Benefit versus risk associated with the use of brominated flame retardants

Flame retardants are widely used in electronic equipment, construction materials, and furniture to prevent fires from starting and to slow progression. Environmental monitoring studies show their presence in house dust, biomonitoring studies occasionally detect the chemicals in biological samples, and animal toxicology studies show high-dose effects. Yet laboratory studies and real-world fire statistics confirm that flame retardants have benefits that need to be weighed against possible risks to human health. Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), is used to make brominated epoxy printed wiring boards, and to a lesser extent, flame retarded acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) plastic is often used to make electronic casings. Evaluating available toxicology data and using conservative exposure assumptions, the risks of using TBBPA in these applications is exceedingly low. Given the benefits of TBBPA and flame retardants, it is essential that carefully conducted, chemical- and use-specific risk assessment be used to inform regulatory action which could possibly undermine public fire protection.