Illinois § 5

§ 5.

Legislative findings. (a) Chemicals known as brominated flame retardants (BFR's) are widely used in the United States. To meet stringent fire standards, manufacturers add BFR's to a multitude of products, including plastic housing of electronics and computers, circuit boards, and the foam and textiles used in furniture. (b) Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), which is a subcategory of BFR's, has increased forty-fold in human breast milk since the 1970s. (c) PBDE has the potential to disrupt thyroid hormone balance and contribute to a variety of developmental deficits, including low intelligence and learning disabilities. PBDE may also have the potential to cause cancer. (d) Substantial efforts to eliminate BFR's from products have been made throughout the world, including private and public sectors. These efforts have made available numerous alternatives safe to human health while meeting stringent fire standards. To meet market demand, it is in the interest of State manufacturers to eliminate the use of BFR's. (e) In order to protect the public health and the environment, the General Assembly believes it is necessary for the State to develop a precautionary approach regarding the production, use, storage, and disposal of products containing brominated fire retardants. (Source: P.A. 94-100, eff. 7-1-05.)