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).
[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 and news
Reslating an ancient water mill
A rare opportunity to record, study and repair early vernacular roofs.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2025/26
Construction apprentice from Lincoln Mia Owen wins this years title.
Insulation solutions with less waste for a circular economy
Rob Firman, Technical and Specification Manager, Polyfoam XPS explains.
Recycled waste plastic in construction
Hierarchy, prevention to disposal, plastic types and approaches.
UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard V1 published
Free-to-access technical standard to enable robust proof of a decarbonising built environment.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Why talking about prostate cancer matters in construction.
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch up for free, subscribe and share with your network.
The Association of Consultant Architects recap
A reintroduction and recap of ACA President; Patrick Inglis' Autumn update.
The Home Energy Model and its wrappers
From SAP to HEM, EPC for MEES and FHS assessment wrappers.
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.