Strange world

IT'S official: Californians are flameproof. Research has discovered that people living in California have twice the level of flame-retardant chemicals in their bloodstream as folk living in other parts of the United States.

But there is a downside. The chemicals, known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, have been shown to cause thyroid problems in animals, as well as interfering with developing reproductive and nervous systems.

The widespread use of PBDEs in California began 30 years ago with the passage of a state law that required furniture and bedding to be able to withstand 12 seconds of contact with an open flame without igniting. To meet the standard, foam and similar materials contain as much as 12 per cent of PBDEs by weight.

Unfortunately, the chemicals are released from furniture in dust produced by abrasion and normal wear. Children also get larger doses because they come in contact with the fine dust on floors and often put their hands to their mouths.

PBDE levels in most California homes are 200 times higher than those in Europe, where the chemicals are used sparingly. However, if the Earth catches fire from global warming, expect California to survive.