WHAT ARE PBDES? Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are flame retardants that are used in plastics, foams, fabrics and other materials to slow ignition and spread of fire. The three major types are penta, deca and octa. Penta and octa are no longer produced in this country because U.S. manufacturers voluntarily stopped production in 2004, leaving deca as the most commonly used form.

WHAT IS DECA USED IN? Plastics for TV cabinets, consumer electronics, wire insulation, back coatings for draperies and upholstery

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM? Many argue that deca is toxic, and is accumulating in the state’s waterways, and people’s bodies, and has been detected in women’s breast milk, salmon, and orcas. Several other states have introduced measures addressing deca. The Environmental Protection Agency EPA is not currently working on a national phase out of deca, but spokeswoman Suzanne Ackerman said the agency is “very concerned about deca, and is both conducting research and looking at possible actions to take.”

DOES EVERYONE AGREE? No. Environmentalists and the state agencies clearly are concerned about the long-term effects of deca. But the chemical industry fought hard against the measure that became law. The Bromine Science and Environmental Forum, an international industry group, says that deca is the most-studied and safest chemical out there, and that there is no safer alternative to be found.

HOW WILL THE PHASING OUT IN WASHINGTON WORK? Mattresses with deca would be banned after Jan. 1, 2008, since deca alternatives already exist for mattresses. The chemical would be prohibited in residential upholstered furniture and in televisions or computers with electronic enclosures after Jan. 1, 2011, assuming a safer alternative has been found. In order for the 2011 date to take effect, a newly created six-member fire safety committee must sign off on an alternative.

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