Chemical reaction: two flame retardants to phase out in 2004 - Brief Article
The chemicals–mixes of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)–have become ubiquitous pollutants in both the environment and people. Recent animal tests have shown that these chemicals are harmful at doses similar to those that would result in the milk, blood, and fat concentrations that had been measured in some people in North America (SN: 10/25/03, p. 266).
EPA “commends Great Lakes Chemical Corporation for taking this action voluntarily,” says Stephen L. Johnson, the agency’s acting deputy administrator. The move will accelerate a shift from these PBDEs to safer alternatives, he says.
The products to be phased out are known as the penta mix and octa mix because they contain predominantly PBDEs with five and eight bromine atoms per molecule, respectively. Manufacturers add the penta mix primarily to foam in furniture and the octa mix to the plastic parts in personal computers and small appliances.
Comments
Leave a Reply