Fireproof chemicals in your smartphone may QUADRUPLE risk of dying from cancer, study suggests

Chemicals used to fireproof your smartphone may be putting you at higher risk of fatal cancer, a study suggests.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been in use since the 1970s for their ability to slow a fire from spreading, potentially helping to save thousands of lives.

But now in a study that tracked 1,100 US adults for two decades, researchers found that those with the highest levels of the chemicals in their blood were four times more likely to die from cancer than those exposed to the lowest amounts.

In particular, thyroid cancer was the most common — which has a survival rate of below four percent if it is caught in the late stages.

The above map shows states which have brought in bans on some forms of PBDEs. They are banned in many countries including the European Union

Scientists in China, who carried out the research, warned that PBDEs can become detached from items and form dust.

These can then enter humans via inhalation or as contaminants on foods and disrupt hormones and damage genes — raising the risk of cancer.

A study from 2017 which tested 64 cellphones and PCs — from manufacturers inclding Apple, Samsung and Dell — found 60 percent had PBDEs on their surfaces. Apple says it no longer uses the chemical in its smartphones.

The flame retardant chemical is also found in other items including sofas, chairs, car seats and children's toys.

Exposure to fireproof chemicals may cause birth defects 

Fireproof chemicals found in furniture, clothes and many household items may cause obesity in children, scientists have warned. 

Many countries including those in the European Union have already banned or drastically limited the use of these chemicals.

But in the US only 13 states — including New York, California and Maine — have brought in bans. Even then, only certain types of the chemical are restricted.

The scientists wrote in the paper: 'As [hormone]-disrupting chemicals, PBDEs and their metabolites can bind to hormone receptors (ie, estrogen receptor)... and then disrupt hormone homeostasis.

'This plays a role in the development and progression of endocrine tumors such as thyroid cancer.'

The study also found participants with the highest levels of the toxin in their blood had a 43 percent higher risk of all-cause mortality, death from any cause.

But they said this was not a significant association — and that more research was needed.

The researchers said their study was the first to examine the link between PBDE exposure and the risk of mortality from specific causes, including cancer.

For the study, researchers recruited participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the US — which surveys 5,000 adults and children every year.

Participants were recruited from the survey conducted in 2003 and 2004. They were 42 years old on average and each had blood test results for PBDEs.

Each was then tracked for 17 years with records checked for death and cause of death.

Over the study period, 199 participants — or 18 percent of participants — died.

The team then did an analysis adjusting for factors including age, sex, ethnicity and obesity status.

Results revealed a 300 percent increased risk of cancer mortality among those with the highest levels of the toxin in their blood compared to those with the lowest risk.

It also showed those with the highest levels of the chemical had an eight percent lower risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease compared to those with the highest levels.

The study was only able to detect associations, but could not prove that the chemicals had caused the surge in cancer cases.

Previous studies have, however, also warned over the risks from the chemicals including that hey could cause obesity in children.

The team, who examined thousands of cases, found the chemicals could affect thyroid hormone levels and cause inflammation in pregnant women, leading to high birthweight and premature birth.