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EPA Reaction to DecaBDE Phaseout Announcement

Release Date: 12/17/2009
Contact Information: Dale Kemery kemery.dale@epa.gov 202-564-7839 202-564-4355

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2009


WASHINGTON – As a result of negotiations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, several companies announced today they will undertake a three year phaseout of decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE), a persistent and toxic chemical that has been used as a flame retardant in consumer and other products.

Steve Owens, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, issued the following statement in response to the announcement:

“Though DecaBDE has been used as a flame retardant for years, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has long been concerned about its impact on human health and the environment. Studies have shown that decaBDE persists in the environment, potentially causes cancer and may impact brain function. DecaBDE also can degrade to more toxic chemicals that are frequently found in the environment and are hazardous to wildlife.

“Today’s announcement by these companies to phase out decaBDE is an appropriate and responsible step to protect human health and the environment.”

For more information, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/oppt/pbde/