Taking Action to Eliminate Toxic Flame Retardants
Washington State Leads Nation:
Places Children’s Health First and Votes to Eliminate PBDEs
WPSR celebrates a victory for children’s health with Washington State’s passage of the bill to eliminate all forms of the toxic flame retardants, PBDEs. Governor Gregoire signed the bill into law on April 17, following its passage in the House and a landslide vote of 41-8 in the Senate. Your voices were crucial in delivering the health message to our legislators, and in gaining this historic advance for children’s health.
With this bill, ESHB 1024, Washington leads the nation in phasing out deca. Deca is the most heavily used form of PBDEs that the bromine industry has fought to retain in the face of concerns and opposition by health and environmental organizations. Bill sponsors Rep. Ross Hunter in the House, Senator Debbie Regala in the Senate, supportive legislators and the Governor, faced intense industry pressure to oppose the bill, but instead took action to phase out this hazardous chemical and protect public health.
Children are the most vulnerable population to these exposures, which are associated with learning, memory and behavioral problems, as well as cancers and reproductive disorders. " We have science indicating harm and safer alternatives are available,” said Richard Grady, MD, E&HH Co-Chair, “It is up to us to prevent further harm and protect future generations by banning all forms of PBDEs, including deca."
WPSR extends an immense thanks to members for all your wonderful work and vital support that helped make this coalition endeavor a success. WPSR also thanks health associations joining in this effort, including the Washington Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Washington State Medical Association, the Washington State Public Health Association, the Washington Academy of Family Physicians, and the Washington State Nurses Association.
This Toxic-Free Legacy coalition effort was led by the Washington Toxics Coalition, to which WPSR extends thanks and congratulations for their amazing work and dedication. See www.toxicfreelegacy.org for more information on this PBDE effort.
The E&HH committee plans to build on this success with further avenues for addressing safer chemicals policies and protecting children’s health and futures.
Read the press release: