AUGUSTA – After a brief but testy debate Wednesday, the House voted to ban toxic chemicals known as bromides that are used in fire retardants.

The legislation, LD 1790, seeks to replace bromides, which are used in upholstery, carpets, mattresses and electronics, with safer alternatives.

The bill that received initial House approval by a 95-33 vote would outlaw the sale of brominated flame retardants known as Penta and Octa by January 2006.

It would also ban Deca – the most widely used retardant – as of 2008 if safer alternatives are found.

During the House debate, Republican Rep. Robert Daigle of Arundel said a company that stands to gain financially from the ban is pushing efforts in the State House to curb bromides.

But the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Hannah Pingree, defended the bill as a public health measure. The North Haven Democrat says it’s not motivated by “some conspiracy trying to hurt somebody.”

Animal studies link brominated flame retardants to problems with developing nervous systems.