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ON THE COVER: See related article: Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs): New Pollutants-Old Diseases pp. 281–290 Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, widely used in polyurethane foams, electronics and other consumer items, diffuse from the polymer matrix into the air and bioaccumulate in the food chain. Human uptake is through inhalation, dermal absorption and consumption of contaminated foods. PBDEs are structural analogues of thyroid hormones and have been associated with tumors, neurodevelopmental toxicity and thyroid hormone imbalance. PBDE levels in North American women's breast adipose tissue are the highest recorded in the world (forty times the levels in Swedish women). Europe is banning their use, while the United States has yet to address the issue. PBDEs are being called "the PCB's of the future." In this issue of Clinical Medicine & Research, Drs. Siddiqi, Reed and Laessig review this important topic.Illustration by Shirley Thompson.