A recent study has found that levels of PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers are three times higher in children as compared to their mothers. PBDEs are fire retardant chemicals used in electronics, toys and furniture. This study was conducted out by the researchers of the Environmental Working Group. Previous studies have shown that PBDEs can be highly toxic to the developing brains of animals. PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are hormone-disrupting pollutants that build up in the blood and tissues.

In the present study, blood samples of children were compared with the blood samples of their mothers. The study included 20 families. Comparison of blood samples showed higher concentrations of PBDEs in children as compared to their mothers. Approximately the concentration of this harmful chemical was three times higher in children. In one child the concentration was six times higher as compared to his mother.

Sonya Lunder, the study's author said, "To us, this raises concerns that kids live very differently in the same environment than their parents do and those kid-like behaviors put them at risk for contaminant exposure."

Lunder added that young children are exposed to more of these substances because they play by putting their hands and other household items in their mouths after touching furniture or appliances that contain PBDEs. They also eat more and drink more, proportionally, than their mothers do, and food and drink can contain these chemicals, she said.

The study showed that two forms of PBDEs, Penta and Octa, are no longer made in the United States but are still present in items in U.S. homes. The most common form of PBDEs is known as Deca, generally present in electronics. The study showed presence of Deca in 65% of the children tested and 45% of the adults.

Researchers found PBDE concentration in the children's blood averaged 62 parts per billion and ranged from 24 to 114 ppb. The concentration in the mothers' blood averaged 25 ppb and ranged from 10 to 74 ppb.

Researchers used the result of a previous study to show the possible harms of PBDEs. Previous study showed that a single dose of PBDEs given to mice on a single day when their brains were growing rapidly can cause permanent behavior changes, including hyperactivity.

John Kyte, spokesman for the Bromine Science and Environment Forum, a trade group, took issue with the environment group's study, saying that even the highest levels of PBDEs detected were relatively low, and that Deca was barely found in the children.

He added that flame retardants save actual human lives, and no illness, ailment or harm to any human anywhere has ever been reported as a result of exposure to Deca, even among those who work producing the material," the spokesman, John Kyte, said in an e-mail.

Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist at EWG added that parents can take some precautions to save their family from PBDE exposure. She added that homes should be kept dust-free. She suggested the use of a HEPA filter while vacuum. Children should be made to wash their hands carefully before eating. Products without PBDE should be preferred.