Page 13 - Hallie Ford Center Magazine

If a problem has “When we analyzed behavior assessments and exposure
levels, we observed that the children who had more exposure
never been solved, to certain types of flame retardants were more likely to

exhibit externalizing behaviors such as aggression, defiance,
we find a way. hyperactivity, inattention, and bullying,” says Molly Kile, one of
the team’s leaders.

Researchers are now planning for a longer study that looks
Like discovering a method for detecting potentially dangerous at additional factors. “If scientists find strong evidence that
flame retardant chemicals in household items. exposure to flame retardants affects children’s behaviors, we
can develop strategies that prevent these exposures and help
For decades, flame retardants have been added to furniture,
mattresses, carpet, electronics and other items to prevent fires. improve children’s lives,” Kile says.
But with growing concerns about exposure to small children,
an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the Hallie Ford Flame Retardant Research Team
Center and OSU’s Environmental Health Sciences Center came
together to begin examining their effects. Using lightweight Molly Kile, Associate Professor, Environmental and
silicone wristbands — which were developed by team member Occupational Health, College of Public Health and Human
Kim Anderson and graduate student Stephen O’Connell — the Sciences
investigators were able to detect the type and level of chemicals Shannon Lipscomb, Associate Professor, Human Development
children are exposed to. and Family Sciences, College of Public Health and Human
Sciences, OSU-Cascades
The research team gave wristbands to 92 preschoolers from
ages 3 to 5 who wore them for a week at home and at school. Kim Anderson, Professor, Environmental and Molecular
Each wristband detected some form of flame retardant. Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences

After examining the wristband data and results from parent/ Megan MacDonald, Assistant Professor, Kinesiology, College of
teacher questionnaires for each child, they found a possible Public Health and Human Sciences
link between flame retardants and children’s social skills and Megan McClelland, Katherine E. Smith Endowed Professor,
school readiness.
Human Development and Family Sciences, College of Public
Health and Human Sciences

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