ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY FLAME RETARDANTS

Early day motion 2055, tabled 16 July 2008 by David Taylor (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House welcomes the recent European Court of Justice ruling to overturn the exemption granted to the flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethers (Deca-BDE) under the Directive on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment; notes with concern the research into Deca-BDE, which has found that it can bio-accumulate in the bodies of animals and degrade into toxic and carcinogenic forms in the environment; further notes the Swedish Chemicals Agency report in November 2004, which found that there were indications that the brominated flame retardant Deca-BDE could interfere with the development of the brain and has been found in human breast milk; consequently calls on the Government to ensure that the ban on Deca-BDE is extended to cover not only electronics, but also medical devices and textiles when this legislation is reviewed towards the end of 2008; and further calls on the Government as the environmental rapporteur to make a commitment to encourage the use of halogen-free flame retardants in the United Kingdom.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 4, Conservative 1, Independent 1.