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What can we do to
avoid exposure to PBDEs?
Because of the
rapidly rising levels of PBDEs in the environment, their similarity
to other toxic chemicals, and the data from animal studies, people
may want to take action to limit their exposure. The best, long-term way to deal with
harmful chemicals is to support policies and programs in your
community that help reduce environmental pollution.
 Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals
It is especially important for women
who are of child bearing age to limit their exposure to PBDEs and
other harmful chemicals. The most critical period of exposure to
many toxic chemicals happens during development in the womb and
infancy.
PBDEs
are found throughout the environment, but the exact ways that they
get into our bodies are not known. Until more research is done, we
cannot be certain about how to prevent exposure.
The Washington Department of Health
recommends these guidelines, which are known to help reduce exposure
to many chemicals and allergens in your home:
Cleaning and Dusting
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Keep indoor living and working
spaces free of dust. Dust can also contain lead and other metals,
pesticides and allergens including mold and dust mites.
-
Avoid stirring up dust when you
vacuum and clean. The way you dust and the kind of vacuum you use
make a difference. To learn more, contact the
 Master
Home Environmentalist Program of the
American Lung Association of Washington State.
-
Properly ventilate living and
working spaces, especially while you clean. This might include
opening up windows and doors, or using properly installed fans.
-
Wash your hands after cleaning and
dusting.
-
Remove shoes when entering the
house. This helps prevent tracking in unwanted chemicals from
outside, including lead and pesticides.
Repairing, Recycling and Remodeling
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Cover or replace cushions on
sofas, chairs and car seats where the foam pads are exposed.
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Properly recycle or dispose of
furniture, mattresses, rugs, draperies and carpet padding, and all
electronic equipment. Contact the Recycling Hotline at
1-800-732-9253.
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Avoid tracking construction dust
into living areas during home remodeling. Pregnant women and young
children should avoid dust from construction and remodeling
projects, which may also contain lead.
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Try to contain dust and particles
when replacing foam padding beneath carpets. Wear protective
clothing and a respirator
Foods
- Follow
the advice of Washington's Fish Advisories. Current
advisories
exist for PCBs and mercury.
- Prepare fish
and meats in ways that reduce the amount of fat. PBDEs
concentrate in the fat of fish and in other fatty meats.
See our checklist for
additional information.
- Wash you hands before and
after preparing food.
- Know that breastfeeding is the
healthiest choice for babies and mothers. The
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies Web page
has more.
Reduce PBDEs in
the environment
The best, long-term way to deal with
harmful chemicals is to support policies and programs in your
community that help reduce environmental pollution.
Citizens can get involved in
programs and policies to protect people and the environment from
harmful chemicals. In Washington state, we are looking at all feasible solutions to keep PBDEs out of the
environment.
In January 2004, Governor Gary Locke
directed the Washington State Department of Ecology, in coordination
with the Department of Health, to draft a plan to manage PBDEs.
Public comment period on the draft plan runs from October 11, 2004
through November 9, 2004.
You can review the PBDE Chemical Action Plan and send comments to the Department of Ecology. The
final PBDE Chemical Action Plan is due to the Governor by December
1, 2004.
If you would like to learn more
about PBDEs or get involved in reducing toxic chemicals in the
environment, go to our list of additional resources.
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