A study, conducted by IPEN, an international organisation working on toxic chemical issues, examined levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in foam carpet tiles commonly sold into the United States and other developed countries. It was found that some tiles contained levels of flame retardants that raised concerns over human health. Two of the flame retardants, PentaBDE and OctaBDE resemble Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in structure and toxic effects.
Both substances are listed for global elimination but an exemption has been granted which permits recycling foam and plastics containing them. In the United States PCBs are banned, and there is a voluntary agreement with manufacturers to stop producing PentaBDE and OctaBDE. However, the loophole that permits recycling of materials containing these substances into new consumer products remains.
One or both of the chemicals were found in 88 percent of samples of foam padding tested from Canada, Hungary and the USA. Half the samples contained components of PentaBDE at levels that exceeded the indicative hazardous waste limit under European Union regulation. For OctaBDE components, 46 percent of the samples exceeded the limit.
PentaBDE and OctaBDE can both be released as dust particles and can pose a significant hazard to children. People who recycle foam and lay carpet have also been found to have 10 times the amount of these chemicals in their body as other people who have little every day contact with either foam or carpets. It is claimed that PentaBDE is linked to reproductive toxicity, neurodevelopmental toxicity and negative effects on thyroid hormones. OctaBDE is linked to delayed neurotoxicity and immunotoxicity.
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