Flame retardants are widely used in a variety of products to prevent and slow the spread of fire. While fire retardancy is important, some flame retardants, known as polybrominated
diphenyl ethers or PBDEs, used in electronics and other products are leaving a lasting toxic legacy in the environment
and in human beings. The good news is safer alternatives
are available at a comparable cost. Minnesota should phase out the unnecessary use of these toxic chemicals.