Sonya Lunder, MPH, Environmental Working Group, 1904 Franklin St, Suite 703, Oakland, CA 94612, 510-444-0975, sonya@ewg.org

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) fire retardants are used in a wide variety of products, including electronics, foam, textiles and transportation. The three most common commercial products are penta-BDE, octa-BDE and deca-BDE. Deca comprises 80% of worldwide use. PBDEs are chemically similar to PCBs, which are toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative chemicals known to cause developmental problems in children exposed prenatally. European nations have implemented public polices to phase out the use of some types of PBDEs, but the U.S. has taken only limited action to regulate them. Because of rising levels in human milk, blood and tissues, Great Lakes Chemical Company announced that they will phase out the manufacture of penta and octa-BDEs by the end of 2004 but the fate of deca-BDE is still unclear. Some electronics companies are beginning to use safer alternatives and product redesign to maintain fire retardancy, while avoiding the use of PBDEs. Other companies are calling for their suppliers to phase-out the use of PBDE fire retardants. Although recent actions by industry are encouraging, sound public health policy demands that alternative fire retardants are safety tested before their use in products.

Learning Objectives:

• · Identify common types of PBDE fire retardants and their uses in products.
• · Describe steps by European nations and industries to regulate and phase out the use of PBDE fire retardants.
• · Analyze public policies undertaken in the U.S. by industries and by the federal government to address the problem of PBDE contamination and how it may be affecting public health.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Public Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.