WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The toxic chemical decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a brominated flame retardant, will be largely phased out of the U.S. marketplace, according to an announcement today from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to EPA's announcement, the companies have committed to phase out decaBDE from most uses in the United States by December 31, 2012, and to end all uses by the end of 2013.

"Based on extensive laboratory animal testing, decaBDE is highly likely to disrupt normal human development," said Ted Schettler MD, Science Director of the Science and Environmental Health Network. "A 2009 study from the Institute of Public Health at the University of Copenhagen found decaBDE at higher concentrations than any other PBDE in the placentas of 50 women in Denmark, which is consistent with a previous study done in Spain. While we do not know the levels of decaBDE in placental tissue of American women, we have enough information about the toxicity of deca in the earliest stages of life to prohibit its manufacture, use and re-use in recycled products."

The agreement to phase out decaBDE, which has been manufactured and sold via consumer products and other items for many years, also exposes the gaps in the 33-year-old federal Toxic Substances Control Act, which has allowed the production and use of toxic chemicals without adequate safety evaluations.

"The EPA's decision to protect Americans from this toxic chemical brings us one step closer to a healthier future for our kids. Now we need to move beyond addressing one chemical at a time and protect people from chronic diseases like asthma and cancer by overhauling the regulatory system that allowed this toxic chemical to be legal in the first place," said Andy Igrejas, Campaign Director for the 100+ member coalition Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families. Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families is calling for an update of the Toxic Substances Control Act through federal legislation in 2010.

David Levine, Co-founder of the American Sustainable Business Council, a group of twelve networks representing 40,000 businesses, said, "This agreement provides businesses with the opportunity to do what they do best, to innovate and create new markets that boost sustainable products to create a healthy and vibrant economy."

Full release available at www.saferchemicals.org.

SOURCE Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families coalition

Back to top

RELATED LINKS
http://www.saferchemicals.org