According to an article in Environmental Health Perspectives, scientists studied the association between polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk and infant neuropsychological development. PBDEs are used as a fire retardant in many consumer items, including furniture, toys, cellular phones, and carpet.

The researchers measured the concentrations of PBDEs in the breast milk of 290 women who
had recently given birth. Children were psychologically tested at 12 to 18 months.

The scientists found that higher PBDE concentrations were correlated with lower mental development scores. “Our findings suggest an association between increasing PBDE concentration in [breast milk] and a worse infant mental development,” they write.

Manufacturers want us to believe that these compounds are needed as a fire retardant, but there are no good studies that show PBDEs actually hinder fire.

Unfortunately, there are studies that show PBDEs cause problems with childhood neurodevelopment, as well as thyroid and breast problems.

I have no doubt that the astounding number of Americans with breast and thyroid problems are due, in part, to bromine exposure from PBDEs.

Bromine exposure could also explain the rapid rise in ADHD and autism.

Due to its widespread use, it is difficult to avoid exposure to brominated fire retardants. However, you can help the body detoxify from bromine by ingesting adequate amounts of unrefined salt and supplementing with iodine.

I have written extensively about the problems with bromine in my book, "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It"