Bans+of+PBDE'


 * PBDE Bans and Restrictions**

**c-pentaBDE and c-octaBDE** There have been many voluntary phase-outs of c-pentaBDE and c-octaBDE, with production halted in Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia and the US (UNEP, 2009). In the European Union, the use of these chemicals was banned by 2004, with Sweden being the first in the movement. These bans prevented the appearance of products containing c-pentaBDE and c-octaBDE on the market. In 2006, c-PentaBDE was restricted by the RoHS (Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and electronic equipment) in electrical equipment (Oppermann et al, 2010). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) required the manufacture or import of any mixture containing c-pentaBDE or c-octaBDE be reported to the EPA 90 days in advance, to give the EPA the chance to evaluate and potentially prohibit it (EPA, 2009). C-pentaBDE and c-octaBDE have been banned in select American states: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island, Oregan and Washington (EPA, 2009). Canada made regulations in 2008 which would prevent their manufacture. While Australia no longer manufactures PBDEs, their use is not regulated. In Japan, there have been many voluntary phase-outs, but no bans to date (EPA, 2009).

**c-decaBDE** The phase-out of c-decaBDE received much more controversy and is therefore observed to be a much slower process. However, in 2008, the European Union banned deca from electronics and electrical applications in manufacture, import and sales (EPA, 2009). Washington became the first state in the same year to have a ban that includes deca, by prohibiting its use in mattresses (Stiffler, 2008). Under the ban, commencing in 2011, the flame retardant’s use is restricted to computers, furniture and televisions. Maine soon followed in Washington’s footsteps later that year, with other states subsequently forming similar legislature. Furthermore, chief manufacturers of c-decaBDE plan on phasing out c-decaBDE beginning in 2010, and being executed by 2012 (EPA, 2009). An extension has been granted to certain uses such as for transportation and military purposes, and they are not expected to end sales until 2013 (EPA, 2009). In Canada, only the manufacture of decaBDE’s has been prohibited, with more regulatory controls under review as proposed by Environment Canada (Environment Canada, 2009).

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