By Seth Borenstein Source: Contra Costa Times, 9/04 Excerpt: A wide variety of food in American supermarkets is contaminated with tiny doses of toxic manmade chemical flame retardants, according to a new study of everyday groceries released Wednesday. Samples of grocery stores' fish, pork, duck, turkey, cheese, butter, milk, chicken, ice cream and eggs were tainted with polybrominated diphenyl ethers, known as PBDEs, according to a peer-reviewed article in the journal Environmental Science & Technology. Because this is a relatively new health concern, no one has studied yet if PBDEs are harmful to humans and at what levels, the Environmental Protection Agency's top toxicologist said. However, in animal tests they've harmed the nervous system, altered hormonal function and changed the development of reproductive organs. The federal government has ruled that one PBDE in large doses is a possible human carcinogen. Wednesday's finding indicates that the group of chemicals -- used in carpeting, electronics and furniture -- is getting into people through their food and remains in the body for several years. Industry officials said the amounts were too small to worry about. Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.