Can PBDE flame retardants be linked to lower bone density in kids?
Yes. A 2026 study linked higher prenatal PBDE exposure with lower bone density at age 12.
What is actually in it
PBDEs are flame retardants used in some older foam, plastics, furniture, and electronics. They can leave products and collect in house dust.
That matters for babies and kids because dust gets on hands, floors, toys, and soft surfaces. Washing hands, wet-dusting, and using a HEPA vacuum can lower dust exposure.
What the research says
A 2026 study in Int J Hyg Environ Health followed 184 mother-child pairs. Higher prenatal levels of one PBDE, BDE-153, were linked with lower femoral neck bone mineral density at age 12.
This does not mean one old couch will harm your child. It does mean old foam and dust are worth taking seriously. If baby textiles need replacing, simple organic cotton or bamboo pieces are better fits than treated synthetic fabrics.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Maternal serum polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations during pregnancy and adolescent bone mineral density at age 12 years. | Int J Hyg Environ Health | 2026 |
| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) ToxFAQs |