Widely Used Flame Retardant Has Few Unreasonable Risks, EPA Says

A common flame retardant used for commercial, industrial, and consumer purposes presents few unreasonable risks, the EPA said in a draft evaluation released Friday.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued its draft analysis of 4,4'-(1-methylethylidene)bis[2, 6-dibromophenol], or TBBPA, which companies including Albemarle Corp., Huntsman International LLC, and ICL Specialty Products North America, Inc. have produced or imported in volumes of 10 million to 50 million pounds in recent years.

Companies use TBBPA to make batteries, plastics, resins, electrical and electronic products, textile and leather goods, and building and construction materials for commercial and consumer uses, the EPA said.

Despite ...