Polybrominated biphenyls

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), brominated biphenyls, or polybromobiphenyls, are a group of manufactured chemicals that are polyhalogenated derivatives of a biphenyl core.

Polybrominated biphenyls PBBs) were used primarily in plastic foams as flame retardants but were also added to plastics in a variety of consumer products, such as computer monitors, televisions and textiles.

PBBs are extremely persistent in living organisms, being shown to produce chronic toxic effects and cancer in animals. Whilst It is not known if they cancer in humans, because of evidence in animals they are anticipated to be carcinogenic. Their use and production have decreased significantly worldwide, but they are still produced. Similar issues with the close relative chemicals polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) also used as flame retardant.

Polybrominated biphenyls PBBs) covered by the EU and UK Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) directive and regulations, meaning its use is restricted to 0.1% in products through application and monitored, along with other substances that include lead, cadmium, mercury, Hexavalent chromium and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).

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