Flame retardant alternatives for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
HERO ID
2533762
Reference Type
Technical Report
Subtype
EPA Report
Year
2014
Language
English
| HERO ID | 2533762 |
|---|---|
| Material Type | EPA Report |
| Year | 2014 |
| Title | Flame retardant alternatives for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) |
| Authoring Organization | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Publisher Text | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| City | Washington, D.C. |
| Abstract | This report provides information on hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD; CASRN 25637-99-4; 3194-55-6) used as a flame retardant in polystyrene building insulation, possible substitutes, and alternative materials. The report was developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with input from a partnership of stakeholders from business, government, academia, and environmental organizations. According to technical experts on the Partnership, between 2011 and 2014 there were only three viable flame retardant alternatives to HBCD for use in expanded and extruded polystyrene foam (EPS and XPS) insulation under current manufacturing processes. Alternative materials are also available as substitutes to HBCD-containing insulation. These alternatives may require additive flame retardants or other treatment to meet fire safety requirements. This report: 1) Identifies viable and non-viable flame retardant alternatives for HBCD in polystyrene building insulation foam; 2) Describes uses and provides an overview of end-of-life scenarios and exposure to HBCD; 3) Provides hazard profiles for HBCD and the three chemical alternatives; and 4) Provides an overview of relevant alternative materials. Based on DfE AA criteria and guidance, the hazard profile of the butadiene styrene brominated copolymer (CASRN 1195978-93-8) shows that this chemical is anticipated to be safer than HBCD for multiple endpoints. Due to its large size, lack of low molecular weight (MW) components, and un-reactive functional groups, human health and ecotoxicity hazard for this polymer are measured or predicted to be low, although experimental data were not available for all endpoints. In general the exposure potential to the butadiene styrene brominated copolymer is expected to be lower than the other chemicals in this assessment because it is a large polymer and is unlikely to be released from the polystyrene. However, this alternative is inherently persistent and its long-term behavior in the environment is not currently known. Chemical suppliers have commercialized this polymer, and polystyrene manufacturers are testing it in their products to ensure that the polystyrene will meet all performance standards. The hazard designations for this alternative are based upon high MW formulations of the polymer, where all components have a MW >1,000. The polymer is regulated with a Significant New Use Rule that was finalized in June 2013. Manufacture (or import) of the polymer requires notification to EPA except in these cases: (1) the MW of the polymer is in the range of 1,000 to 10,000 daltons, or (2) the MW of the polymer is ≥10,000 daltons and less than 5 percent of the particles are in the respirable range of 10 microns or less (U.S. EPA 2013). The hazard profiles of the tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)-bis brominated ether derivative (CASRN 97416-84-7) and TBBPA bis(2,3-dibromopropyl) ether (CASRN 21850-44-2) show that these chemicals have limited data sets for human health endpoints and hazard designations show a potential for toxicity. These two chemicals are also anticipated to have High potential for bioaccumulation. |
| Report Number | EPA/740/R-14/001 |
| Url | http://www2.epa.gov/saferchoice/partnership-evaluate-flame-retardant-alternatives-hbcd-publications |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Number Of Pages | 230 |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
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