DecaBDE (Decabromodiphenyl Ether)

DecaBDE (CAS 1163-19-5) is a brominated flame retardant restricted under TSCA Section 6(h). Used in textiles, plastics, adhesives, foam, wire/cable insulation, electronics, and building materials. The January 2021 rule prohibited most uses; the October 2024 revision added PPE requirements, water release prohibition, and extended the nuclear wire/cable deadline.

40 CFR § 751.405; EPA Final Rules (January 2021, November 2024).

Key provisions: prohibition on most manufacturing/processing/distribution; recycling exclusion for pre-existing plastics (with PPE); PPE and regulated area requirements (January 2025); water release prohibition; extended nuclear wire/cable deadline. Companies must screen BOMs for DecaBDE and document compliance.

A wire manufacturer supplies DecaBDE insulation to nuclear facilities under the extended deadline. Workers must wear PPE and the facility must prohibit water release. For non-nuclear uses, DecaBDE wire insulation is already prohibited.