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Halogen-Based FRs
Published in Asim Kumar Roy Choudhury, Flame Retardants for Textile Materials, 2020
The highest volume brominated flame retardant in use istetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) (Structure 5.1(b)) (IPCS, 1995), followed by decabromodiphenyl ether (DeBDE) (Structure 5.1(d)) (IPCS, 1994). Both of these flame retardants are aromatic compounds. The primary use of TBBPA is as a reactive intermediate in the production of flame-retarded epoxy resins used in printed circuit boards (IPCS, 1995). A secondary use for TBBPA is as an additive flame retardant in ABS systems. DeBDE is the second largest volume brominated flame retardant and is the largest volume brominated flame retardant used solely as an additive. The greatest use (by volume) of DeBDE is in high-impact polystyrene, which is primarily used to produce television cabinets. Secondary uses include ABS, engineering thermoplastics, polyolefins, thermosets, PVC, and elastomers. DeBDE is also widely used in textile applications as the flame retardant in latex-based back coatings (Pettigrew, 1993). Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a major brominated cyclo-aliphatic flame retardant, is primarily used in polystyrene foam. It is also used to flame-retard textiles.
Firefighter hood contamination: Efficiency of laundering to remove PAHs and FRs
Published in Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene, 2019
Alexander C. Mayer, Kenneth W. Fent, Stephen Bertke, Gavin P. Horn, Denise L. Smith, Steve Kerber, Mark J. La Guardia
Firefighters’ occupational exposure to toxic substances is a topic of growing concern, as several recent studies have highlighted firefighters’ increased risk for certain cancers.[1,2] Firefighters’ exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a primary concern, as some PAHs are known carcinogens and are released during incomplete combustion.[3] Exposure to flame retardants (FRs) has also become an increasing concern for firefighters,[4] especially during structural fire responses where FRs present in furnishings may be released into the air through combustion. Studies have found PAHs, FRs, phthalates, and other chemicals contaminating personal protective equipment (PPE).[3,5–7,10] These contaminants could be transferred to skin and then subsequently absorbed, inhaled, or inadvertently ingested. When PPE is doffed, often after self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) removal, dry contaminants can become airborne and inhaled. These studies also highlight the potential for take-home exposure. For example, it has been found that fire station dust had higher FR levels (e.g., decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209)) than other occupational settings. This could potentially come from contamination carried back from the fire environment (e.g., contaminated clothing or equipment).[8]