Researchers investigating the health impacts of prenatal exposure to flame retardants collected blood samples from 309 pregnant women early in their second trimester. Spikes in the levels of one class of flame retardant, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) correlated with behavior and cognition difficulties during early childhood. ...
Animal studies have also found that exposure to PBDEs in the womb and via nursing may damage the thyroid system and alter newborns’ brains.
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In California (and thus throughout the USA), flame retardants are mandatory in all bedding materials. To lessen contact with flame retardants in clothing, pillows, mattress protectors, and bedding wash these products before using them. Most fabric softeners are said to lessen the effect of flame retardants, so does washing pillows get rid of these PBDE's and other flame retardants?
Recently, I washed all my bed pillows, but one was all bunched up after putting it through the dryer. Instead of tossing it out, I decided to rip open the stitches, reposition the polyester fiber, and resew it. It is in good shape now. 
However, mattresses, furniture, and carpets still contain massive amounts of flame retardants. When these chemicals burn during a house fire, not only are the fire fighters adversely affected by these and other household chemicals, but also the young and the elderly often come down with bronchial asthma. Researchers say that the very dangerous PBDE (which contain bromide) is still found in old furniture and carpet padding. Thus, all old products should be tossed so that our unborn and nursing babies will not have exposure that can lead to hyperactivity and cognitive deficiencies.
