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March 19, 2024 Clouds | 33°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill H.586 187th (2011 - 2012)

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

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

Displaying 4 actions for Bill H.586
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

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