In this study, researchers analyzed indoor air, indoor dust, and foam from furniture in 190 homes and found that children living in homes where the sofa in the main living area contained flame-retardant called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in its foam had a six-fold higher concentration of PBDEs in their blood. Furthermore, children from homes that had vinyl flooring in all areas had concentrations of benzyl butyl phthalate metabolite in their urine that were 15 times greater than those in children living in homes with no vinyl flooring. Experts say that these semi-volatile organic compounds have been linked to serious adverse health effects, such as neurodevelopmental delays, endocrine and thyroid disorders, and reproductive disorders.

American Association for the Advancement of Science, February 2019