Ban lifted on Deca-BDE flame retardants.STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN -- With legal action pending by the EU, the Swedish government lifted its national ban of the flame retardant Flame retardants are materials that inhibit or resist the spread of fire. Naturally occurring substances such as asbestos as well as synthetic materials, usually halocarbons such as polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorendic acid Deca-BDE used in textiles, furniture and some electronic cables. The Swedish government said that the ban was inconsistent with the latest findings of a 10-year EU risk assessment of Deca-BDE. The 10-year risk assessment failed to identify any significant risks to justify restrictions on the flame retardant. The limited ban that went into effect in late 2006 reportedly had no scientific basis, and was therefore subject to a legal challenge by EU authorities. "The EU has established that Deca-BDE is safe for continued use in all its applications, so there is no scientific basis whatsoever for any national or EU-wide restriction on Deca-BDE" said Veronique Steukers, chair of the European Brominated Flame Retardant Brominated flame retardants are produced synthetically in 70 variants with very varying chemical properties. There are several groups:
A security that is no longer included on a specified market. Sometimes referred to as "delisted". Notes: Reasons for delisting include violating regulations, failing to meet financial specifications set out by the stock exchange and going bankrupt. from the RoHS Directive. We are working with the European Commission European Commission, branch of the governing body of the European Union (EU) invested with executive and some legislative powers. Located in Brussels, Belgium, it was founded in 1967 when the three treaty organizations comprising what was then the European Community to ensure that this restriction is lifted." The Swedish Government's press release can be found at: http://www.regeringen.se/ sb/d/10626/a/104665. |
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