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Addressing the Challenges of Brominated Flame Retardants: Science and Health Impact Insights

The workshop on non-regulated pollutants highlighted critical issues surrounding brominated flame retardants (BFRs). These compounds, over 75 in number, are effective yet persistent, raising concerns about bioaccumulation and potential toxicity. Current studies focus on exposure pathways, environmental fate, and health risks, especially regarding PBDEs. Despite their discontinued production in the U.S., ongoing use poses risks. Research emphasizes the need for extensive data on human exposure and the interactions of BFRs with other environmental pollutants to assess overall health impacts.

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Addressing the Challenges of Brominated Flame Retardants: Science and Health Impact Insights

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  1. Future Science Issues of BFRs Linda S. Birnbaum Director, Experimental Toxicology Division NHEERL Research Triangle Park, NC Region 2 Science Day/Non-Regulated Pollutants Workshop NYC – October 25, 2005

  2. Flame retardants save lives Many classes of FRs BFRs most cost effective >75 different BFRs Br-BPs, BDEs, CDs, phenols, phthalates,++ Global, transboundary problem Persistence Potential for bioaccumulation Limited data base Why BFRs?

  3. TBBPA • Extensive Ongoing Studies under “FIRE”

  4. HBCD • Persistent; Bioaccumulative; Potentially Toxic • Science Needs • Exposure Information • Toxicity Studies

  5. HBCD in 30 Canadian Human Milks (ppb lipid)(Ryan and Patry, 2002)

  6. PBDEs • Penta and Octa • No longer produced in US, but continued use allowed • Persistence and bioaccumulation -- continuing concern

  7. Penta and Octa Science Questions • How are the congeners getting into the environment? • Environmental fate and transport? • Pathways of human exposure • Dust>Diet??? • Modes of action for toxic effects

  8. BDE Structures BDE 47 BDE 153 BDE 99 BDE 100

  9. Commercial Mixture vs. Humans Hites 2004 WHY THE DIFFERENCE? • Environmental degradation/debromination? • Altered toxicokinetics? • Are most people like mice or rats?

  10. Deca • High volume product • Worldwide presence • PPM concentrations in sediment • PPB concentrations in biota

  11. Deca Science Questions • Deca Breakdown • Photolytically • Microbially • Metabolically • Is Deca (BDE209) itself toxic? • What about Deca Metabolites/ Breakdown Products?

  12. Potential Health Risk of PBDEs • Margin of exposure for PBDEs appears low • Additional concerns: • Are PBDEs interacting with other PBTs? • Contamination with Brominated Dioxins/Furans

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