Environmental Toxins

Chemicals in plastics and other products seem harmless, but mounting evidence links them to health problems — and Washington lacks the power to protect us

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Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DECA)

plastic hazards home danger toxic plastics

Illustration by Jason Lee for TIME

What It Is: A flame retardant

Found In: Electronics, furniture, carpets

Health Hazards: Permanent learning and memory deficits; hearing defects; decreased sperm count in animals

What You Should Know: Following EPA advice, the industry began phasing out the chemical in December 2009

See the top 10 scientific discoveries of 2008.

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