Eliminating the Threat from Toxic Flame Retardants (PBDEs)
Right now, we’re surrounded by hundreds of products that contain toxic flame retardants (PBDEs). Televisions, mattresses, furniture, computers, and carpeting needlessly expose our children to chemicals known as toxic flame retardants or PBDEs. Linked to learning problems and reproductive harm, these chemicals leach out of products and are rapidly building up in our environment. PBDEs are found in our bodies, our breastmilk, the cord blood of newborns, the fish that we eat, and our endangered Puget Sound Orcas.
It is past time to safeguard our children from exposure to these hazardous chemicals. The good news is that Washington has the opportunity to phaseout these toxic chemicals and move to safer alternatives.
4/3/07 - PBDE BILL PASSES!
see press release >
"Phasing out the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers" ESHB 1024 was passed by the Washington State Legislature. Congratulations to lead sponsors Rep. Ross Hunter and Sen. Debbie Regala and to all the organizations who worked so hard to pass this bill!
The House passed the PBDE Bill on Feb. 16th! - yeas, 71; nays, 24; absent, 0; excused, 3.
The Senate passed the PBDE Bill on April 3rd! - yeas, 41; nays, 8; absent, 0; excused, 0.
See how your Legislator voted >
Fire Protection Without Poisons
More about PBDEs: Health Effects, Deca breakdown, Wildlife, Puget Sound
Companies Using Safer Alternatives
Take Action on PBDEs
2007 Priorities for a Healthy Washington
To get involved with the PBDE Campaign in Washington State, contact:
Margaret Shield, Coalition Coordinator at mshield@toxicfreelegacy.org or (206) 632-1545 ext 123.
Media inquiries, please contact:
Laurie Valeriano, Policy Director, Washington Toxics Coalition at lvaleriano@watoxics.org or (206) 632-1545 ext 114.
