The Briefing Room
General Category => Science, Technology and Knowledge => Topic started by: rangerrebew on January 23, 2019, 07:00:22 pm
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“Eco-friendly†Flame Retardant May Have Eco-poor Breakdown
By Kimberly M. S. Cartier 22 January 2019
Heat and ultraviolet light broke down an advanced flame-retardant chemical, commonly used in polystyrene building insulation, into by-products containing the environmental toxin bromine, according to a recent study. A buildup of bromine in humans and animals can disrupt thyroid hormone function, negatively affect liver enzyme production, and potentially be toxic to the immune and nervous systems.
“There is the claim that this flame retardant is more environmentally friendly,†said Christoph Koch, a graduate student in aquatic ecology at the University of Duisburg-Essen in Germany and lead author on the study. If manufacturers intend to begin using this flame retardant for personal items, Koch said, a better understanding of how it degrades is needed before it becomes common in clothing, electronic equipment, or furniture.
https://eos.org/articles/eco-friendly-flame-retardant-may-have-eco-poor-breakdown