Flame Retardants

Toxic Flame Retardants

Many of the products we use contain flame retardants designed to prevent the spread of fire. Decabrominated diphenyl ether (Deca) is a toxic flame retardant that is part of a family of chemicals know as Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PBDEs are highly toxic and can be found in a variety of products including carpeting, clothing, mattresses, computers, and televisions.

PBDEs have been linked to delays in brain development, thyroid disruption, depressed immune systems, reproductive problems, and even cancer. Despite these known hazards, Deca is still widely used.

Fire Safety Without Toxic Chemicals

AIn 2004, two forms of PBDEs known as Penta and Octa, were taken off of the market by the manufacturer as a result of legislative action in several states and growing scientific evidence of the chemicals' toxicity. However, Deca remains in products despite evidence that it breaks down into Octa and other harmful brominated forms.

Deca is widely found in the environment and builds up in fish and the human body, including umbilical cord blood and breast milk. Children suffer the most from exposure to Deca. A recent case study suggests that young children have PBDE levels in the bodies that are two- to threefold higher than adults. For children, the source of exposure to these toxic chemicals is often from household dust.

Washington and Maine have already enacted partial bans on Deca. With the support of the Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont, the Alliance for a Clean and Healthy Vermont will work to ensure that flame retardants used in our state meet fire safety standards without exposing us to unnecessary toxic chemicals.

Solutions for a Healthy Future

The Professional Fire Fighters of Vermont Support the phase out of DECA:

After multiple hearings and discussions, the Vermont Legislature passed and the Governor signed the Fire Fighter Protection Act of 2007 which created a presumption that certain cancers that fire fighters are diagnosed with are presumed to be caused by a fire fighter's exposure to the carcinogens and toxins that fire fighters are faced with on a daily basis in Vermont.

Fire fighters face multiple challenges in combating and mitigating emergencies across Vermont, with the removal of these toxic chemicals they can operate on emergency scenes knowing that this is one less danger they face.  Fire fighters in Vermont strongly support all measures to remove these potentially dangerous chemicals from our workplace, this will enhance the safety of the public and fire fighters across Vermont.

Solutions to Protect Our Families

We must phase out the use of DECA and promote safer alternatives. We know the dangers of Deca and other PBDEs and yet we continue to use them despite the existence of safer and equally effective alternatives. Vermont must take measures to limit our exposure to Deca and to use safer alternatives whenever possible.