Restricted Flame Retardants: Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) Services

Decabromodiphenyl ether (also known as decaBDE, deca-BDE, DBDE, and deca) is a flame retardant used to protect many products and materials from the risk of fire, including electronic equipment, furniture cushions, upholstery textiles, carpet backings, mattresses, vehicles, aircrafts and building materials. Decabromodiphenyl ether has been found to pose serious risks to human health, wildlife, and the environment. It can be released during manufacturing, use or disposal of products wherein it is used. DecaBDE persists in the environment and can degrade into other toxic chemicals over time.

In December 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the ‘decaBDE Phase-Out Initiative’ to eliminate the production, importation and sale of decaBDE by 2013 while encouraging a shift to ‘greener’ alternatives. In addition, several states already passed legislation to ban decaBDE for certain uses and The European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS) has prohibited the use of DecaBDE in electronics and electrical equipment since July 2006.

Restricted Flame Retardants: Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) Services

Intertek, supported by an extensive global network of laboratories, offers services to help your business comply with the various regulations that restrict the use of decaBDE. Intertek provides legal, regulatory and strategic consulting, testing, and full implementation programs, enabling you to meet your business and compliance objectives, including:

• Responsibility assessment and consulting
• Scope and compliance requirements
• Product assessments
• Compliance strategies
• Supply chain solutions
• Chemicals Training & Auditing
• Polybrominated Chemical Analysis