Stop the DECA Manufacturers from Harming our Kids with More Toxic Flame Retardants

You may remember that in 2007, Maine acted to restrict the toxic brominated flame retardant DECA in consumer products used in the home. The Maine Legislature acted because studies had repeatedly shown that DECA was building up in our bodies and in wildlife and causing harm, AND because there were good, safer alternatives that provided the same level of fire safety without poisoning us.

Shortly after that important vote, Albemarle and Chemtura, the two manufacturers of DECA, found yet another way to market their toxic product – in plastic pallets used to ship everything from food to clothing to bottled water.

NOW, these two companies are very close to passing an amendment in the Maine Senate that would allow other toxic flame retardants to be used in place of DECA. They’re basically claiming that if they pull a bromine off one part of the DECA molecule and stick it somewhere else, it’s no longer DECA, and it’s “safe.”

We need you to put a stop to the DECA manufacturers’ shenanigans. Please call your Senator today! The Senate hotline number is: 1-800-423-6900; leave a message for your Senator stating your name, town, and asking them to pass L.D. 1568 without amendment.