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Two sides square off in Olympia over proposed PBDE ban

06:13 PM PDT on Tuesday, March 20, 2007

By GARY CHITTIM / KING 5 News

KING

Lobbyists showed video comparison of two televisions burning - one with, the other without the Decca form of PBDE fire retardant.

OLYMPIA - We have shown you study after study of how certain forms of the fire retardant Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are showing up in our state.

Local groups found it in the breast milk of women, in the tissue of human bodies and in the dust in our homes.

Health groups say the flame retardants can cause cancer, developmental issues and other health problems.

Tests show it is not only everywhere in our world, but its presence is increasing.

On Tuesday, industry lobbyists in Olympia wanted to show what our world would be like without it. They showed video comparison of two televisions burning - one with, the other without the Decca form of PBDE fire retardant.

"Decca has been with us for over 35 years and has probably and is probably one of the most studied chemicals ever. And I believe that in terms of fire safety, we really must be careful in finding that alternative," said former State Fire Marshal Tom Brace.

The industry says the evidence that Decca harms children just isn't there and until it is, it's unfair to ban it.

Health advocates for children say waiting for the evidence is not an option.

"Whether we actually have to march in damaged children into these hearing rooms before we are allowed action on limiting the amount of exposure in our environment to children of these substances," said Dr. Barry Lawson of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Last year it looked like the proposed ban would pass, but it failed in the end. Supporters are confident it will pass this year. It has passed the House and now goes on to the Senate.

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