July 7, 2005 -- State Moves To Reduce Toxic Flame Retardants

For Immediate Release:
June 7, 2005             

For more information:
Matt Blevins, OEC, (503) 819-9375
Angela Crowley-Koch, Physicians for Social Responsibility, (503) 274-2720
Rhett Lawrence, OSPIRG, (503) 231-4181 x313

 Salem - A broad coalition of health, environmental and children’s advocates commended the House for passage of SB 962, which bans two forms of toxic flame retardants (pentaBDE and octaBDE) and instructs the Oregon Health Department to evaluate a third form (decaBDE).  While the final bill falls short of the original intent of the legislation, and weakened the version that passed the Senate, its passage is a first step in raising the visibility toxics that impact children’s development.

“While we are disappointed that the House did not strengthen the legislation, it is  heartening that Oregon is taking this first step to reduce the threat of these toxic chemicals that are widespread and is showing up in women’s breast milk,” said Matt Blevins with the Oregon Environmental Council.

Certain chemical additives (PBDEs) have been used for years to reduce the flammability of everyday items, such as computer casings, carpet pads and foam cushions in chairs and couches. Unfortunately, these additives are rapidly building up in the food chain, wildlife and people here in Oregon.  A 2004 analysis of PBDEs in the breast milk of 10 Oregon women found levels twice as high as the average levels found in women from the Pacific Northwest as a whole, and 20 to 40 times higher than those found in Japanese and Swedish women. Recent studies also found surprisingly high levels of PBDEs in Oregon salmon, both farmed and wild. These chemicals are also showing up in other wildlife, including orcas in Puget Sound and seals from San Francisco Bay. Likely routes of exposure are via dust, food, air deposition, occupation and diet.

Health concerns from low level exposure to these toxins--particularly for developing infants--include impacts on brain development, critical hormone function, memory, learning, and behavior.

“There’s really no need to be using these chemicals anymore,” noted OSPIRG’s Rhett Lawrence. “Many companies are already using safer alternatives, with no reduction in fire safety.” There are three forms of PBDEs that are most commonly used in consumer products – pentaBDE, octaBDE and decaBDE. All three forms have been found in human breast milk and wildlife.

“Reducing exposure to these harmful chemicals now will save money in health care and special education costs later,” said Catherine Thomasson, MD, board president of Physicians for Social Responsibility.

SB 962 will move to the Governor for consideration soon.  The bill is supported by a broad coalition of organizations, including:

¨       Oregon Pediatric Society

¨       Oregon Academy of Family Physicians

¨       Oregon Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Association

¨       Oregon Nurses Association

¨       Nurse Practitioners of Oregon

¨       Medical Society of Metropolitan Portland

¨       Physicians for Social Responsibility, Oregon Chapter

¨       Oregon Environmental Council

¨       Oregon Learning Disabilities Association

¨       Oregon Council Trout Unlimited

¨       Oregon State Public Interest Research Group

¨       Oregon Center for Environmental Health

¨       Sierra Club, Oregon Chapter

¨       Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition

¨       The Oregon Family Action Coalition Team (FACT)

¨       Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon

¨       March of Dimes, Oregon Chapter

¨       Oregon Parent Teacher Association

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