*Note: Sightline, along with California EPA scientists, released new data from this study in August, 2005. Go here to see the new analysis.

September 25, 2004

Media contact
Elisa Murray, 206-447-1880 ext. 111

In September 2004, Sightline released results from our project to monitor pollution in the bodies of northwesterners. In August 2005, we released an update on the study.

We tested 40 Northwest mothers for PBDEs--chemical flame retardants widely used in consumer products such as furniture and computers--and found in the breastmilk of every woman in the study, at levels much higher than in other countries.

The study confirms research that levels of PBDEs have been rapidly building up in people and the environment, and suggest that all northwesterners are contaminated with PBDEs. The good news is that Washington, Oregon, and other parts of the Northwest have begun to take action against PBDEs.

• Download this report (registration required, pdf)

• Press release

• August 2005 analysis: Toxic flame retardants overtaking past chemical threats in Northwest mothers

• Regional fact sheet
• One-minute Flash animation/film on the PBDE story
  

Other materials

• The ABC's of PBDEs and PCBs
• Health concerns associated with PBDEs and PCBs
• Why breastfeeding is best
• Meet the moms: Profiles of mothers in the study
• Chart: PBDEs rising in the Northwest