Washington State Passes PBDE, Presumptive Cancer Legislation

April 19, 2007 -- The Washington State Council of Fire Fighters (WSCFF) is celebrating two important legislative victories for its members. On April 18, the Washington state legislature passed an expanded presumptive cancer bill, which Governor Chris Gregoire is expected to sign. In addition, on April 17, the governor signed legislation banning polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), fireproofing chemicals used in televisions, computers and upholstered furniture, making Washington the first state in the nation to phase out use of PBDE.

WSCFF and the Washington State Fire Chiefs worked closely to pass both pieces of legislation.

“These are precedent-setting victories for our Washington state affiliate,” says IAFF General President Harold Schaitberger. “Because of our joint efforts, there are now attempts to enact similar PBDE and presumptive cancer legislation in other states.”

Kelly Fox, president of WSCFF, says, “Because of our political action efforts throughout the state, we were successful in increasing our cancer presumptive protection while at the same time decreasing toxic exposure to potentially deadly cancer-causing chemicals.”

Other states considering presumptive cancer legislation this year include Connecticut, Vermont, Michigan, Colorado, Florida, Oregon and Missouri.

HB 1024 prohibits manufacture, sale or distribution of most items containing PBDE as long as a safer alternative exists. The legislation calls for a ban on the manufacture and sale of mattresses containing PBDE effective January 1, 2008, and the manufacture and sale of televisions, computers and residential upholstered furniture containing PBDE by January 1, 2011, if a safer and technically feasible alternative is found.

In addition, the law creates a system for finding an alternative to PBDE.

“This has been a big issue for fire fighters,” says Keven Rojecki, legislative liaison for the WSCFF. “It’s pitted us against our own interests – trying to reduce fires and trying to protect ourselves.”

PBDEs, which can create potentially more toxic substances when they burn, have been around since the 1970s and are found in everything from the foam cushioning in sofas to televisions and computers. PBDEs are also found in homes and office dust. The problem is that flame retardants like PBDE particles travel and bioaccumulate over time, latching on to dust and other particles and eventually building up in people. Scientists have discovered PBDE dust in homes and in food, specifically in dairy and meat products. While studies are still being done to determine the health risks of PBDEs, preliminary evidence shows neurological defects in lab animals exposed to large amounts of deca-BDE, the most common form of PBDE.

Click here for the history and copies of the expanded presumptive cancer bill.

Click here to read the PBDE bill, HB 1024.