WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. Firefighters Want Ban on Fire Retardant
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Montpelier, Vermont - April 24, 2009
Four major Vermont firefighter organizations are trying to push passage of a ban on what they call a dangerous fire retardant.
The Professional Firefighters of Vermont gathered at the State House and denounced an industry group that's been lobbying against the bill. The legislation would prevent the sale of a fire retardant known as PBDEs. Firefighters claim the toxic chemicals found in furniture and appliances can cause cancer.
Matt Vinci, president of the Professional Firefighters, said, "It's a unique situation for the fire service to be in, that we would support a ban on a flame retardant. But the products of this flame retardant have been known to be harmful to firefighters and the general public."
The chemical manufacturers say their are no studies proving the retardant causes health problems. And a study conducted for the National League of cities concluded that there is no evidence that firefighters have a higher rate of cancer than the general public.
Andy Potter - WCAX News
