ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Legislation has been introduced in the Alaska Legislature that would ban flame retardants that contain polybrominated dishenyl ethers, known as PBDEs, used in upholstered furniture, bedding and electronics, according to the Dutch Harbor Fisherman, an Anchorage newspaper.

Eight U.S. states, including California and Washington, have banned use of the chemical, which sponsors say can cause thyroid problems and affect learning, memory and behavior.

The Alaska legislation also calls for a program to help retailers determine if any of their products contain the chemicals.