The chemical industry’s game of whack-a-mole: Public health implications of chlorinated tris as a substitute chemical

 

Alaska Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE-AK)

The chemical industry’s game of whack-a-mole: Public health implications of chlorinated tris as a substitute chemical, recorded 8/14/13.

About the call:

The chemical industry’s game of whack-a-mole: Public health implications of chlorinated tris as a substitute chemical

As certain flame retardant chemicals are being phased out because of their links to serious health effects, new scientific evidence suggests that the chemicals used to replace them may not be any safer. One of the most common replacements for Penta-PBDE (phased out of use in the United States in 2004) is TDCPP, or Chlorinated Tris. The state of California recognized Chlorinated Tris as a probable carcinogen in 2011 and recent animal studies have suggested that Chlorinated Tris is neurotoxic, an endocrine disruptor, and a reproductive toxicant. So how is it that a chemical that was banned from baby pajamas decades ago due to health concerns is now widely used in children’s products and foam furniture and that its use is increasing despite emerging evidence suggesting harmful health effects?

Listed to the call recorded 8/14/13 with Duke University researcher Dr. Heather Stapleton to learn more about the rising use of Chlorinated Tris and to hear about new scientific research on its health effects. Laurie Valeriano, executive director of Washington Toxics Coalition and Pamela Miller, Executive Director of Alaska Community Action on Toxics will discuss how state legislatures can lead the way for safer chemicals.

This call is presented by ACAT’s Alaska Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE-AK).

Presenters:

Heather M. Stapleton PhD, Associate Professor of Environmental Chemistry, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University. Stapleton’s experience lies in the fate and transformation of organic contaminants in aquatic systems and indoor environments. Her research focuses on several types of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and brominated flame retardants, with a focus on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).

Dr. Stapleton’s Presentation (pdf)

Past CHE-AK call with Dr. Stapleton:

Laurie Valeriano, Executive Director, Washington Toxics Coalition. Laurie has worked for Washington Toxics Coalition since 1995 and has worked to pass strong environmental health policies at the state level for more than 15 years. During those years she has led successful campaigns to make Washington the first state in the nation to ban the toxic flame retardant, deca (PBDE), and adopt the strongest standards in the nation for toxic chemicals in toys and children’s products.

Pamela Miller, Executive Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics.

Resources:

Published articles by Dr. Stapleton in PubMed.

Published articles by Dr. Stapleton in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Visit the Chicago Tribune’s Watchdog Investigative Series Playing with Fire to learn more about toxic chemical flame retardants in our daily lives.

Public Interest Guide to Toxic Flame Retardant Chemicals” published by International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN)

ACAT factsheet on flame retardants: Changing TB 117 – The Law that Polluted the World

Recording:

The chemical industry’s game of whack-a-mole: Public health implications of chlorinated tris as a substitute chemical, recorded 8/14/13.

Take Action:

Ask Alaskan Senators to Protect our Health:  Fix the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976.

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