Home :: What is polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)?
What is polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)?
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are man-made chemicals that are a sub-group of the broader class of brominated flame retardants. They are used to make consumer products difficult to burn. They are similar to PCBs in structure and functionality.
Where is it found?
PBDEs have been used as flame retardants in a wide variety of plastic and foam products, including furniture, electronics, automobiles, and wire insulation. They are commonly found in televisions, computers, mobile phones, electronics and electrical items, automotive equipment, construction materials, polyurethane foam mattresses and futons, cushions, carpets, upholstered furniture, and draperies, among others. Typically PBDEs constitute between 5 and 30 percent of the products net weight.
Why should I be concerned?
PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in soil, plants and animals. They have been found in human breast milk and fatty tissue. They are suspected of causing liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity and neurodevelopmental toxicity. The EU has banned the use of penta-BDE, octa-BDE and deca-BDE. The state of California has outlawed the sale of penta-BDE and octa-BDE and products containing them. Similar legislation has been proposed in other states.
Where can I learn more?
For more information, please see the ATSDR ToxFAQs for Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), the Wikipedia entry for polybrominated diphenyl ethers, the CHEC chemical profile for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and the EPA page for polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs).
