Report Recommends Eliminating PBDEs from Cars.

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Author: Sissell, Kara

The Ecology Center (Ann Arbor, MI) says a random tests of automobiles sold from 2000 through 2005 show that cars have levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) that are five times higher than the average levels found in U.S. homes. The study, "Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars and the Need for Safe Alternatives," also recommends that auto manufacturers commit to using safer alternatives to PBDEs, including deca-BDE, which is still manufactured in the U.S. Companies voluntarily discontinued use of octa-BDE and penta-BDE several years ago.

The industry group Bromine Science and Environmental Forum (BSEF; Washington) says the report's recommendations would compromise fire safety. "If automobile manufacturers follow the guidance in the report, it could result in lowering fire safety for the public, as well as promoting the use of unidentified 'alternative' substances about which very little may be known," BSEF says. BSEF says the report is "ignoring the science" on flame retardant safety.

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By Kara Sissell