Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a hydrophobic flame retardant often used in thermal insulation foams, textiles, and in fishing gear. HBCD can lead to numerous environmental and health issues such as endocrine illness, neuronal and cardiovascular changes, and is linked to DNA damage.
HBCD is a hydrophobic flame retardant often used in foams, textiles, fishing gear, and electronics. Though its uses are plentiful, it can lead to detrimental environmental and health effects.
HBCD poses significant environmental and health risks due to its role as an endocrine disruptor and its harmful effects on various bodily systems, including neuronal, endocrine, cardiovascular, liver, and reproductive systems. It is also linked to cytokine production, DNA damage, increased cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and ROS production.
HBCD is commonly added to polymers like polystyrene foams, building materials, and plastics, and is found in electronics and car interiors. It can detach from these products, leading to environmental accumulation. In 2013, HBCD was classified as a persistent organic pollutant under the Stockholm Convention, prompting the European Union to set concentration limits in 2019 for market products and waste streams, with a disposal limit of 1000 mg/kg. Although its use in domestic insulation was allowed until late 2019, HBCD was subsequently banned in the EU from November 26, 2019, due to its high bioaccumulation, long-distance transport, and toxicity.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK225635/
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141115
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