SFA_Br_CH - Material flows analysis of polybrominated flame retardants

Project goal

The goal is to create a material flow analysis for the four selected representatives of brominated flame retardants (Decabromodyphenyl oxide [DBDPO], Octabromodyphenyl oxide [OBDPO], Pentabromodyphenyl oxide [PBDPO], Tetrabromobisphenyl A [TBBPA]) as a basis for derivation of policy recommendations.

Summary

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are synthetic additives, which are used above all in electrical and electronic appliances, and in construction materials. Over recent decades, global consumption of the four flame retardants that are examined here (penta-, octa- and decaBDPEs, and TBBPAs) has almost doubled. The properties of some BFRs are typical of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and these substances are suspected of being carcinogenic and of having oestrogenic activity. The present study, carried out in Switzerland, shows via which goods BFRs are imported, exported, used and disposed of, and the ways in which BFRs get into the environment. The study is based on data drawn from the literature, and on our own estimates. Flow chart analyses for the four groups of substances show where there are gaps in the data and where there is a need for future action and research.