15 March 1999

KemI proposes a prohibition of flame retardants

Flame retardants are used to protect against fire. Many are stable and long-lived and therefore they do not degrade but accumulate in the natural environment, in animals and plants.
Concentrations of brominated flame retardants in mother's milk have doubled since 1992.
It is time to prohibit the brominated flame retardants BDE and PBB, says the National Chemicals Inspectorate.

In 1998 the National Chemicals Inspectorate (KemI) was commissioned by the Government to investigate how best to phase out the brominated flame retardants PBDE and PBB.
On 15 March 1999, KemI submitted a proposal to prohibit the use of  PBDE och PBB.
PBDE is not manufactured in Sweden but is imported and used in cables of rubber, for instance. The largest amounts are contained in imported electronic components and included in, for example, computers, tv-sets and cars.
Before 1990, PBDE was also used in Swedish textiles. Today, it may occur in imported textiles and upholster furniture. Nor is PBB manufactured in Sweden, but may be included in imported products containing electronics.

Difficult to trace
A major problem about these flame retardants is the difficulty in coming to grips with where they are used. A questionnaire aimed at mapping where PBDE and PBB are used was sent out by KemI to 200 companies. Only every third company responded. Many did not know if their products contained flame retardants or not. Components capsuled in plastic treated with flame retardant are often manufactured in South East Asia.

Both PBDE and PBB are stable, long-lived substances. They are widely spread in the environment and   can be found in animals and human beings. Spreading may occur in manufacturing processes, when products are used and when waste is treated.

A prohibition is needed
As early as in 1990 the Government decided on a phase-out. Voluntary efforts from branch organisations and companies have been going on for several years and good results have been made. Having considered the effects, however, KemI has come to the conclusion that voluntary efforts only are not enough for the use to stop.

KemI therefore proposes that Sweden introduce a prohibition against marketing and use of PBDE and PBB and prohibit the marketing of goods containing these substances. Sweden should also work for a prohibition within the EU and make additional efforts to achieve a change on the international market.
PBDE = polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBB= polybrominated biphenyls

Report on a Governmental Commission
Phase-out of PBDEs and PBBs
in PDF-format

Further information:
Lars Gustafsson, +468/730 6793 eller
Inger Cederberg, +468/730 6794

National Chemicals Inspectorate,  Box 1384, SE -  171 27 SOLNA, Sweden 
kemi@kemi.se * +468-730 5700* fax +468-735 7698