A study — which was later corrected — scared many. But the debate over spatulas and sushi trays misses the point.

PBDEs have been used since the 1970s and are found in plastics, textiles and foam paddings. They also are used in building materials, electronics, motor vehicles, airplanes, polyurethane foams and ...

In mice and rats, high doses of PBDEs interfere with thyroid function, cause reproductive and neurological problems, and hamper neurological development. Little is known about their impact on ...