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A WWF-UK biomonitoring study finds Deca-BDE in only 7%
of the total samples which demonstrates that Deca-BDE is not found widespread
in humans, as claimed by WWF-UK, and confirms limited exposure from Deca-BDE.
Following eight years of an EU Risk Assessment of Deca-BDE, several studies
have been evaluated which found similar concentration levels and concluded
there is no risk from these levels for human health. After 8 years of
independent scientific study under the EU risk assessment, Deca-BDE is
the flame retardant chemical with the most data supporting its use and
is actually compatible with the requirements under the newly proposed
EU chemicals policy - REACH.
Below is the response to typical questions on such studies:
Why is Deca-BDE used?
Deca-BDE is used in textiles so that upholstered furniture
can meet the UK and Irish fire safety standards. These standards have
resulted in over 3,000 lives being saved in 10 years according to UK government
calculations. Other European countries limit their fire safety requirements
to furniture in public places, such as cinemas, theatres, hospitals, trains
and buses.
Is Deca-BDE likely to pose a risk to human health?
Deca-BDE is the flame retardant chemical with the most
scientific data supporting its use following 8 years of scientific study
under an EU scientific assessment. The draft EU risk assessment conclusions
indicate that Deca-BDE poses an acceptably low risk for the environment
and human health. A recent survey of existing scientific studies by the
Institute of Occupational Medicine found that consumer and worker exposure
is "extremely small" and "the risk of adverse health effects
arising from these exposures is negligible".
What should be done?
The industry welcomes monitoring reports that provide
additional data in order to enable a scientific assessment of levels of
risk for the environment and human health. The industry has itself initiated
extensive environmental monitoring reports from leading independent scientists
and is committed to follow up with further monitoring. On this basis,
emission reductions have already been achieved by industry. We commit
to achieve further environmental emission reductions of Deca-BDE and to
measure and publish emissions data from household furniture.
What are the implications of WWF-UK's findings?
Based on this evidence, a ban of Deca-BDE, as called for by WWF, would imply that any
chemical found in biota or the environment should be banned no matter the level found. This
would be the end of modern society as we know it. The public has a right to be informed as to
the chemical substances they encounter in their daily lives, whether this is when going into a
cinema or hospital or walking along a busy high street. The public also have a right to expect
high levels of fire safety. It is to be hoped that this WWF campaign will not discourage product
manufacturers from using flame retardants, hence increasing the real threat to public safety
(and the environment) from fire.
Source: European Brominated Flame Retardant
Industry Panel (EBFRIP)
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