Flame Retardants Under Fire
Feature - Environmental Building News June 2004
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Brominated flame retardants are widely used in building products, furnishings, and equipment found
in buildings. The flexible polyurethane foam used in upholstered furniture, for example, can be up
to 30% flame retardant by weight. We now know that brominated flame retardants escape from these
products into our homes and the environment--and that they're building up at alarming rates in our
bodies. New studies are showing serious health effects ranging from interference with pre-natal
brain development to disruption of hormone function and cancer. This article provides background on
flame retardants, describes where we use these chemicals in buildings, examines health concerns,
covers regulations affecting their use, and finally provides recommendations for reducing their use.
[more]
Beyond a Ban of PBDEs
From the Editors - Environmental Building News June 2004
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EBN calls not only for an immediate ban of PBDE flame retardants, but also for comprehensive toxicity testing of all flame retardants, bans of all halogenated flame retardants that can't be proven safe, and a transition to safer chemicals and inherently flame-resistant materials.
[more]
Environmental Building News Calls For Phaseout of PBDE
Press Release - June 7, 2004
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