Wal-Mart has banned a flame retardant found in a variety of consumer products. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of chemicals used as flame retardants since 1976, have been associated with liver, thyroid and reproductive-system problems. Researchers say PBDEs, labeled “chemicals of concern” by the EPA in 2010, can wind up in dust, air, food and ultimately human bodies. Wal-Mart said the company chose to ban PBDEs from some products several years ago, but recently notified its suppliers it would begin testing products for it June 1. Wal-Mart’s actions were inspired by the banning of PBDEs in several states. US manufacturers of PBDEs have stopped producing them or have agreed to do so by next year. Retailers are outlawing or phasing out more chemicals from products sold in their stores, including BPA and PVC, in spite of their use being approved by federal regulators and their safety being confirmed by the chemical industry.

Source: The Washington Post