The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule under the Toxic Substances Control Act to address health and environmental risks posed by decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemical. The rule prohibits the manufacture, processing, and distribution of decaBDE and products containing decaBDE, with some exceptions, aiming to significantly reduce exposure to the chemical. To comply, recordkeeping is required for those involved with decaBDE, except in cases involving recycling, where no new decaBDE is added. The restrictions will help to protect human health and the environment by decreasing the presence and exposure risks associated with decaBDE.
Simple Explanation
The EPA made a rule to stop businesses from making and selling a chemical called decaBDE because it's bad for people and the planet, but they made some exceptions for recycling.