Is prenatal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants harmful to children?

What's actually in it

Organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) are chemicals added to consumer products to slow down burning. They are not chemically bonded to the materials they treat, which means they easily escape into the air and dust in your home. Once they enter your environment, they can be inhaled or ingested.

These chemicals are known to cross the placenta during pregnancy. This means your baby is exposed while still in the womb. Research also links these chemicals to potential disruptions in thyroid function, as noted in a 2026 study in Ecotoxicol Environ Saf.

What the research says

The science is clear: these chemicals are linked to long-term health impacts for children. A 2026 study in Environ Int found that prenatal exposure to these flame retardants negatively impacts neurodevelopment in children by age 4.

Cognitive development is also at risk. A 2026 study in Environ Pollut identified a clear connection between prenatal exposure to these substances and lower cognitive scores in children. These chemicals can affect how your child grows. A 2026 study in Environ Res shows that gestational exposure is linked to changes in weight, height, and body mass index in children between 2 and 10 years old.

These findings are part of a growing body of research highlighting the risks of chemical exposure in early life, including studies on how these substances persist in our living spaces, such as a 2026 study in Environ Res.