Toxic Nation | Pollution. It's In You.

Good news! Just before the holidays, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), as well as two US manufacturers and the largest US importer of the toxic flame retardant decaBDE, announced a voluntary phase out of the chemical’s production, importation, and sale by the end of 2013. This chemical is part of the polybrominated flame retardant (PBDE) family and is used to make the sole PBDE mixture still widely used.

In March 2009, Canada helped lead the way with its proposal to restrict the use, import, and sale of electronics containing decaBDE. Electronics are the major decaBDE use, although it may also be used in textiles and upholstery. The federal government also passed regulations in June 2008 that prohibit the manufacture of decaBDE in Canada.

PBDEs are known to accumulate up the food chain and have been linked to cancer, as well as negative developmental, reproductive, and immune system effects.

Visit the US EPA for the announcement and the three chemical companies' commitment letters. Also visit Environment Canada to learn more about what’s being north of the 49th.