I am writing to express my support for a national solution to the EPA’s recent deca-BDE phaseout. Any individual state bill that would immediately ban fire safety protections without the development of alternatives is dangerous. As a director of burn centers for 37 years, I have seen the ravages of burns and the devastating effects of these injuries that inflict both the burn survivor and their families. Burns are some of the most physically and emotionally damaging, as well as some of the most monetarily costly injuries. The extensive medical procedures necessary to restore any vestige of normalcy to these patients is costly both to the families and the hospital.  These fire safety products, flame retardants, allow critical seconds for these most vulnerable citizens to escape a burning structure and reduce the chances of more severe burns. The relationship between time of exposure and extent of injury is well known. The greater the surface area burns, the higher the mortality. We are committed to saving lives and preventing burns any way possible.   Thus, we are deeply concerned about this reckless and unscientific attempt to weaken standards and put millions of people at risk to serious burn injuries and death.

While I know that this product has saved countless lives over many years, I will encourage and promote a new generation of safe and effective fire retardants. I believe that fire safety manufacturers will commit to their decision to safely phase out existing products, and I commend them for their proactive development of new technologies. A national solution considers the interest of all Americans rather than just those of individual states, and this is the only way to safely progress in national fire protection.

The EPA agreement sets forth a rational, effective transition to newer alternatives, while allowing critical services such as police, fire and airlines to continue to use existing fire safety products that are critically important to saving lives. Manufacturers have already announced the production of environmentally-friendly fire retardants which minimize the use of raw materials, energy, byproducts and waste. This progressive thinking is largely aresult of the efforts of Citizens for Fire Safety and their coalition ofsupporters across the nation.

As we make this transition, we must remain watchful of legislation that would preemptively ban existing products, leaving communities without adequate fire safety protection. I oppose any preemptive state bans, as I believe the timeline that has been worked out with the EPA is the most appropriate. Let’s trust the scientists of the federal environmental agencies and not act precipitously to put our families and children at risk of serious injury or death. An effective national solution to this critical issue is the only solution that is truly safe.

I want to thank you for your time and effort concerning this extremely important matter, and I hope that you will join me as we continue to hold our nation to the highest fire protection standard.

Roger E. Salisbury, MD

Emeritus Director of Burn Center

Westchester Medical Center

Past Vice President, American Burn Associaton