| It would appear that the fire fighting properties of of
the halogen group (periodict able) are once again going to come under
serious microscope for environmental reasons.
Yesterday the Canadian Environmental Law Association and Environmental
Defence Canada called on Environment Minister to take immediate regulatory
action to ban Brominated flame retardants -- toxic substances that are
found in everyday consumer and household products. Brominated flame
retardants, although originally intended to enhance safety by increasing
the resistance of products to fire, actually emit a dioxin-like emission
when burned, according to a study by Environment Canada. European countries
and several U.S. states such as California and Maine have already banned
these substances.
The Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) and Environmental
Defence Canada (EDC) made the recommendation to ban and phase-out the
substances at a meeting of international scientific experts on polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that wrapped up on June 9, 2004 in Toronto.
According to the executive director of CELA, Canada's report on PBDEs
is long overdue, and the findings of this assessment provide clear evidence
that it is necessary for Canada to take regulatory action aimed at removing
PBDEs from consumer products immediately. He added that the government
should not wait to see the impact on us and wildlife.
Flame retardants are used in common products such as clothes, office
and residential furniture, automotive upholstery and parts, sound insulation,
pipes and fittings, computers, televisions, and other electronic equipment.
In a scientific assessment report released by Environment Canada and
Health Canada for public comment last month, PBDEs were found to be
toxic under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act. |
