SEATTLE — A report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has found the presence of toxic chemicals known as flame retardants in all U.S. coastal waters, including Puget Sound.
The study released today found elevated levels of PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers, near urban and industrial centers and at more locations than in previous years.
PBDEs are man-made chemicals used in electronics, furniture and other goods since the 1970s. They’ve been associated with impaired liver and thyroid function and other health effects.
Mussels sampled in several Washington sites between 2004 and 2007 showed high concentrations of PBDEs, including Puget Sound near Edmonds, Commencement Bay and Elliott Bay.
Washington was the first state in the nation to begin phasing out flame retardants.
On the Net:
NOAA Mussel Watch Program: http://ccma.nos.noaa.gov/about/coast/nsandt/PBDEreport.html
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