CBC NEWS' MARKETPLACE INVESTIGATES FLAME RETARDANTS: DO THEY PROTECT YOU--OR HARM YOU?

Are chemicals intended to keep us safe in a fire actually making us sick? On this week’s MARKETPLACE, Tom Harrington investigates flame retardants in our homes and reveals the toxic chemicals used to prevent or slow down the spread of fire may be making us sick, and may not be as effective as you think.

Burned airs on CBC News’ Marketplace, Friday, Nov. 30 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC-TV.

Dr. Vyto Babrauskas, one of the world’s top fire scientists, says the chemical industry is blowing smoke, and their products may not keep us safe in a fire. Health scientists say some are neurotoxins that have even been linked to fertility problems. Although they are found in variety of household products, including furniture and electronics, MARKETPLACE reveals it’s difficult for consumers to find out if these toxic chemicals are in the products they’re buying.

From blood tests to fire tests to hidden camera, MARKETPLACE is putting flame retardants in the hot seat. We want to know: are you getting burned?

Winner of the 2011 Gemini Award for Best News Information Series, MARKETPLACE airs Fridays at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC Television. MARKETPLACE also airs Saturdays at 9:30 p.m. ET and Sundays at 5:30 p.m. ET on CBC News Network. For more information on MARKETPLACE, visit our website at cbc.ca/marketplace, join us on Facebook and follow us on twitter: twitter.com/cbcerica and twitter.com/cbctom. Executive producer is Tassie Notar.

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