Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are a group of chemicals that help protect the public in fire situations. When heated, the bromine detaches from the molecule and slows down the spread of the fire1, giving the occupants time to either extinguish or escape the fire2. Because BFRs are only additives to the different materials, these chemicals may leech out onto surfaces or into the air over time3. BFRs have also been found in the environment in various animals, plants, soils, and water.
BFRs have been used for many years as the primary flame retardant in many products. These chemicals are commonly found in high concentrations in electronic plastic casings (televisions, computers, etc.), foams in furniture, on textiles (drapes and children's clothing), and other products that have a potential to burn quickly. The largest source of BFRs in the home is actually house dust, because these chemicals tend to be released from their products and settle throughout the home.
Exposure to these chemicals are especially harmful for children, because high quantities have been shown to cause liver toxicity, thyroid hormone disruption, developmental toxicity, neurodevelopment deficits, and cancer in animals5. The effect on humans may be compared to these animal studies, but further research is being conducted to find out if the levels found in humans have long lasting effects and to what extent. Some of the chemicals have recently been banned by the European Union or voluntarily discontinued in the U.S. amid health concerns. BFRs have been found in homes and workplaces in the air, dust, and food. Studies have shown that levels of some BFRs are rising in humans. These studies have looked at concentrations of some of the chemicals in breast milk and blood4. The levels found in the U.S. are sometimes 10 times higher than the levels found in Europeans.
Current research is being conducted to fully answer the major ways we are exposed to BFRs and what levels are truly harmful3. Some suggested exposure pathways are inhalation or ingestion of dust2. As these answers are found, better decisions may be made as to whether other flame retardants should be used or how to minimize human exposure while protecting the public in fires.
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