What's New

In March, Washington became the first state to approve a complete ban on PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers. There are three types of the highly toxic and widely dispersed PBDEs. California has banned two, but Washington is the first to ban all “deca,” the third. The Senate passed the ban by a vote of 41-8. The House passed it last month in a 71-24 vote. Gov. Gregoire has promised to sign the bill. 

Brief Summary

The buildup of toxic chemicals in the Sound is depleting populations of marine species, including Orcas, salmon, harbor seals and shorebirds.

Numerous studies show that toxic flame retardants affect child brain development and have been found in the milk of every American mother tested.

Environment Washington is working to help the Sound by banning toxic chemicals used by electronics and furniture industries, and long ago banned the use in the manufacturing of children's clothing.

Toxic flame retardants have been banned in Europe, and many companies such as Dell and Apple have switched to safer alternatives. But some furniture and mattress manufacturers are actually increasing their use.

WashPIRG is working with the governor to phase out the use of these chemicals in products sold in Washington as a key part of her plan to clean up Puget Sound.