1. Region 2 Science Day Workshop
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers: Speculating on Possible Future Directions and Information Needs
Region 2 Science Day Workshop
October 25, 2005
Daniel Axelrad
U.S. EPA
Office of Policy, Economics and Innovation

2. Future Steps in EPA’s Programs
The following observations are speculative
Actual steps that might be considered in EPA programs will depend on the evolving scientific picture

3. PentaBDE and OctaBDE – commercial mixtures
U.S. pentaBDE/octaBDE production phased out
SNUR will require review by EPA before manufacture/import can resume
Status of articles under SNUR
Under VCCEP, EPA is requesting toxicity testing for pentaBDE and octaBDE (2-gen repro)
Are there further steps to be taken regarding penta and octa as commercial products?
Focus shifts to management of products containing penta/octa and assessing exposure/risk potential of congeners and environmental mixtures

4. Commercial decaBDE Is there a risk concern for the decaBDE product?
Hazards of and exposure to decaBDE itself
Debromination and other environmental fate issues
If yes…substantial risk management analysis would be needed before actions concerning manufacture/import or use of decaBDE
Fire safety issues – suitability of alternative FRs or alternate materials is the critical issue
Possiblity of voluntary withdrawal?
More manufacturers/importers than penta/octa
Regulation? TSCA “unreasonable risk” criterion
Role of state regulation/legislation
Some analyses suggesting alternatives are available
Alternatives – probably can learn a great deal from Europe – industries must have been preparing for RoHs/WEEE and possibility that there would be no decaBDE exemption
Many state legislatures have been considering decaBDE; they could ultimately drive this

5. Managing exposures to PBDEs
If risk assessments warrant further activities, the focus may be on steps to reduce exposure to PBDEs already in products or in the environment
What steps? It depends:
How are we exposed?
Relative importance of dust vs. food
How PBDEs get into dust, food, wildlife
What steps would reduce exposure?
Releases from manufacturing/processing?
Managing products at the end-of-life?
Addressing presence of sources in the home?
Fish advisories?