California to ban two flame retardants.

The State of California passed a law in August that will ban two of the three polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants that are used in plastics and foams. The European Union imposed a similar ban this year, to take effect next August. These actions were prompted by Swedish research that indicates accumulation of these chemicals in breast milk. Certain PBDEs are suspected of contributing to developmental disorders in children.

California's ban on pentabromo diphenyl ether ("penta") and octabromo diphenyl ether ("octa") takes effect in 2008. Commercial alternatives to both products are available. The ban does not extend to decabrome diphenyl ether ("decabrom"), the most widely used brominated FR.

Great Lakes Chemical Corp., Indianapolis, the only U.S. producer of penta and one of a small number of octa makers, announced last month that it will cease production of both by the end of 2004. Phasing out penta will have more commercial significance than doing the same for octa. In North America, penta has been a popular additive for flexible polyurethane foam in high-end furniture and bedding. It does not scorch, is non-staining, and is well suited to low-density foams where low compression set is desired. The main conventional alternatives are chlorinated phosphate esters. While they can match the performance of the pentabromo FR, they are suspected carcinogens.

Another substitute for penta in PUR foams is a low-viscosity liquid bromine-phosphorus compound from Great Lakes called Firemaster 550. It was introduced in 2001 and has been under review by the U.S. EPA. Last month, EPA completed its preliminary accessment and found that Firemaster 550 is not persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic to aquatic organisms. Some foam producers have already made limited conversion from "penta" to Firemaster 550. It is said to be non-discoloring and effective in CO2-blown high-resilience foams for car seats, mattresses, and furniture. When fully commercial, it will cost about 10% more than penta.

The ban on octa is less troublesome because its use has been shrinking. It was used in ABS and ASA electronic housings that have largely converted to PC/ABS. The latter can be made flame retardant with non-halogen, phosphorus-based additives and with Great Lakes' halogenated FS680 (bistribremo phenoxy ethane), which is said to be nontoxic.

Meanwhile, decabrom, which has widespread use in HIPS TV housings, poly-olefin pipe, wire/cable, and textiles, is undergoing a risk assessment by the EU. A final report may be issued this year or early in 2004. Long-term studies under way for several years leave industry officials optimistic that this FR will not be judged a problem. Great Lakes: [phone], www.glcc.com