Prime Highlights:
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has warned that aromatic brominated flame retardants may be subjected to wider EU restrictions based on criticisms of toxicity and environmental impact.
ABFRs, used in products like electronics and furniture, are linked to serious health issues including cancer, developmental disorders, and neurotoxicity.
The chemicals are persistent, bio accumulative, and toxic, with the waste stage of products being a particular concern for environmental contamination.
Key Background:
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) recently released a report indicating that it may consider a partial ban on the production and use of aromatic brominated flame retardants (ABFRs) within the European Union. These chemicals, widely used in electronics and furniture, have raised significant concerns due to their potential carcinogenic effects on human health and their environmental impact.
ABFRs are integrated into plastics to act as flame retardants. ECHA has highlighted that these chemicals do not chemically bond to the materials they are mixed with, and as a result, they tend to leach out over the product’s lifecycle. The agency specifically raised concerns about the waste stage, as these chemicals can be released during disposal or recycling processes.
Like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ABFRs are persistent, bio accumulative, and toxic. Research indicates they contribute to a range of health issues, including developmental and behavioral disorders, neurotoxicity, endocrine disruption, metabolic changes, and an increased risk of cancer. Despite their widespread use in textiles, electronics, and construction materials, many ABFRs remain unregistered under the REACH regulation in the EU. This raises concerns about compliance and environmental risks, particularly in relation to imports. In response, ECHA has proposed a group-based regulatory approach to prevent the substitution of ABFRs with similar hazardous chemicals, an issue previously addressed in EU actions regarding brominated compounds.
Sandra Jen, head of the Health and Environment Alliance, is urging the European Commission to prioritize swift action on restricting these chemicals, warning that delayed intervention could lead to long-term harm to both human health and the environment.
On the other hand, the chemical industry, represented by the International Bromine Council (BSEF), has raised concerns about the potential economic and industrial impacts of such regulations. While the report serves as a recommendation, the ultimate decision on imposing restrictions rests with the European Commission, and any resulting measures may not be implemented until 2029.
