CHED 820 |
| Caitlin Corbitt and Renee L. Falconer. |
| Brominated flame retardants, such as Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), exhibit a wide spectrum of toxicity in laboratory animals, and have been found throughout the food chain. PBDEs are additives mixed into polymers and are not chemically bound to the original substance, thus may leach into the surrounding environment. Organochlorine (OC) pesticides are routinely found in the indoor environment of homes. Because of their semi-volatile nature, they can be released from foundations and carpets, where they were applied years ago, and enter indoor air. Children's stuffed toys are typically composed of polymers such as polyester and polyurethane; substances able to absorb semi-volatile compounds. This project measured PBDEs and OC pesticides in the outer fabric and internal stuffing of children's stuffed toys. PBDEs and OC pesticides were found at measurable levels in all samples. The presence of these chemicals in stuffed toys may be a source of exposure for children.
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Undergraduate Research Poster Session: Environmental Chemistry
2:00 PM-4:00 PM, Monday, 27 March 2006 Georgia World Congress Center -- Ex. Hall B4, Poster
Division of Chemical Education |