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 and news
Top 50 firms awarded 52bn of projects in the last year
New engineering data shows.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.