases the risk of dying from cancer. Although this observational study did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between PBDEs and cancer risk, PBDEs are known endocrine disruptors. Endocrine disruptors mimic or interfere with normal hormonal processes in the human body and may influence health throughout the lifespan.
Interestingly, evidence suggests that sweating promotes PBDE elimination. Sweat losses during a typical sauna session may reduce PBDE burden in the body, potentially reducing cancer death risk. Learn more about how sauna use facilitates the elimination of various toxicants in our overview article.