United Nations experts are adding a commonly used flame retardant to their watch list. The scientists are recommending a ban of the chemical that is commonly used in polystyrene. The experts are members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm Convention. The Convention bans or restricts hazardous pesticides or chemicals that can kill, damage the nervous and immune system, cause disease or interfere with childhood growth. The treaty was signed in 2001 and originally covered 12 chemicals known as Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs. The chemicals do not break down over time in the environment and can accumulate in soil, water, the food chain and even human tissue.

The committee is recommending the ban of three chemicals including the flame retardant known as HBCD. In addition to polystyrene, HBCD is also used in textile coatings, insulation and electrical equipment. Experts at the Green Science Policy Institute say because HBCD is not chemically bound to the material it protects, it can eventually escape into the air. The United States is not currently a member of the Stockholm Convention but the Environmental Protection Agency released an action plan on the HBCD in 2010 which says the chemical presents potential human health concerns based on animal test results.

The European Union announced last year HBCD is one of six substances of high concern that will be banned within the next three to five years unless manufacturers receive authorization to produce them. The EPA plans to publish a notice of rulemaking concerning the chemical by the end of this year. The action plan indicates it is considering rules that could take the form of a ban.