The Danish government, a European Union (eu) member, will take the European Commission (ec) to court for annulling a ban on a brominated flame-retardant -- deca-bromodiphenyl ether (deca- bde) -- believed to cause birth defects and cancer.
Brominated flame-retardants are used to prevent fires in electronic devices such as televisions and computers. In 2001, the European Parliament had approved an ec proposal to ban penta- bde. But it also extended the ban to cover octa- bde and deca- bde, against ec's advice and opposition from the industries. The ban on deca- bde was to come into force from July 1, 2006, unless the chemical was proved benign.
In March 2005, the ec proposed that the ban imposed on deca- bde under the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directive of the eu be lifted. It cited an eu risk assessment report, which claimed there was no risk to human health from the flame-retardant.
But the Danish government has complained that though safer alternatives to deca-bde exist, ec has not bothered to consider them .
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.