Brominated flame retardants: sources, distribution, exposure pathways, and toxicity

Kefeni, KK; Okonkwo, JO; Olukunle, OI; Botha, B

HERO ID

1928009

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2011

HERO ID 1928009
In Press No
Year 2011
Title Brominated flame retardants: sources, distribution, exposure pathways, and toxicity
Authors Kefeni, KK; Okonkwo, JO; Olukunle, OI; Botha, B
Journal Environmental Reviews
Volume 19
Issue NA
Page Numbers 238-253
Abstract Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a relatively new generation of chemicals used as flame retardants in many types of consumer products. The most commonly used BFRs include tetrabromobisphenol A, polybromodiphenyl ethers, polybromobiphenyls, and hexabromocyclododecanes. Perhaps as a result of their widespread use and their lipophilicity, these compounds have become ubiquitous in the environment. This review summarizes BFR concentrations determined in different environmental media. The main sources of BFRs and the exposure pathways through consumption of contaminated food, ingestion, and inhalation of dust are reviewed. The distribution patterns in the abiotic and biotic environment as well as their toxicity are discussed with a view to provide a better understanding of these emerging environmental pollutants. In addition, it is envisaged that this review will heighten the importance of identifying emerging issues and data gaps, and generate a future research agenda on BFRs.
Doi 10.1139/A11-010
Wosid WOS:000297028000012
Url http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/abs/10.1139/a11-010
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Keyword brominated flame retardants; concentrations; sources; distribution patterns; toxicity