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Belugas to Butterflies Plagued by Harmful Chemicals

Click here for the interactive map

Important notes:

• Only a subset of animals in a few regions have been studied for specific flame retardants.


• This map shows a selection of peer-reviewed studies; many more exist. 


• Flame retardants are used to meet flammability standards which often do not provide meaningful fire-safety benefitsand can be influenced by flame retardant manufacturers.


• Wildlife & humans are exposed to flame retardants from air, water, & food; see observed health harms below.


• This exposure can continue decades after a specific flame retardant is phased out due to its persistent, mobile, bioaccumulative, & toxic properties.


• Flame retardants should be used only after their lack of health harm and value in preventing fires have been demonstrated.

A Selection of Health Effects of Flame Retardants in Wildlife

The above health impacts are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to health harms experienced by wildlife due to the use of flame retardant chemicals in products before safety and efficacy are demonstrated. 

Flame retardants also cause health harm in humans, including:

• Endocrine disruption


• Neurodevelopmental effects


• Decreased fertility


• Some cancers

Learn more about flame retardants at SixClasses.org and reducing exposure here.

If you’d like to suggest a new study that could be added to our selection of points, email it to [email protected].

Map designed and produced by Maddie Dolan.

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Featured image is from Green Science Policy