Brominated flame retardants—safety at what cost?

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of brominated compounds (209 congeners) that are typically used as flame retardants in the manufacture of furniture, textiles, and electronic equipment. PBDEs have been used since the 1970s. However, because of increasing evidence of potential health risks associated with exposure to PBDEs, European and US regulatory authorities have taken steps to reduce exposure in human beings by the exclusion of penta-brominated and octa-brominated flame retardants from these markets.