PDBE flame retardants

[hindif]

This applies to all tv's, but since I am interested in plasmas, I thought I would post here. Does anyone know if manufacturers (specifically Vizio and Panasonic) are still applying these chemicals to their tv housings? There have been reports that PDBE's (polybrominated diphenyl ether) are carcinogenic and several versions of these chemicals have been banned by the European Union.

I bought the 50" Vizio from Costco and my wife won't let me unbox it until I get an answer! I am awaiting a response from Vizio...

[wojtek]

[QUOTE=hindif]This applies to all tv's, but since I am interested in plasmas, I thought I would post here. Does anyone know if manufacturers (specifically Vizio and Panasonic) are still applying these chemicals to their tv housings? There have been reports that PDBE's (polybrominated diphenyl ether) are carcinogenic and several versions of these chemicals have been banned by the European Union.

I bought the 50" Vizio from Costco and my wife won't let me unbox it until I get an answer! I am awaiting a response from Vizio...[/QUOTE]

While you're at it, you need to get rid of the following, too...

>>Deca (that's decabromo derivative - my addition) is made worldwide to the tune of 125 million pounds every year, as "...an additive to high-impact polystyrene plastics used in a wide variety of products: hair dryers, toasters, curling irons, coffeemakers, TVs, computer casings, printers, fax machines, smoke detectors, and light fixtures. It is used in very large amounts -- up to 15 percent of the plastic by weight. It is also added to backing in textiles for drapes, furniture, and rugs, and to some polyurethane foams."<<

[elwood58]

it's PBDE, and Great Lakes Chemical has stopped producing the Penta and Octa versions of this additive at the end of 2004. California banned both in 2003. The Deca version (80% of PBDE use) is still not regulated in any meaningful way.

Health effects have been seen in animal studies at higher exposure than the most highly exposed humans. Incineration of commercial waste seems to be a big factor in how these chemicals get released into the environment after production. Exposing furniture and other treated products to harsh environmental conditions also leads to release of the toxins.

The long and short of it is.

1. I do not know if Vizio uses the Deca-BDE in their products, but due to their sale in California, Penta and Octa should not be a concern.

2. You probably get more exposure from the cushions of your couch, or an airplane seat, than you will from the Case of a TV.

3. Some PBDEs occur naturally in the environment as well.

[Icon Smith]

[QUOTE=hindif]This applies to all tv's, but since I am interested in plasmas, I thought I would post here. Does anyone know if manufacturers (specifically Vizio and Panasonic) are still applying these chemicals to their tv housings? There have been reports that PDBE's (polybrominated diphenyl ether) are carcinogenic and several versions of these chemicals have been banned by the European Union.

I bought the 50" Vizio from Costco and my wife won't let me unbox it until I get an answer! I am awaiting a response from Vizio...[/QUOTE]

Just be sure to encase your plasma in an acrylic enclosure laboratory hood with 99.999% HEPA filtration and you should be ok.

Of course, this won't prevent getting run over by a garbage truck while crossing the street.

[wojtek]

[QUOTE=elwood58]

3. Some PBDEs occur naturally in the environment as well.[/QUOTE]

So are asbestos and radon.

Not really sure what your point here is.

[hindif]

thanks elwood58, that was very helpful!

[elwood58]

[QUOTE=wojtek]So are asbestos and radon.

Not really sure what your point here is.[/QUOTE]

I should have elaborated. You hit the nail on the head. The natural occurence in the environment tends to hinder visibility on the real impact. PBDE related toxins, for example, are found naturally in some sea sponges. My main point was to put it into some kind of perspective, ie probably more exposure from furniture and the environment than from a TV case.

I would worry more about how you dispose of the TV when done with it, than with the risk of Deca PBDE exposure from having it sit in your temperature controlled living room.