Assembly Bans Two Fire Retardants
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The state Assembly has approved legislation that would ban two popular fire retardants that may pose health risks. The measure by Assemblywoman Wilma Chan of Alameda would bar the manufacturing, processing or distribution of two types of Penta BDE and Octa BDE, starting January first 2008.
Penta BDE is mainly used as an additive in polyurethane foams for furniture, as well as seats in airplanes and automobiles. Octa BDE is mainly used as an additive in plastic for electronics equipment, automobiles, telephones and other products.
Supporters of Chan´s legislation say that the substances may damage the nervous system.
