Chemicals in Preschools: What Kids are Breathing In

Kids spend a lot of time in preschools. They play, learn, and grow. But what if the very places meant for their development are filled with harmful chemicals? It's a scary thought, but it's a reality that needs attention. Two types of chemicals are of particular concern: brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs). These chemicals are added to products to make them less flammable and more flexible. However, they can slowly release into the air and settle in dust, posing a risk to children. In Sweden, a study was conducted to measure these chemicals in the dust of 26 preschools. The findings were eye-opening. Among the OPEs, a chemical called TBOEP was found in every single preschool. Its average concentration was 610 ng/g. This is significant because TBOEP is known to be persistent, meaning it sticks around for a long time, and it can build up in the body, which is bad news for kids who are constantly exposed to it. Among the BFRs, BDE-209 was the most common, with an average concentration of 130 ng/g. This is concerning because BDE-209 is globally regulated due to its toxicity. The study also found that certain preschools had higher levels of these chemicals. Preschools built before 2014 had more TPHP, a type of OPE. Preschools with sound boards on the walls had higher levels of EHDP, another type of OPE. Preschools without wallpaper had more BDE-209. These findings suggest that the age of the preschool and the materials used in its construction can affect the levels of these chemicals. It's a reminder that the places where kids spend their time should be safe and free from harmful chemicals. The levels of these chemicals in the dust were found to be low, which is a relief. However, the levels of TBOEP were still high enough to contribute to the chemical burden of children attending these preschools. This means that even though the levels are low, they can still have an impact on kids' health over time. It's a wake-up call for preschools to take a closer look at the materials they use and the chemicals they might be exposing kids to. It's also a reminder for parents to be aware of the potential risks and to advocate for safer environments for their children.