WASHINGTON -- Even as top chemical manufacturers are phasing out production of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants, the US EPA has slowed its drive to ban the toxic chemicals in response to intense lobbying from multiple fronts, including the Pentagon.

SHANGHAI – Scientists at the East China University here say printed circuit boards in landfills and electronic waste recycling sites are a “significant emission source” of brominated flame retardants (BFRs).