§ 23-13.4-1 - Legislative findings. - Rhode Island Statutes

SECTION 23-13.4-1

   § 23-13.4-1  Legislative findings. –The legislature finds and declares all of the following:

   (1) Chemicals known as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) arewidely used in Rhode Island. To meet stringent fire standards, manufacturersadd BFRs to a multitude of products, including plastic housing of electronicsand computers, circuit boards, and the foam and textiles used in furniture.

   (2) Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE), which is asubcategory of BFRs, has increased fortyfold in human breast milk since the1970s.

   (3) PBDE has the potential to disrupt thyroid hormone balanceand contribute to a variety of developmental deficits, including lowintelligence and learning disabilities. PBDE may also have the potential tocause cancer.

   (4) Substantial efforts to eliminate BFRs from products havebeen made throughout the world, including private and public sectors. Theseefforts have made available numerous alternatives safe to human health whilemeeting stringent fire standards. To meet market demand, it is in the interestof Rhode Island manufacturers to eliminate the use of BFRs.

   (5) In order to protect the public health and theenvironment, the legislature believes it is necessary for the state to developa precautionary approach regarding the production, use, storage, and disposalof products containing brominated fire retardants.