An Act relative to public safety
By Mr. Costello of Newburyport, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 586) of Michael A. Costello and others for legislation to include decabrominated diphenyl ether as a banned hazardous substance. Public Health.
Bill Information
Bill Information
- Presenter:
- Michael A. Costello
Emergency Preamble
Whereas, The deferred operation of this act would tend to defeat its purpose, which is to Whereas, decabrominated diphenyl ether is a flame retardant used in plastic shipping pallets; Whereas, when plastic shipping pallets containing decabrominated diphenyl ether burn they emit hydrogen bromide and other toxic gases; Whereas hydrogen bromide is a highly toxic, corrosive gas that penetrates the protective breathing apparatus used by firefighters; Whereas, studies have indicated the presence of these toxic materials during post-fire operations can be absorbed into the body through inhalation and/or the skin; Whereas firefighters across the United States have lobbied to prohibit the use of decabrominated diphenyl ether in plastic shipping pallets in favor of less toxic flame retardant alternatives; Whereas, the presence of decabrominated diphenyl ether in plastic shipping pallets pose a significant public safety threat to firefighters and the citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, therefore it is hereby necessary to prohibit the use of decabrominated diphenyl ether in plastic shipping pallets., therefore it is hereby declared to be an emergency law, necessary for the immediate preservation of the public safety.
Bill History
| Date | Branch | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1/24/2011 | House | Referred to the committee on Public Health |
| 1/24/2011 | Senate | Senate concurred |
| 9/6/2011 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 09/13/2011 from 10:00 AM-01:00 PM in A-1 |
| 10/18/2012 | House | Accompanied a study order, see H4476 |
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. The General Court provides this information as a public service and while we endeavor to keep the data accurate and current to the best of our ability, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained on the website for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.