About the ABFR Investigation

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has conducted an investigation as requested by the European Commission. This investigation addresses the uses, emissions, hazardous properties, and potential alternatives related to the waste management and recycling of Aromatic Brominated Flame Retardants (ABFRs).

The investigation examines 60 ABFRs in the EU market and concludes that non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame retardant additives pose significant environmental pollution risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. These substances are released into the environment throughout their lifecycle, including during the waste phase.

Key Findings:

Environmental Impact:
Compared to other ABFRs, non-polymeric additives pose the highest environmental risk due to their tendency to leach from materials. ECHA identified five substances of concern classified as PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic) and vPvB (very Persistent and very Bioaccumulative). Additionally, 37 ABFRs are potentially PBT, 17 of which are non-polymeric additives.
Uses and Emissions:
ABFRs are used in various applications, with the electronics, construction, and textiles sectors contributing the most to overall emissions.
Alternatives:
ABFR alternatives are suitable for many uses, including organophosphate flame retardants and non-flammable materials. However, some organophosphate flame retardants may share similar hazardous properties with ABFRs and are prone to leaching. Polymeric ABFR additives can serve as alternatives to non-polymeric ABFRs in many applications.
Waste Management:
Inadequate recycling and waste management systems may increase the environmental emissions of ABFRs. ECHA emphasises the need to eliminate problematic plastic additives at the early stages of the value chain.
Group Approach:
Some non-polymeric ABFR additives are not registered under REACH but have been highly detected in the environment. This raises potential compliance issues with REACH or uncertainties related to plastic accumulations in imported articles. A group approach should therefore be adopted in any regulatory actions regarding ABFRs.

For more details, visit ECHA’s official website.

This article was originated from ECHA.