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Ban on DecaBDE flame retardant in electronic and electrical equipment in effect on 1 July 2008
Electronic and electrical equipment that is marketed in Europe may no longer contain the flame retardant Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) after 1 July 2008. This regulation applies regardless of the origin of the product and all its components. The President of the Federal Environment Agency, Prof. Dr. Andreas Troge, said, ”This finally puts an end to the presence of the highly problematic substance DecaBDE in new electronic and electrical devices. The textile industry should also forego use of DecaBDE when fire-proofing drapes, blinds, and upholstery. There are more environmentally friendly alternatives available.” These include fibres with integrated phosphorous-based flame retardants or highly inflammable synthetics such as polyramides, or fibreglass. The flammability of textiles and furniture can be drastically reduced through use of different weaving techniques or denser upholstery foam. In such cases the use of a flame retardant would become unnecessary. read more
