Chemicals Stakeholder Forum
Statement on Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
At its meeting on 11 March 2003, the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum (CSF) concluded that, although the environmental risk assessment had not been completed, there was sufficient evidence that Hexabromocyclododecane posed a risk to the environment. This was based on its properties of persistence in the environment and its tendency to bioaccumulate. Its toxicity to aquatic and terrestrial organisms has not been fully characterised (pending further testing) and the risks to human health have not been fully evaluated. The chemical has been found in environmental monitoring studies around sites of production in Europe including at the UK site at Newton Aycliffe and in biota living near these areas.
The main use for HBCD is as a flame retardant in extruded or expanded polystyrene foam. This enables the foam to be stored and used safely in such applications as insulation panels, refrigeration and packaging. The secondary use is as a flame retardant in textile back-coatings which enables upholstered furniture to meet the UK Furniture and Furnishing (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988. HBCD is currently undergoing risk assessment under the EU Existing Substances Regulations 793/93/EEC with Sweden as the lead country. Draft Risk Assessment Reports have been prepared but the process will not be complete until late 2003 or early 2004.
The Forum commended the voluntary action already taken by the UK manufacturer to reduce emissions from its site to the local environment and supported its programme to further control emissions from the site. The Forum has also asked the industry group, the Bromine Science and Environmental Forum (BSEF), to come up with proposals to reduce environmental exposure to HBCD by encouraging increased product stewardship activities. The Forum has asked for further monitoring studies to establish the effectiveness of this action.
The Forum will be seeking updates on progress from the BSEF.
Further information on discussion on HBCD at the Chemicals Stakeholder
Forum and the Advisory Committee on Hazardous Substances can be found
on the internet at
www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/csf and www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/achs
Contact the CSF Secretariat for further information at chemicals.strategy@defra.gsi.gov.uk
June 2003
Page published 17 June,
2003
Page last modified
5 October, 2006