PANJIM: A scientist of international repute has expressed concern over people increasingly getting exposed to flame retardants (FR) in their houses thereby increasing pressure on global environment.
FRs are compounds added to manufactured materials, such as plastics, textiles, surface finishes and coatings that inhibit, suppress, or delay the production of flames to prevent the spread of fire.
“The discussion on exposure of FRs suddenly got a different character. Instead of dietary exposure through fish or milk consumption, it is now through uptake via inhalation, dermal or hand-mouth contact,” said Jacob de Boer, Professor in Environmental Chemistry and Toxicology at VU (Vrije Universiteit) University, Netherlands. The scientist said that the studies have proved that FRs are creating increasing pressure on global environment. In a press statement issued by Institute of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Sciences, Boer said the uptake via non-dietary exposure is concerning more for the children.
