Three Suppliers Agree To DecaBDE Phase-out
Baton Rouge, La.-based Albemarle Corp. and Middlebury, Conn.-based Chemtura Corp. -- producers of
decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) -- and Israel-based ICL Industrial Products -- the largest
exporter of decaBDE to the United States -- have sent commitment letters to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to phase out production, sales and importation of the controversial flame
retardant (FR) in the United States.
The commitments involve a phase-out for most uses by the end of 2012, and a complete phase-out for all uses by Dec. 31, 2013. DecaBDE applications include textiles, wire and cable insulation, electronics, transportation, military and other applications.
DecaBDE is one of several chemical formulations making up the polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) class of FR chemicals. PBDEs have come under scrutiny in the last few years because testing has indicated they may be toxic to the liver and thyroid gland, as well as in relation to neurological development; and there also is increasing evidence that they are persistent in the environment, with traces found in human breast milk, fish, aquatic birds and elsewhere throughout the Northern Hemisphere, according to the EPA. PBDE release into the environment could include such means as manufacturing or processing of the chemicals into products, end-product aging and wear, and direct exposure during a product's use. U.S. production of certain PBDEs has already been phased out, and EPA has tightened its regulation of those chemicals. The agency also has been working to address concerns related to the use of all PBDEs including possible implementation of regulations as well as voluntary actions.
"Though decaBDE has been used as a flame retardant for years, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long been concerned about its impact on human health and the environment," said Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "Studies have shown that decaBDE persists in the environment, potentially causes cancer and may impact brain function. DecaBDE also can degrade to more toxic chemicals that are frequently found in the environment and are hazardous to wildlife."
In related news, Albemarle has developed GreenArmor -- a recyclable, eco-friendly polymer-based FR technology -- as an alternative to the decaBDE technology it will be discontinuing under its commitment with EPA. The company also offers other "safe and environmentally sound" FR alternatives to decaBDE, according to Brian Carter, global business director of the company's flame retardant group.
Chemtura and ICL also offer other FR technologies that can serve as alternatives to decaBDE. In addition, Chemtura said it has new sustainable FR alternatives in development as well.
December 29, 2009
The commitments involve a phase-out for most uses by the end of 2012, and a complete phase-out for all uses by Dec. 31, 2013. DecaBDE applications include textiles, wire and cable insulation, electronics, transportation, military and other applications.
DecaBDE is one of several chemical formulations making up the polybrominated diphenylether (PBDE) class of FR chemicals. PBDEs have come under scrutiny in the last few years because testing has indicated they may be toxic to the liver and thyroid gland, as well as in relation to neurological development; and there also is increasing evidence that they are persistent in the environment, with traces found in human breast milk, fish, aquatic birds and elsewhere throughout the Northern Hemisphere, according to the EPA. PBDE release into the environment could include such means as manufacturing or processing of the chemicals into products, end-product aging and wear, and direct exposure during a product's use. U.S. production of certain PBDEs has already been phased out, and EPA has tightened its regulation of those chemicals. The agency also has been working to address concerns related to the use of all PBDEs including possible implementation of regulations as well as voluntary actions.
"Though decaBDE has been used as a flame retardant for years, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long been concerned about its impact on human health and the environment," said Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. "Studies have shown that decaBDE persists in the environment, potentially causes cancer and may impact brain function. DecaBDE also can degrade to more toxic chemicals that are frequently found in the environment and are hazardous to wildlife."
In related news, Albemarle has developed GreenArmor -- a recyclable, eco-friendly polymer-based FR technology -- as an alternative to the decaBDE technology it will be discontinuing under its commitment with EPA. The company also offers other "safe and environmentally sound" FR alternatives to decaBDE, according to Brian Carter, global business director of the company's flame retardant group.
Chemtura and ICL also offer other FR technologies that can serve as alternatives to decaBDE. In addition, Chemtura said it has new sustainable FR alternatives in development as well.
December 29, 2009
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