"Push Is on To Speed Phaseout of Flame Retardant"

"Maryland advocates for a ban on a toxic flame retardant that accumulates in the environment and has been linked to cancer and brain development problems intend to pursue an earlier phaseout of the chemical than the timeline currently spelled out in a recent federal agreement.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last month that the three largest manufacturers and importers of decabromodiphenyl ether, also known as decaBDE, had negotiated a pact to phase out the chemical, used in upholstery, mattresses, electronics and more, by 2013.

Del. James W. Hubbard, a Prince George's County Democrat who has introduced bills banning decaBDE during the past two General Assembly sessions, said he plans to resubmit his bill, this time calling for phaseout within two years."

Liz F. Kay reports for the Baltimore Sun January 4, 2010.