Hazardous flame retardant chemicals may be ubiquitous in many preschools according to a new study from researchers at UC Berkeley. For the study the researchers took air and particulate samples from 40 different preschools and childcare centers throughout the Bay Area.

In all, the 40 facilities serve around 1,760 children and some of the harmful chemicals included polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tris phosphate compound. Either of these compounds, or a combination of the two, were found in 100 percent of the dust samples collected in the all of the facilities.

"Child care environments are not unlike homes and other places where kids spend time, but there has been very little research done on these environments," the researchers explained, adding that the chemicals "are everywhere."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Health News