In 2007, landmark legislation, HB 1024 (PDF file, 30KB), was passed to phase out the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) including Deca (Chapter 70.76 RCW). PBDEs are flame retardants used in consumer products. PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms, and toxicological testing indicates these chemicals may cause liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity, and neurodevelopmental toxicity. Importantly, this bill defined an alternative assessment process for identifying safer, reasonable, and effective alternatives by the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Health, and fire safety officials.