Hexabromocyclododecane in polystyrene based consumer products: an evidence of unregulated use
In: Chemosphere. Elsevier: Oxford. ISSN 0045-6535; e-ISSN 1879-1298, more
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Brominated flame retardants; HBCD; Polystyrene products; Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry |
| Authors | | Top |
- Rani, M.
- Shim, W.J.
- Han, G.M.
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- Jang, M.
- Song, Y.K.
- Hong, S.H.
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| Abstract |
Polystyrene (PS) is made flame retardant by combining with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). HBCD can release from consumer products during their production, use or disposal. As a result, it has become a ubiquitous contaminant in the environment with a high potential for bioaccumulation. Therefore, to evaluate the extent of exposure to HBCD from PS, we determined the concentration of HBCD in a variety of products (n = 34) made from three types of commonly used PS: expanded PS (EPS), extruded PS foam (XPS), and extruded PS. The concentration of HBCD was highest in EPS, with a mean value and range of 475 643 ± 16 710 ng g−1 and 106–960 000 ng g−1, respectively. PS related to building construction and laboratory uses had a significantly higher concentration of HBCD (3300–905 000 ng g−1), except XPS styroboard (191 ± 100 ng g−1). Lower concentrations were measured in most food-related products (24.3–199 ng g−1). However, a relatively high concentration of HBCD was detected in an ice box (960 000 ± 29 000 ng g−1), aquaculture buoy (53 500 ± 2100 ng g−1), and disposable tray (8430 ± 730 ng g−1) used in fish market, raising concern for public health. Our data demonstrate a wide variation in the concentration of HBCD, suggesting a lack of proper controls for the addition of HBCD to PS products. Other brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were also detected in a majority of the XPS products (TBBPA = 3.83–545 ng g−1, BTBPE = 44–216 ng g−1 and DBDPE = 215–4200 ng g−1). Thus, HBCD is being added to PS along with other BFRs that cannot be ignored. |
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