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The choice between environmental protection and safety: Why do many countries decide to ban certain brominated flame retardants?
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are organic bromine compounds that inhibit combustion chemistry and can effectively reduce the flammability of products containing these substances. According to market research, brominated flame retardants account for approximately 19.7% of the commercial chemical flame retardant market and are mainly used in plastics and textiles, including electronic products, clothing, and furniture. In 2011, global sales of brominated flame retardants reached 390,000 tons. As environmental awareness increases, more and more countries are beginning to re-examine the use of these compounds and their potential impact on the environment and human health.
"The forum report pointed out that brominated flame retardants are toxic to aquatic life, which triggered discussions in various countries about whether they should be banned."
Many different BFR compounds are synthesized and produced due to their chemical properties and can be divided into several main categories:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Brominated cyclododecane (HBCD)
- Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)
For example, Decabromodiphenyl ether (Deca-BDE) was regulated by the European Commission in 2014, restricting its use on the market. This regulation requires that from March 2019, all products containing Deca-BDE shall not exceed 0.1% by weight. HBCD is listed for phaseout under the Global Environment Agency's Stockholm Convention, although there is a temporary exemption for polystyrene insulation foam in buildings.
“Many countries have begun to adopt policies to ban or restrict brominated flame retardants to protect human health and the environment.”
Among electronic products, BFRs are the most widely used and are mainly used in a variety of products such as printed circuit boards, connectors, plastic housings and cables. In addition, BFRs are also used in a variety of daily products such as TV casings, carpets, pillows, paints, and furniture.
In terms of environment and safety, although many governments believe that brominated flame retardants are not harmful to human health at assessed exposure levels. In fact, ingestion of household dust accounts for 80-90% of total PBDE exposure, with the remaining exposure coming from food. In particular, foods that are high in fat, such as red meat or fish, can be a source of exposure to these chemicals.
"Businessmen pointed out that as public health issues are increasingly concerned, the health risks caused by brominated flame retardants cannot be underestimated."
Research shows that the breast milk of nursing infants may be another source of exposure to PBDEs, which are commonly found in the mother's body and in her milk. In addition, PBDEs may also be contained in various foods, including meat, dairy products and fish. However, despite the risk of exposure, most people remain dismissive of the presence of these flame retardants and view them as important ingredients that help improve product safety.
As awareness of environmental protection gradually increases, the international community's ban on these controversial compounds has become increasingly strict. In some countries, the use of brominated flame retardants is more strictly regulated to prevent their long-term effects on the environment and human health. Many research institutions and environmental organizations have also called for the development of alternative materials for use in non-flammable product designs.
Finally, "As manufacturers pay more and more attention to the balance between environmental protection and health, faced with the trade-off between natural resources and market demand, how should we choose to find the best solution between safety and environmental protection?"< /p>
