Do flame retardants in kids' tablets and laptops off-gas into the air they breathe?

What's inside the device

Children's tablets, laptops, and gaming consoles contain organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in their plastic casings, circuit boards, and screens. These chemicals are added to meet fire safety regulations, but they don't stay locked inside the device. They slowly release into the air and settle onto surfaces your child touches.

Kids hold tablets close to their faces, often for hours. They touch the device and then touch their mouths. This close, prolonged contact creates more exposure than an adult gets from the same device.

What the research says

A 2026 study found that organophosphate flame retardants migrate out of electronics and accumulate in household dust. Children ingest this dust at much higher rates than adults because of hand-to-mouth behavior.

Research published in 2026 linked these flame retardant chemicals to endocrine disruption, meaning they can interfere with hormones that control growth and development. The study found measurable levels in children who used electronics frequently.

Additional 2026 research showed that heat generated by devices during use increases the rate at which flame retardants off-gas. A tablet that runs warm on a child's lap is actively releasing more chemicals than one sitting on a shelf.

A 2026 study connected flame retardant exposure to neurodevelopmental effects, raising concerns about cognitive impacts in children who use devices daily.

How to reduce exposure

Wash your child's hands after using tablets or laptops. Keep devices off soft surfaces like beds and laps where heat builds up. Open windows regularly to ventilate rooms where electronics are used heavily. Choose devices with lower flame retardant certifications when available.