EU Bans DecaBDE Flame Retardant

In 2003, the European Union exempted the flame retardant deca polybrominated diphenyl ether (decaBDE), used in building materials as well as electronics and furnishings, from the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, which restricts the use of brominated flame retardants (see

EBN

Vol. 13, No. 8).

That exemption has now been overturned by the European Court of Justice. To comply with the European ban and to address growing concerns about the chemical, a number of large electronics manufacturers have discontinued or plan to discontinue its use worldwide. In the U.S., numerous states have passed or are considering a ban.