Washington Proposes PBDE Ban to Start in 2007.

Ozone Depletion Today, April, 2005

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer recently reported that Washington legislators have proposed new legislation that would ban the sale of products containing polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants beginning in July 2007.

According to the newspaper, the transportation industry is exempt from the ban under the current version of the bill, with other businesses able to apply for "limited exemptions." The paper said the legislation allows the state Ecology Department to delay the ban if flame retardant alternatives are not available.

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer noted that state representatives have said they believe a vote on the proposed legislation will likely be postponed until next year.

(SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER: 4/14)