Phasing Out Brominated Flame Retardants
The Coalition is working to phase out polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), or toxic flame retardants. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers have been linked to serious health impacts, including learning and behavioral disorders. We are working to achieve state policies that eliminate PBDEs in favor of safer alternatives, and with health care providers and purchasers for purchasing and market changes that use materials and products that are safest for patients, staff, families and communities.
Action Item
We will be presenting a letter to the Washington State legislature signed by health professionals supporting a ban on all forms of PBDEs, include deca.
Please contact Nancy Dickeman at nancyd@wpsr.org to read the letter and add your name!
Washington State’s major health associations have passed resolutions supporting eliminating PBDEs in favor of safer alternatives:
American Academy of Pediatrics, resolution submitted by the
Washington Chapter of the American Academy of PediatricsWashington Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.wafp.net/x5985.htmlWashington State Medical Association
http://www.wsma.org/about/Policy6.htmlWashington State Public Health Association
http://www.wspha.org/Resolution_04-03.htm
To learn more about brominated flame retardants in health care settings,
please visit Health Care Without Harm.
