Canada plans to expand its existing restrictions on the production of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to a complete ban on their use, sale, and import. Environment Canada is also considering banning the use of PDBEs in products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Canadian government's 2010 revised risk management strategy for flame retardants, including commercial blends, proposed revised restrictions on PBDEs containing 4 to 10 bromine atoms. This followed a 2008 ban on the production of PBDEs and a 2010 ban on the use, sale, and import of mixtures of pentabromodiphenyl ether and octabromodiphenyl ether. The revised risk management strategy was introduced after new research data became available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a 2010 report by Environment Canada on decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE), the report stated that PBDE does not meet the bioaccumulation assessment criteria in the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). However, its presence is highly likely to contribute to the formation of other bioaccumulative diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The revised risk management strategy for all PBDEs comprises several steps. The current public consultation covers the first step: extending regulations prohibiting the use, sale, and importation of all PBDEs. The second consultation will further prohibit the use of PBDEs in products. Other measures include a voluntary phase-out of decabromodiphenyl ether (which has already been completed), ongoing environmental monitoring, and the development of federal environmental quality guidelines for PBDEs.
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