HealthyCar.org — Bromine

Detection of bromine in a vehicle or child car seat component indicates the likely presence of a brominated flame retardant (BFR). A number of different BFRs are commonly used in vehicles components and car seats. While the sampling conducted for this study could not identify the chemical structure of the brominated flame retardant in a particular component, automakers and car seat manufacturers in general use the following three BFRs.

Deca-brominated diphenyl ether

One of the common BFRs used in auto applications is deca-brominated diphenyl ether (decaBDE, or “deca”). Deca is used in many other products, including furniture, mattresses, televisions, and computers. In 2003, over 56,000 tons were used worldwide. Deca is physically combined with plastics during production at concentrations as high as 20% and can be released to the environment over the life of the product. It is becoming ubiquitous in homes, offices, and even the outdoor environment.

One of the major concerns with deca is that it may “debrominate,” or break down, when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Some of the breakdown products include pentaBDE and octaBDE, which have been banned due to their toxicity by government health organizations and the global automotive industry. This is of particular concern to drivers and passengers since vehicle components that contain deca are exposed to high UV levels and heat when parked in the sun. In a recent report, research conducted by the Ecology Center found that concentrations of penta, octa and deca were much higher in dust and window film samples from new model vehicles than from samples obtained in homes and offices. Once released from products, there is strong evidence that these chemicals remain in the environment for long periods and build up in people’s bodies, in breast milk, in fish and other animals.

Exposure to deca has been linked in animal studies to a range of health impacts. That research suggests that deca could pass through the placenta and cause neuro-developmental toxicity in unborn babies. Other suspected health concerns include: thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairment, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, delayed puberty onset, decreased sperm count, fetal malformations, and possibly cancer. Its breakdown products, pentaBDE and octaBDE as well as other lower brominated BDEs, have been linked to similar health effects. Levels in the environment are close to those levels in which health effects are seen in animal studies.

Alternatives to deca and other BFRs in general exist and are readily available on the market. Testing for HealthyCar.org found that for each component tested, numerous models did not contain any bromine, showing that automakers have met stringent fire safety codes without using decaBDE or other BFRs. For further discussion of alternatives see the alternatives section.

Many companies are voluntarily eliminating their use of deca. The use of deca has been restricted in electronics and electrical equipment in the European Union as of 2006. Some computer companies began phasing out deca even before this restriction was put in place. A ban on Deca's use in the EU is set to begin on July 2008.

Tetrabromobisphenol A

TBBPA is another type of BFR that is commonly used in plastic applications. In 2002, over 130,000 tons were used around the world, predominantly in circuit boards for electronics, but also in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). TBBPA is known to off-gas to the environment, though the amount of off-gassing varies depending how the TBBPA is combined with the plastic. Lab tests have suggested that TBBPA may disrupt thyroid function. Studies also suggest that it may adversely affect hormone levels and the immune system.

The use of TBBPA can be eliminated by replacement with available alternatives. Many electronics companies are voluntarily removing TBBPA from their products. Sony Ericson has promised to eliminate TBBPA in circuit boards by 2007, Dell by 2009. Meanwhile, Motorola and Fujitsu Siemens Computers have begun introducing TBBPA-free and BFR-free products to the market. They are able to do this by substituting TBBPA in circuit boards with phosphorous-based alternatives that are capable of meeting the same fire safety regulations.

Hexabromocyclododecane

HBCD is used in extruded polystyrene for thermal insulation foams and is also applied in the back coating of textiles for furniture. It is produced in much smaller quantities than deca and TBBPA, but is still substantial, with 16,700 tons used worldwide in 2001. Use of HBCD has increased in recent years as it began to be used as a substitute for penta and octa after these chemicals were banned by the European Union. HBCD has a very strong propensity to bioaccumulate and is found in increasing concentrations in the environment. Studies suggest that HBCD affects thyroid hormone levels, causes learning and memory defects in neonatal laboratory animals, and has been detected in breast milk. In general, research is limited and more studies are needed in order to determine the extent of human health and environmental impacts caused by HBCD.

For references, please download the full report.

Bromine

Deca-brominated diphenyl ether

Tetrabromobisphenol A

Hexabromocyclododecane

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