Flame Retardant Banned In Washington

Interesting timing.

Less than a week after the EPA warned of increasing levels of PBDEs in the Columbia River Basin, the use of these flame retardants has finally been banned in Washington state.

PBDEs, also known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers, are used in many household products including furniture, televisions and computers.

Two of the three most widely used PBDEs were banned a year ago. But the legislature held off on outlawing the third type until government officials found alternatives that were not so toxic.

That paperwork was completed Wednesday and the ban kicked in.  It takes effect in January of 2011.

The EPA warning about PBDEs came January 15 in a report called, Columbia River Basin State of the River Report for Toxics. The report says levels of PBDEs are increasing in fish and wildlife in the Northwest. In the Spokane River, PBDE levels are up almost 400% in some fish.

Washington’s Department of Ecology says PBDE levels are doubling every five years and people in North America have the highest levels in the world. Lab tests show the chemicals can can damage the developing brain, affecting behavior, learning and memory. These effects can be permanent and may worsen with age.