The British Plastics Federation has called for more thorough testing

The British Plastics Federation has called for more thorough testing

A lack of information on the chemicals used in flame-retardants could lead to EU restrictions. Speakers at Flame Retardants 2004, organised by the British Plastics Federation, called for more thorough testing to assess health and environmental effects of the chemicals.

Gary Stevens of the University of Surrey said the lack of information could damage the industry. “In the absence of flame-retardant data, worst-case scenarios will be made,” he said. Veronique Steukers of Albermarle said testing was made difficult because the chemicals were difficult to group together. She said the European Union could expect restrictions on some chemicals following risk assessments. Brominated flame-retardant TBBA would be classed as dangerous to the environment, although tests found no risks had been identified to human health.

Studies on HBCD, used in the EPS industry, were still ongoing, although some risk reduction measures were expected when studies finished in December. Steukers warned that risk assessments needed to be scientifically based. “If risk reduction measures are required, we need to ensure they are proportional to fire protection requirements and the properties of flame-retardants.”