chemical Class

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)


Chemicals in the class:

PBDE-1, PBDE-154/PBB-153, PBDE-2, PBDE-3, PBDE-7, PBDE-8, PBDE-10, PBDE-11, PBDE-12, PBDE-13, PBDE-15, PBDE-17, PBDE-25, PBDE-28, PBDE-30, PBDE-32, PBDE-33, PBDE-35, PBDE-37, PBDE-47, PBDE-49, PBDE-51, PBDE-66, PBDE-71, PBDE-75, PBDE-77, PBDE-79, PBDE-85, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-105, PBDE-116, PBDE-119, PBDE-120, PBDE-126, PBDE-128, PBDE-138, PBDE-140, PBDE-153, PBDE-154, PBDE-155, PBDE-166, PBDE-181, PBDE-183, PBDE-190, PBDE-196, PBDE-197, PBDE-201, PBDE-203, PBDE-206, PBDE-207, PBDE-208, PBDE-209


Summary

PBDEs are brominated fire retardants, intentionally added to flexible foam furniture–primarily mattresses, couches, padded chairs, pillows, carpet padding and vehicle upholstery– and to electronic products.

Studies of laboratory animals link PBDE exposure to an array of adverse health effects including thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairment, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, delayed puberty onset, decreased sperm count, and fetal malformations. (Darnerud 2003; Hale R.C. 2003) Research in animals shows that exposure to brominated fire retardants in-utero or during infancy leads to more significant harm than exposure during adulthood, and at much lower levels.(Viberg H 2006)

PBDEs are bioaccumulative and lipophilic ('fat-loving') therefore highly persistent in people and the environment. The chemicals build up in the body, are stored in fatty tissues and body fluids, such as blood and breast milk, and can be passed on to fetuses and infants during pregnancy and lactation. People are primarily exposed to PBDEs in their homes, offices and vehicles. Secondary sources are foods, primarily meat, dairy, fish and eggs. (Schecter, Papke et al. 2005)

Some PBDEs were withdrawn from the US market in 2005 due to their toxicity to laboratory animals, and their detection as contaminants in humans, wildlife, house and office buildings and common foods. (Sjodin 2003) Deca, the form used in electronics, continues to be used in televisions, computer monitors and other electronic products. There is widespread concern that Deca breaks down in the environment to more toxic and persistent forms. Despite their phase-out from commerce, Americans continue to be exposed to them daily, and will be for decades to come.


Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Brominated fire retardants currently used in plastics and fabric. Recently banned in foam furniture and vehicle interiors. The major current use is in electronic devices. PBDEs are neurotoxic and persist in people and the environment.

Top health concerns for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (References)

health concern or target organ weight of evidence
Reproduction and fertilityunknown
Brain and nervous systemunknown

Other health concerns for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (References)

health concern or target organ weight of evidence
Persistent, accumulates in wildlife and/or peopleprobable
Cancerlimited
Birth defects and developmental delaysprobable
Endocrine systemknown
Gastrointestinal (including liver)limited

Data gaps for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (References)

Data are insufficient to assess cancer potential.


Other relevant risk considerations for Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (References)

Wildlife and environmental toxicity.


Toxicity Classifications (References)

classification governing entity/references
Cancer hazards: suspectedIRIS
Developmental toxicity hazards: suspectedEPA-SARA
Endocrine toxicity hazards: suspectedATSDR
Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards: suspectedATSDR
Group C: Possible human carcinogen (EPA classification)EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Group D: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity (EPA classification)EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)
Harmful; Harmful: danger of serious damage to health by prolonged exposure in contact with skin and if swallowed; May cause harm to breastfed babies; Dangerous for the environment; Very toxic to aquatic organismsEuropean Union - Classification & Labelling
IARC 3: mixed or limited evidence on human cancer potential (International Agency for Research on Carcinogens)Inter'l Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) Carcinogens
Known to be neurotoxic to humans, suspected developmental neurotoxinChemicals known to be neurotoxic to humans
May cause harm to the unborn child; Possible risk of impaired fertilityEuropean Union - Classification & Labelling
Nervous system toxicity - weight of evidence unknown/unassessedViberg, H., Fredriksson, A., Jakobsson, E., Orn, U., Eriksson, P. (2003). Neurobehavioral derangements in adult mice receiving decabrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE 209) during a defined period of neonatal brain development. Toxicol Sci 76(1): 112-20.
Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - European Chemicals Bureau PBT working groupEU (2006). PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary PRIO database - a tool for risk reduction of chemicals. Secondary Kemi. Place Published, Kemi-Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate.
Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Limited or emerging evidence in open scientific literatureEmerging PBTs from peer-reviewed literature
Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - Oslo-Paris (OSPAR) Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, chemical of concernOSPAR (2002). OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR List of Substances of Possible Concern. Secondary OSPAR. Place Published, OSPAR Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environement of North-East Atlanic.
Persistent, bioaccumulative toxicant - action subject to pending risk assessment under international treaty (Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, or POPs Convention)United Nations Environment Programme/POPs Treaty (2001)
Reproductive effects - weight of evidence unknown/unassessedMcDonald, T. A. (2002). A perspective on the potential health risks of PBDEs. Chemosphere 46: 11.
Toxic, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Toxics Release Inventory programsEPA Toxic Release Inventory (1999)