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Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers: Human Tissue Levels and Toxicology

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Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

Part of the book series: Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology ((RECT,volume 183))

Abstract

Commercially, the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are available in several technical formulations. Three major commercial mixtures are referred to as deca-BDE (CAS No. 1163-19-5), octa-BDE (CAS No. 32536-52-0), and pentaBDE (CAS No. 32534-81-9). They are used as flame retardant additives in thermoplastics in large quantities (10%-30% of the total mass; Lassen et al. 1999) in a variety of polymers, textiles, and other materials to prevent or retard the spread of fire. Therefore, they are present in a wide array of consumer and industrial products, including interiors of vehicles, electrical and electronic appliances, rubber-coated electric wires, foam in upholstery, textiles (carpets and other furnishings), television and computer casings, and building materials. They are predominantly used as additive flame retardants, are relatively mobile, and may readily migrate (leach) from products into the surrounding environment during normal product use, life cycle, and disposal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Research Division, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L2, Canada, Postal Locator 2201A1

    Udai Gill

  2. Environmental and Occupational Toxicology Division, Healthy Environment and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L2, Canada

    Ih Chu

  3. Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0L2, Canada

    John J. Ryan & Mark Feeley

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  1. Udai Gill
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    George W. Ware

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Gill, U., Chu, I., Ryan, J.J., Feeley, M. (2004). Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers: Human Tissue Levels and Toxicology. In: Ware, G.W. (eds) Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, vol 183. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9100-3_3

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