Overview#
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are a family of brominated flame retardants. They are persistent and build up in living organisms, which is why they face restrictions beyond electronics. DecaBDE is the best-known member.
CAS
Varies by congener (DecaBDE is 1163-19-5)
Limit
0.1 percent per homogeneous material (RoHS)
Why restricted
Persistent, bioaccumulative brominated flame retardants
Typical use
Flame retardants in plastics and textiles
Where it's restricted#
Under RoHS PBDEs are capped at 0.1 percent by weight per homogeneous material. DecaBDE, a common member of the family, also falls under the POP Regulation and is restricted by REACH Annex XVII.
The closely related biphenyls are covered separately in PBB.
Typical uses#
PBDEs were added as flame retardants to plastics and textiles. Several members have been phased out, and DecaBDE now sits under multiple overlapping controls.