"Toxic Flame Retardant Will Be Phased Out by 2014"

"CHICAGO -- The two U.S. producers of the toxic flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), Albemarle Corporation and Chemtura Corporation, and the largest U.S. importer of this chemical, ICL Industrial Products, Inc., today announced commitments to phase out the chemical in the United States.

DecaBDE is a flame retardant which has been used in electronics, wire and cable insulation, textiles, automobiles and airplanes, and other applications. Tests have found it to be accumulating in mothers' breast milk.

As a result of negotiations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the companies have committed to end production, importation, and sales of decaBDE for most uses in the United States by December 31, 2012, and to end all uses by the end of 2013."

Environment News Service had the story December 17, 2009.