| Abstract: | The products of the flame retardant industry are very important to the fire safety of the consumer. As with any product, there are issues that must be addressed by the producers and users to ensure the continued safe use of the materials. While most flame retardants are quite nonreactive and of low toxicity, the presence of them in the environment could threaten their future use. The producers and users alike should have the goal of keeping them out of the air, water and land. To this end, an aggressive product stewardship program is in order. This paper will review the steps needed to have a meaningful program. This activity should include evaluating the amount of material entering the air, water and land, deciding how to reduce that amount, putting in place practices to reduce the level and reporting to our stakeholders. By working together as producers and users, we can ensure that flame retardants will continue to save lives and have a long commercial future. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
