The Risks of Exposure to Flame-Resistant Handsets

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Depending on where you work, you may be exposed to flame-resistant handsets. These handsets have been designed to meet the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These handsets are generally used to protect people from ignition when handling flammable materials. You should be aware of the risks of exposure to these handset so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not to use one.

Health effects

Whether you are using a cell phone or other hand-held electronic device, you are likely exposed to fireman telephone handset and other chemicals. A recent study published by Environment International found that these products can be a source of personal exposure to organophosphate flame retardants and plasticizers. These chemicals are known to pose a health risk to children.

The study is the first to show that hand-held electronic devices may be a significant source of personal exposure to organophosphates. These compounds have been associated with neurotoxicity, thyroid problems, and fertility problems. They have also been shown to cause developmental effects. In addition, they can be found in the blood of children.

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Researchers also found that children exposed to flame-resistant handsets as well as firefighter emergency phone handset had higher levels of these chemicals than children exposed to non-handheld electronics. This suggests that the surface of a cell phone serves as a time-integrated sampler.

This study was also funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Health Canada's Clean Air Regulatory Agenda, and the Canadian Cancer Society. It is the first to show that handheld electronic devices can be a source of exposure to organophosphate flame retardants.