Cascadia Scorecard News
October 2004, updated August 2005


The Pacific Northwest has the opportunity to become national leaders and protect our health by implementing programs targeting PBDEs and other persistent toxic chemicals for phase out. Here's what's happening in your region and how you can get involved. (Click here to go to Sightline's studies on toxics in northwesterners.)

Oregon: Oregon passed a 2005 bill, sponsored by the Oregon Environmental Council, to phase out two forms of PBDEs, penta and octa, that are used in many household items. The Legislature declined to ban the most widely used type, known as deca, but did include a provision to study the effects of deca-PBDE. Find out more.

Washington: In 2004, the state decided to develop a preliminary PBDE action plan for the state. In the 2005 legislative session, Washington Toxics Coalition--along with a coalition of other groups--proposed a complete ban on PBDEs. The legislature delayed action on the bill. Find out what you can do.

British Columbia and Canada: In 2004, Environment Canada and Health Canada released a draft scientific assessment report on PBDEs for public comment, and are determining what actions can be taken to minimize the impact of the chemicals. In the meantime, the Canadian Environmental Law Association recommends a PBDE ban using regulatory tools instead of waiting for voluntary actions. Canadian citizens can play a role by writing to the Ministers of Environment, Health, and Industry, and urging them to ban the chemicals and to promote alternatives to PBDEs to industry.

Montana: In 2005, Montana's legislature debated a resolution aimed at discouraging use of PBDEs and encouraging the manufacturers of PBDEs to invest in healthier alternatives. Although the legislation did not pass, Women's Voices for the Earth will continue to educate Montanans about health concerns associated with PBDEs.

More information:

Personal steps you can take to protect yourself