About the Flame Retardant Alternatives to DecaBDE Partnership

This assessment evaluates potential hazards associated with 29 flame retardants that are likely to be functional alternatives to decaBDE. Note that a chemical listed in the report as an alternative does not constitute EPA's endorsement of it. All of the alternatives are associated with some trade-offs; this report does not identify any functional chemicals with low concern for all human health and environmental hazard endpoints.

Announcements

On January 29, 2014, through its Design for the Environment (DfE) program, EPA released a final alternatives assessment for the flame retardant, decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE).

A draft of this assessment was open for public review and comment during the period from July 30, 2012 to September 30, 2012.

Why did DfE conduct an alternatives assessment?

Under its Existing Chemical Management Program, EPA issued an action plan for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), calling for DfE to convene a multi-stakeholder alternatives assessment for decaBDE to help decisionmakers choose safer alternatives to decaBDE. Participation of all interest groups was aimed at ensuring that the full range of views was considered from the start of the project and that they were incorporated appropriately into the project objective and methodology. Read more about DfE's Alternatives Assessments.

Background on Decabromodiphenyl Ether (DecaBDE)

EPA is concerned that certain polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to both humans and the environment. This concern extends to decaBDE, which breaks down into other PBDE congeners. Various PBDEs have been studied for ecotoxicity in mammals, birds, fish, and invertebrates. In some cases, current levels of PBDE exposure for wildlife may be at or near adverse effect levels. Human exposure to decaBDE can occur through occupations that manufacture flame retardants or products that contain flame retardants, as well as in recycling operations. Consumer exposure to decaBDE is possible because decaBDE can be released from products in the home and become a component in household dust.

In December 2009, the largest commercial producers and suppliers of decaBDE in the United States agreed to phase out use of the chemical by the end of 2013.

Milestones

All publications from this partnership are available online.

Partnership Participants