Polybrominated diphenyl ethers PBDE
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are a group of man-made organobromine compounds.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were used extensively as flame retardants in polyurethane foams for furniture and in polymer resins and plastics used in electrical equipment. Whilst less so today PBDEs can still be found in existing products such as foam padding, wire insulation, rugs, upholstery, and plastic casings for televisions, PCs and small appliances.
PBDE tests in animals and observations suggest they are developmental neurotoxicants, showing brain development risks during and after pregnancy, observed issues with learning, memory, behaviour as well as thyroid and other hormone levels.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are 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 biphenyls (PBBs), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP).
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Electrical and electronic equipment
- End of life potential.
- Environmental impact assessment EIA.
- Environmental plan for building design and construction.
- Glossary of electrical terms.
- Hire, reclaim and reuse scheme combats construction waste.
- How to conduct a pre-demolition audit.
- Plastic and recycling.
- Primary non-rechargeable batteries.
- Rare earth metals.
- Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment RoHS
- Recycling explained.
- Secondary rechargeable batteries.
- Types of plastic in construction.
- Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP.
- Waste hierarchy.
- Waste management plan for England.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
CIOB reacts to the announcement of Andy Burnham as Prime Minister.
Heritage and conservation science workforce survey - Have your say.
England's Suburbs 1820-2020. Book review.
New, more proportionate and targeted approach for higher-risk building assessments.
Government brings British Steel into public ownership.
UKCW Birmingham returns with bold new theme and focus.
New guidance published on competence requirements for self-certification schemes.
Construction Management, 8 July
NEETs crisis drives interest in trades, but apprenticeships barriers remain.
Passive fire protection webinar
MEP services penetration seals.
Where its at podcast (and video) - The role of the Architectural Technologist as an Expert Witness.
More than 200 remarkable buildings added to SAVE’s Buildings at Risk register.
Government scraps pre-application consultation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.