The chemical polybrominated diphenyl ethers, usually known as PBDE, has been found in children’ blood at triple the levels found in their mothers, a new study by the Environmental Working Group said.

The fire retardant chemical is commonly used in manufacturing products such as furniture, toys, curling irons, cell phones and computers. The role of flame retardants is essential: they prevent fires and decelerate the progress of those that do happen, according to John Kyte, spokesman for The Bromine Science and Environmental Forum, a trade group of companies in the brominated flame retardant industry.

The difference in the amounts of PBDE found in children’s and mothers’ blood was shocking. On account of similar nutritional regime, scientists expected to find similar levels, said Anila Jacob, MD, MPH, a senior scientist at EWG. "What we found was, kids on average had three times the levels of toxic retardants polluting their blood compared to their moms," she stated.

Scientists from EWG in Washington, D.C., analyzed the blood collected from 20 U.S. children, aged 18 months to 4 years, and their mothers. As a result of evaluating the samples for PBDEs, it was found that, in 19 of 20 couples the children had a higher level of the hormone-disrupting chemical than the mothers.

"Young children are very vulnerable to toxic chemicals," said Jacob, co-author of the study. "Their organs are still developing, and it may result in permanent damage."