Why am I being warned about potential exposure to pentaBDE mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)]?
- PentaBDE mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)] is on the Proposition 65 list because it can cause cancer. Exposure to this mixture may increase the risk of cancer.
- Proposition 65 requires businesses to determine if they must provide a warning about significant exposure to listed chemicals.
What is this pentaBDE mixture?
- It is a flame retardant.
- In the past, it was added to certain consumer products, including:
- Products made with polyurethane foam, such as some couches, mattresses, carpet padding, and other upholstered items.
- Plastics in many electronic and electrical devices, including personal computers and household appliances.
- In 2006, California banned the manufacture, processing, or sale of products with more than 0.1% of pentaBDE.
How does exposure to pentaBDE mixture occur?
- PentaBDE mixture can be gradually released from older items made with polyurethane foam and plastics, into indoor environments such as houses, schools, day care centers, and offices.
- Once it is released from products, it can be present on floors, furniture and other surfaces, and in air and dust.
- It can be released into air, soil, and water from waste disposal sites that handle treated items such as foam mattresses, upholstered furniture, or plastics from electrical and electronic products.
- It may be present in and around industrial sites where it was produced or used in the past.
- It can remain in the body for years. If a woman is exposed to this chemical and later becomes pregnant, her baby can be exposed to PentaBDE during pregnancy.
Main ways you can be exposed to pentaBDE mixture:
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How can I reduce my exposure to pentaBDE mixture?
- Replace upholstered furniture products that are torn or have crumbling foam.
- Safely dispose of electrical and electronic items, especially older ones that may contain pentaBDE mixture.
- Do not disassemble or burn them.
- E-waste products must be taken to a designated handler or recycler.
- Find out if your city or county has a program to pick up or accept items for recycling.
- Minimize your exposure to dust, which can contain this pentaBDE mixture.
- Wash your hands and your child’s hands frequently, especially before preparing food, and before eating.
- Clean floors regularly, using a wet mop or a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, if possible.
- Wipe up dust regularly, using a damp cloth.
For more information:
General Fact Sheets and Resources
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
CalRecycle
Scientific Information on PentaBDE mixture [DE-71 (technical grade)]
- US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
National Toxicology Program (NTP)
Proposition 65
- California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA)
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)- Proposition 65: Background
- Proposition 65: The List of Chemicals
- Proposition 65: Fact Sheets
