Current status of brominated flame retardants (BFR) and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDDs/PBDFs)

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are chemical compounds that inhibit the combustion of organic materials by scavenging free radicals that would otherwise encourage the spread of flames. These compounds are found in a wide variety of materials including paints, plastics, textiles, furniture and electronics. Mounting evidence, however, suggests that the non-reactive BFRs can easily leach into the environment and pose significant environmental and health concerns. PBDDs/PBDFs are often formed in the process of manufacturing brominated flame retardants and from the combustion of waste products containing flame retardants BFR. Therefore, this paper describes the general characteristics, management status, residual concentration in environments and analytical method.