Section 108920 Of Chapter 10. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers From California Health And Safety Code >> Division 104. >> Part 3. >> Chapter 10.
108920
. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a) Chemicals known as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are
widely used in California. To meet stringent fire standards,
manufacturers add BFRs to a multitude of products, including plastic
housing of electronics and computers, circuit boards, and the foam
and textiles used in furniture.
(b) Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), which is a subcategory
of BFRs, has increased fortyfold in human breast milk since the
1970s. Women in California carry more PBDEs in their bodies than
anyone else studied in the world.
(c) PBDE has the potential to disrupt thyroid hormone balance and
contribute to a variety of developmental deficits, including low
intelligence and learning disabilities. PBDE may also have the
potential to cause cancer.
(d) Substantial efforts to eliminate BFRs from products have been
made throughout the world, including private and public sectors.
These efforts have made available numerous alternatives safe to human
health while meeting stringent fire standards. To meet market
demand, it is in the interest of California manufacturers to
eliminate the use of BFRs.
(e) In order to protect the public health and the environment, the
Legislature believes it is necessary for the state to develop a
precautionary approach regarding the production, use, storage, and
disposal of products containing brominated fire retardants.