Sunday, December 27, 2009

I often talk to people that are not concerned about the toxins in our environment because they think that as long as the government is allowing it to be used it must not be a real threat. Well as we have have seen over and over in the U.S., manufacturers are allowed to use toxic chemicals for years even decades or more before the CDC or some other agency finally realizes there is harm being done by a substance, and then actually takes steps to make sure it gets removed. Here is one such case reported by The Environmental Working Group just a few days ago. If you are not familiar with the Environmental Working Group it is a great source of information about reducing your exposure to toxins.

Toxic flame retardant
to be phased out

In a deal with federal regulators, U.S. manufacturers will end all use of the chemical known as deca by 2013. It is commonly used in TV sets and other electronic equipment, among other products.

Los Angeles Times, Bettina Boxall
Published December 22, 2009

The U.S. manufacturers of a toxic flame retardant commonly used in television sets have agreed to phase out production under a deal with federal regulators.

The retardant, known as deca, is one of a class of chemical compounds that have been found in California residents at the highest levels in the country, a consequence of widespread exposure linked to the state's strict flammability standards for furniture.

Deca is a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), a group of flame-retardant chemicals used in the manufacture of electronic equipment, furniture cushions, upholstery textiles, carpet backings, mattresses, cars, buses, aircraft and construction materials..........................see full article link below:

Toxic Flame Retardant to be Phased Out

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