Trump EPA is manipulating safety data around a highly toxic flame retardant, advocates allege
Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reviewing the safety of a chemical flame retardant called TBBPA that is used in many everyday products. Public health groups say the EPA’s new report downplays the risks of this toxic chemical, especially for children, by relying on industry data and unusual methods. The EPA currently suggests no restrictions are needed despite concerns about health effects like cancer and developmental harm.Key Facts
- TBBPA is a flame retardant used widely in electronics, children’s clothing, furniture, and other products.
- Independent studies and international agencies consider TBBPA likely to cause cancer and harm to children’s development.
- The EPA’s draft risk assessment says TBBPA does not pose an unreasonable risk at current exposure levels.
- Public health advocates accuse the EPA under President Trump of manipulating science to favor industry.
- TBBPA easily escapes from products and ends up in household dust, increasing exposure risks especially for crawling infants.
- The chemical is linked to hormone disruption, brain damage, immune problems, and reproductive harm.
- Production of TBBPA is large—over 552 million pounds were made in 2016—and it is found in about 70% of electronics globally.
- Environmental groups argue the EPA ignored many sources of exposure and current research showing the chemical is harmful.
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