Tracking Alternative Flame Retardants: Hand-to-Mouth Exposures in Adults

Since polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants were withdrawn from use in polyurethane foam padding, alternatives including tris(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) are now used in consumer goods including furniture, automobiles, carpet padding, and baby products. Like PBDEs, these replacement compounds have been widely found in dust samples from homes, offices, and vehicle interiors. A new study in this issue of EHP examines whether they also resemble PBDEs in another way: the routes by which people are exposed.