(Poly)brominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) are a group of chemicals with similar properties that are used as mixtures in industrial applications. There are a total of 209 individual chemicals within the family. The commercial grade is found as a dense amber thick oily liquid that decompose when heated above 2000C. It is completely non-flammable. It is insoluble in water but mixes with paraffin oil and other organic solvents.
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Common name: Polybrominated diphenylether, brominated flame retardants. PBDE.
Use
Brominated diphenylether is used mainly as flame retardant in electronics. in flexible polyurethane foam for furniture and to a lesser extent in rigid plastics and adhesives.
Releases to the environment
Brominated diphenylether may be released during the manufacture of the chemical itself, incorporation into plastic products, processing of the foam into finished articles, release during the use of the article and finally disposal in landfill or incineration. Dust produced from foam products is usually the main form of release from products.
Impacts on the environment and human health
Excessive exposure may affect the liver of humans. It is highly toxic to aquatic animals and may cause long-term adverse effects to the aquatic environment. Effects on the growth and reproduction of aquatic animals have been reported.
International actions
In the EU a ban on the marketing and use of the most problematic of the Brominated diphenylethers (Penta-BDE and Octa-BDE) in all applications will be effective from 15 August 2004 onwards. Brominated diphenylethers are listed as priority substances in the Water Framework Directive and in the OSPAR convention for protection of the Marine Environment. Furthermore brominated diphenylether is on the EU-Commissions EPER list and listed in the PRTR Protocol under the Århus Convention.
CAS NO: 32524-81-9