The Washington Toxics Coalition, along with a broad coaltion of nurses, doctors, fire fighting organizations, environmentalists, and the departments of Health and Ecology, has been seeking passage of legislation to eliminate PBDEs in consumer products. The legislation was sponsored by Representative Ross Hunter in the House (ESHB 1024) and championed by Senator Debbie Regala in the Senate.

Current Status of the Bill:

Breaking News (04/03/07): Washington State Legislature Passes First-in-the-Nation Ban on Toxic Flame Retardants

Measure Passes Senate 41 to 8, Goes to Governor for Signature

The Washington State Legislature has passed the nation’s first ban on all forms of the toxic flame retardants known as PBDEs. The Senate passed ESHB1024, sponsored by Rep. Ross Hunter (D-Medina), by a 41 to 8 margin on April 3. Sen. Debbie Regala (D-Tacoma) sponsored the companion bill in the Senate. Gov. Gregoire signed the bill into law on April 17, 2007.

Read the full press release here.

Call and thank your legislators

Your legislators need to be thanked for passing this groundbreaking legislation to protect children's health and the environment from these toxic chemicals.  Learn more here...

Bill Passes the House 71-24

On Friday February 16th the PBDE bill (ESHB 1024) passed in the House of Representative by a huge margin of 71-24. There was significant bi-partisan support for the bill and all the amendments that would have weakened the bill failed.

For up-to-the-minute status reports on the bills go to:

House Bill - SHB 1024

What the Legislation Does

For information on what the legislation does and answers to frequently asked questions, see our PBDE Bill FAQ Fact Sheet and bill timeline.

Why Pass Legislation Now?

• Right now babies are exposed to PBDEs in the womb, crawling around in PBDE-contaminated dust, and eating toxic flame retardants with their first food. Studies of the levels of pollution in people reveal that children have even higher levels of flame retardants in their bodies than adults.
• Science on the dangers posed by PBDEs continues to build. Recent research has revealed levels of PBDEs are rapidly rising in people, Puget Sound wildlife, and Spokane River fish.
  
• Alternative flame retardants exist that acheive fire protection. Major electronic manufacturers, including Sony, Philips, Dell, and HP meet fire safety standards without using PBDEs. Numerous PBDE-free chemical and non-chemical alternatives exist that allow mattress and furniture manufacturers to meet stringent fire safety standards. Most recently, a State of Maine report found safer alternatives to PBDEs exist for all major applications. For a summary of what the report found, see our Summary.
  

Organizations Supporting the PBDE Bill

List of Organizations Supporting a Phaseout of PBDEs

Letters of Support:
Washington State Council of Fire Fighters

Letter from over 300 Washington state health professionals

Letter from Washington state tourism leaders

Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council

Washington State Public Health Association

International Association of Fire Fighters