Brominated Flame Retardants

This seminar covered emerging information about the use, release and hazards of brominated flame retardants and considered alternative chemistries for retarding or reducing the hazards of fire. These chemicals are widely used to delay combustion in polymeric products ranging from furniture foam to computer casings and residential wiring. Most recently, these chemicals have been banned in several European countries and California and Maine have enacted legislation to phase out the most common compounds. The seminar examined the environmental and health issues associated with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other Brominated flame retardants. This workshop was intended for government officials working to protect public health and the environment in Massachusetts.

The presentation examined recent international, national and state efforts to press forward research and regulate exposures. By considering this one particularly well recognized new chemical hazard, the seminar concluded on how government agencies can better address the emerging information on the hazards of new and existing chemicals.

State Responses to BFRs Towards an Integrated Chemicals Policy
Ken Geiser, Ph.D, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Brominated Flame Retardants: Uses and Alternatives
Liz Harriman, Deputy Director, Toxics Use Reduction Institute

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