The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has raised concerns about the environmental impact of non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame-retardant (ABFR) additives due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. These substances are released throughout their lifecycle, with significant pollution occurring during the waste stage.

Helsinki- At the request of the European Commission, ECHA has conducted an investigation into the uses, releases, and hazardous properties of aromatic brominated flame retardants (ABFRs), alongside their potential alternatives and implications for recycling and waste management.

The investigation examined 60 ABFRs that are potentially on the EU market, revealing the following key findings:

1. Environmental Impact

Non-polymeric ABFR additives pose the greatest environmental risks, primarily due to their leaching behavior. ECHA identified five substances of particular concern that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB). An additional 37 ABFRs are likely PBT, 17 of which are non-polymeric additives.

2. Uses and Releases

ABFRs are widely used in electronics, construction, and textiles, which are major contributors to environmental releases. The waste stage, particularly during shredding or disposal in landfills, accounts for the highest release levels.

3. Alternatives

Viable alternatives to ABFRs include organophosphate flame retardants and non-combustible materials. However, some organophosphates share similar hazardous properties and are prone to leaching. Polymeric ABFR additives, which are more stable and less likely to leach, can also replace non-polymeric additives in many applications.

4. Waste Management

ECHA underscores that inefficient recycling and waste management exacerbate ABFR environmental releases. Eliminating problematic plastic additives early in the production cycle is essential to mitigate this issue.

5. Group Approach

Some non-polymeric ABFR additives remain unregistered under REACH but have been detected in high concentrations in the environment. This raises concerns about REACH compliance and uncertainties around plastic composition in imported goods. Regulatory action on ABFRs should consider a group-based approach.

This investigation will help the European Commission decide whether to task ECHA with preparing a restriction proposal, potentially addressing flame retardants under the Restrictions Roadmap.

Background

Aromatic brominated flame retardants (ABFRs) are added to polymeric materials to reduce fire risks. These retardants are categorized into:

• Additive ABFRs: Mixed into polymers without forming chemical bonds, further classified into non-polymeric (small, prone to leaching) and polymeric (larger, more stable).

• Reactive ABFRs: Chemically bonded to polymers, reducing environmental release risks.

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