Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants

Rahman, F; Langford, KH; Scrimshaw, MD; Lester, JN

HERO ID

789769

Reference Type

Journal Article

Subtype

Review

Year

2001

Language

English

PMID

11482396

HERO ID 789769
Material Type Review
In Press No
Year 2001
Title Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants
Authors Rahman, F; Langford, KH; Scrimshaw, MD; Lester, JN
Journal Science of the Total Environment
Volume 275
Issue 1-3
Page Numbers 1-17
Abstract Polybrominated diphenyl ether, PBDE, flame retardants are now a world-wide pollution problem reaching even remote areas. They have been found to bioaccumulate and there are concerns over the health effects of exposure to PBDEs, they also have potential endocrine disrupting properties. They are lipophilic compounds so are easily removed from the aqueous environment and are predicted to sorb onto sediments and particulate matter or to fatty tissue, aiding their distribution throughout the environment. PBDEs are structurally similar to PCBs and DDT and, therefore, their chemical properties, persistence and distribution in the environment follow similar patterns. Concentrations of PBDEs found in environmental samples are now higher than those of PCBs. Evidence to date demonstrates that PBDEs are a growing problem in the environment and concern over their fate and effects is warranted. The manufacture of reactive and additive flame retardants is briefly discussed and their fate and behaviour in the environment is assessed. PBDE toxicology is reviewed and methods of analysis are evaluated.
Doi 10.1016/S0048-9697(01)00852-X
Pmid 11482396
Wosid WOS:000169969700001
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Animals; Dioxins/analysis/toxicity; Environmental Pollutants/analysis/toxicity; Flame Retardants/adverse effects/analysis/toxicity; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Hydrocarbons, Brominated/chemistry; Male; Mice; Molecular Structure; Occupational Exposure/ adverse effects; Phenyl Ethers/chemistry; Phthalic Anhydrides; Polybrominated Biphenyls/analysis/chemistry/toxicity; Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis/chemistry/toxicity; Risk Factors; Structure-Activity Relationship
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