The Bromine Science and Environmental Forum today issued a statement that undercut an earlier missive from a European political group of the status of the chemical known as Deca-BDE.

According to the BSEF, a statement European Green made earlier this week regarding a nonbinding interpretation by the European Commission's DG Environment on Deca-BDE's exemption from the RoHS Directive "is incorrect and ignores the fact that the interpretation is under review. "


"The DG Environment's interpretation, which contradicts the findings of a 10-year EU scientific assessment, suggests that the commercial Deca-BDE may not be RoHS compliant as it contains minor amounts of Nona-BDE.," BSEF wrote.

Deca-BDE is chemical used for its flame retardancy.

Said BSEF: "This interpretation is currently under review within the Commission and clarification is expected shortly. The record is clear that the Commission's Decision to exempt Deca-BDE was based on a 10-year EU scientific assessment of the commercial Deca-BDE, including its minor amounts of Nona-BDE. That scientific assessment identified no risk for human health or the environment. BSEF expects the science to prevail and urges stakeholders to await the Commission's imminent review."

The BSEF is the international organization of the bromine chemical industry.

• Prev
• Next