Decabromodiphenyl ether
What is Decabromodiphenyl ether (c-decaBDE)?
Decabromodiphenyl ether (c-decaBDE) belongs to the group of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and does not occur naturally in the environment. Its release into the environment however can cause the formation of low brominated, persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances such as octa-, heap-, hexa- and pentabromdiphenyl ether, whose production have already been banned.
Properties
C-decaBDE has low water solubility and in the environment it adsorbs strongly to organic matter and readily partitions to sediment and soil.
Usage and applications
Between 1970 and 2005 around 1.25 million tons of c-decaBDE were produced. China is one of the biggest producers with 21’000 tons of c-decaBDE produced every year, but also India produces and exports c-decaBDE. EU and Canada have stopped production entirely, and production in the USA is coming to an end. C-decaBDE is used as an additive flame retardant combining with the material where it is used to inhibit the ignition and slow the rate where flames spread. It is compatible with materials such as plastics, polymers, composites, textiles, adhesives, sealants, coatings and inks. This is the reason why c-decaBDE can be found in some hard plastic toys for children made in China. But plastics with c-decaBDE can also end up as casings/sheaths for computers, TVs, cables or carpets. In the textile sector, c-decaBDE is combined with natural, synthetic and blended fibres and may end up in products such as upholsteries, window blinds, curtains, mattress, textiles or even as interior fabrics in cars, rail passenger rolling stock or aircrafts.
Some examples of applications:
- Products made from plastic, such as children’s toys, TV and computer casings, or cable sheaths
- Textiles used in curtains, upholstery or window blinds
- Interior fabrics in cars, trains or aircrafts
Risks
As an additive flame retardant, c-decaBDE is not chemically bound to the product or the material in which it is used. That means that it can potentially “leak” into the environment during its whole life cycle: From production to usage and disposal. It can be passed on to the unborn child via the placenta and to the newborn by breast milk. It can also affect the reproductive and nervous system as an endocrine disruptor.
Laws and Regulations
In 2017 the EU restricted the use of c-decaBDE. C-decaBDE belongs to the group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In April 2017 it was decided to include c-decaBDE on the list of persistent organic pollutants of the Stockholm Convention. The Stockholm Convention regulates the production, import and use of c-decaBDE.