Diphenylether, Octabromderivat

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

This material is not considered a hazardous waste or material. Therefore, it may be disposed of as an industrial waste in a manner acceptable to good management practice and in compliance with applicable national and/or local regulations. However, it is strongly recommended to dispose of this product in a chemically secure landfill.

Octabromodiphenyl ether was found in adipose tissue samples from the 1987 U.S. National Human Adipose Tissue Survey(1,2). This survey primarily focused on determining levels of brominated dioxins/furans in 865 specimens combined to form 48 composite analogues(1,2). The composite design was based on 9 census divisions and 3 age groups(1,2). Preliminary evidence for the presence of octabromodiphenyl ether was found (frequency, 60%) with an estimated concentration range of not detected to 8,000 ng/kg of octabromodiphenyl ether(1,2). Human milk samples collected from 173 individual mothers from May to Aug 2006 had reported octabromodiphenyl ether concentrations of <0.0085 ng/g lipid; mothers were from all Belgian provinces(3).

EYES: irrigate opened eyes for several minutes under running water. INGESTION: do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with water (never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person). Seek immediate medical advice. SKIN: should be treated immediately by rinsing the affected parts in cold running water for at least 15 minutes, followed by thorough washing with soap and water. If necessary, the person should shower and change contaminated clothing and shoes, and then must seek medical attention. INHALATION: supply fresh air. If required provide artificial respiration.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 99,000(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that octabromodiphenyl ether is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of octabromodiphenyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.3X10-9 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 5.0X10-3 mg/L(4). Octabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). Based on test with lesser brominated diphenyl ethers, octabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to biodegrade in the environment(5). The test was extended to 93 days to allow sufficient opportunity for adaption to occur. At the end of 93 days, 2.4% of the theoretical amount of CO2 had been evolved(5).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 99,000(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that octabromodiphenyl ether is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.7X10-7 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from its vapor pressure, 1.3X10-9 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 5.0X10-3 mg/L(5). According to a classification scheme(6), estimated BCF values of 1560 to 2900 in fish(SRC), from log Kow of 8.35 to 8.90(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). Based on test with lesser brominated diphenyl ethers, octabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to biodegrade in the environment(9). Octabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), octabromodiphenyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 1.3X10-9 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase octabromodiphenyl ether may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC).

Octabromodiphenyl ether was reported in vegetables, tubers, pulses, cereals, fruits, fish and shellfish, meat and meat products, eggs, milk, dairy products, and fats and oils at 1.4, 3.7, 17.9, 17.9, 2.9, 6.8, 23.4, 4.7, 2.1, 7.9, and 43.7 ng/kg wet weight, respectively, in products purchased from 7 cities in Catalonia, Spain, sampled June to August 2000(1).

EXPERIMENTAL: Octabromodiphenyl ether was reported in milk at 2.1 ng/kg wet weight in products purchased from 7 cities in Catalonia, Spain, sampled June to August 2000(1). Human milk samples collected from 173 individual mothers from all Belgian provinces collected May to Aug 2006 had reported octabromodiphenyl ether concentrations of <0.0085 ng/g lipid(2).

Animal data show an absorption of Octabromodiphenyl ether (OBDPE) by oral or inhalation route with an accumulation of the parent compound or its metabolites in the liver and also in the adipose tissue and the lung following inhalation administration. The extent of absorption and elimination cannot be assessed from the data available. No information on the metabolism of OBDPE is available. Following oral administration, OBDPE is an inducer of xenobiotic metabolism. There are no measured data on OBDPE dermal absorption. However based on OBDPE physicochemical properties and analogy with PCBs, a dermal absorption of 4.5% may be estimated. Evidence from humans indicates that OBDPE, HxBDPE, HpBDPE and NonaBDPE which are components of commercial OBDPE can be absorbed into the body and distributed into the blood. Distribution to the adipose tissue was evidenced at least for OBDPE and HxBDPE. There are no data available on the rate of elimination or on bioaccumulation of OBDPE from human adipose tissue neither for PeBDPO but given the high lipophilicity of these compounds and the adipose tissue accumulation observed in rats following oral or inhalation routes, it can be assumed that in humans OBDPE might bioaccumulate in these tissues as well. Following pregnancy HxBDPE and others PBDPEs such as TeBDPE and PeBDPEs are excreted in the breast milk. Unfortunately, such measurements were not carried out on OBDPE. However, based on the high lipophilicity of OBDPE, its potential to bioaccumulate in adipose tissues and the breast milk measured data with HxBDPE (one component of commercial OBDPE), excretion of OBDPE in the breast milk may be anticipated OBDPE has a low acute toxicity in animals. Acute oral toxicity data indicate a rat LD50 greater than 28,000 mg/kg. No deaths, no weight changes or necropsy lesions were reported up to 5,000 mg/kg. At 10,000 mg/kg and 28,000 mg/kg, no deaths were observed but no more information on these studies are available. A dermal LD50 greater than 2,000 mg/kg has been demonstrated in rabbits using DBDPE applied neat under occlusive wraps for 24 hours. No deaths were observed up to 2,000 mg/kg. Local and general signs of toxicity were not reported and necropsies were not performed in this dermal toxicity study. An inhalation LC50 greater than 60 mg/l has been demonstrated in rats exposed with OBDPE during one hour. No deaths and no clinical signs of toxicity were observed up to 60 mg/l. OBDPE is not a dermal or an ocular irritant. There is no indication of skin sensitization in animals. The only information concerning the effects of repeated oral and inhalation exposure to OBDPE comes from studies in rats involving administration of commercial OBDPE. These studies consistently indicate that the liver is the key target organ within 4 and 13 weeks of repeated oral dosing and within 14 days and 90 days of inhalation exposure. The changes in thyroid status are apparent within 4 and 13 weeks of repeated oral dosing from 1,000 ppm and within 13 weeks of repeated inhalation dosing from 16 mg/m3 (analytical concentration). The LOAEL is considered to be 100 ppm . 7.2 mg/kg/day in the 90 day dietary study based on the liver changes (increase of liver weight and granular cytoplasmic changes) observed from 100 ppm . 7.2 mg/kg/day. The NOAEC for systemic toxicity is considered to be 1.1 mg/cu m in the 90 day rat study by inhalation route based on the liver and thyroid status changes observed at the concentration just above: 16 mg/cu m . Alterations in thyroid homeostasis were reported with organochlorine compounds for many species, including humans and a thyroid hormone like affinity for the serum transport protein transthyretin was shown for hydroxylated PCBs as well as for PBDPE congeners such as DiBDPE and TeBDPE. To our knowledge, no studies on transthyretin-T4 competition have been carried out on OBDPE neither on DBDPE. Following inhalation exposure, local toxicity was demonstrated with hyperplasia/hypertrophy of the goblet cells within 2 weeks of exposure and with chronic active lung inflammation and alveolar histiocytosis within 13 weeks of exposure. It is obvious that the observed effect at 1.1 mg/cu m is minimal and reveals only a trend to a chronic inflammation however this value has been taken to set up the LOAEC for local toxicity. Regarding mutagenicity no in vivo data are available. However based on the available in vitro data, OBDPE is considered as non-genotoxic in vitro and no concern for mutagenicity is assumed. No chronic or carcinogenicity studies in animals are available. No specific fertility study is available. A recent rat inhalation sub-chronic study, well conducted and specifically designed to investigate reproductive organs, did not demonstrate adverse effects on male reproductive organs. Therefore no concern is assumed for male fertility. Regarding female reproductive organs, absence of corpora lutea was shown in this study in 3/10 females at 202 mg/m3 versus 0/10 in the control group. Since the absence of corpora lutea is considered to be an unusual finding in rats at 20 weeks of age, the 30% incidence in this group was considered treatment-related and therefore a NOAEC for female fertility of 16 mg/m3 was considered. Developmental effects are observed in rats in two studies (decrease of fetal body weight from 10 mg/kg/day, increase of post-implantation loss with late resorptions, increase in dead or resorbed conceptuses per litter at 25 mg/kg/day (33.2% versus 4.3%); decrease in the average number of live fetuses per litter (8.9 versus 14.6) and fetal malformation/variation and delayed skeletal ossification at 25 mg/kg/day. Those developmental effects do not seem to be related to maternal toxicity. However, these developmental effects are not confirmed in a third assay in rats conducted with a test article containing a lower percentage of the OBDPE component. In rabbits, the substance produces only slight foetotoxicity from 5 mg/kg/day (slight decrease of the fetal body weight and increase in delayed ossification). The lowest identified NOAEL is considered i.e. 2 mg/kg/day from the rabbit study. Since some of these results are indicative of developmental effects which are most likely unrelated to maternal toxicity, OBDPE is considered as a developmental toxicant. With regard to neurotoxicity, recently behavioural disturbances have been reported when mice (10 day old) were exposed to a single oral dose of hexabromo-diphenyl ether (0.45, 0.9 and 9 mg/kg bw). Those effects are observed at 2, 4 but also 6 months of age. Nicotinic receptors were also affected in adult mouse in the previous conditions of exposure. The study has certain limitations compared with regulatory guidelines and thus uncertainty as regards interpretation of the results remains. Moreover only an abstract of this study is available with very few details. Therefore, no firm conclusion can be drawn from these data.

In samples collected from coastal waters of Florida, 2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-octabromodiphenyl ether was detected in dolphins (ng/g lipid) as follows; bottlenose dolphin (western coast, 1991-1996) 46.5, bottlenose dolphin (eastern coast, 2000-2001) <0.003, bottlenose dolphin (eastern coast, 2001-2004) <0.003, and striped dolphin 9.4(1).

2,2',3,3',4,4',5',6-Octabromodiphenyl ether, tested in 5 waste water treatment plants in 2005 from Spain was below quantification limit at Lleida, Pomplona and Tarragona, not detected in Barcelona and at 14.9 ng/g dry weight from plants in Burgos(1). Octabromodiphenyl ethers were detected in sewage sludge from 16 sites in Switzerland at 7.9-34 ug/kg dry matter in samples taken May to July 2003 and Jan 2005(2).

(a) Chemical substances and significant new uses subject to reporting. (1) The chemical substances identified as tetrabromodiphenyl ether, pentabromodiphenyl ether, hexabromodiphenyl ether, heptabromodiphenyl ether, octabromodiphenyl ether, and nonabromodiphenyl ether, or any combination of these substances resulting from a chemical reaction are subject to reporting under this section for the significant new uses described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. (2) The significant new use is manufacture or import for any use on or after January 1, 2005. (b) Specific requirements. The provisions of subpart A of this part apply to this section except as modified by this paragraph. (1) Persons who must report. Section 721.5 applies to this section except for section 721.5(a)(2). A person who intends to manufacture or import for commercial purposes a substance identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section and intends to distribute the substance in commerce must submit a significant new use notice.

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date 1/11/90; Reporting date: 3/12/90.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. Octabromodiphenyl ether is included on this list. Effective date 1/11/90; Sunset date: 6/30/90.

Used as additive flame retardant; [HSDB] Used as flame retardant additive for polymers (mainly acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene); Use is severely restricted in the EU; [eChemPortal: ESIS]

The commercial octaBDE is used by the plastics industry as an additive flame retardant for manufactured products. It is used almost exclusively to flame retard acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) terpolymers used in computer casings and monitors ... Other minor uses ... include high impact polystyrene (HIPS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyamide polymers.

ComOcBDE /Commercial Octabromodiphenyl Ether/ is predominantly used in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene to flame retard business equipment housings.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame-retardant man-made chemicals found in plastics used in a variety of consumer products to make them difficult to burn. Octabromodiphenyl ethers are used in conjunction with antimony trioxide as a flame retardant in the housings of electrical and electronic equipment, mainly in the plastic acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, but also in high impact polystyrene, polybutylene terephthalate and polyamides. (L628, L701)

Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis-, octabromo is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#6727]

Octabromodiphenyl ether is synthesized by treating diphenyl ether with 8 equivalents of Br2 in the presence of Al2Cl6/A12Br6, first at 35 °C and then at 120 °C. /Commercial OBDE is a mixture of approximately 11% PeBDE/HxBDE, 44% HpBDE, 31-35% OBDE, 10% NBDE, and 0.5% DeBDE. On the basis of the chemical structure, there are 12 possible isomers of OBDE./

The octa formulation is composed of BDE 183 /2,2',3,4,4',5',6-hepta-bromodiphenyl ether/ (40%), BDE 197 /2,2',3,3',4,4',6,6'-octa-bromodiphenyl ether/ (21%), BDE 203 /2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-octa-bromodiphenyl ether/ (5-35%), BDE 196 /2,2',3,3',4,4',5,6'-octa-bromodiphenyl ether/ (8%), BDE 208 /deca-bromodiphenyl ether/ (10%), BDE 207 /2,2',3,3',4,4',5,6,6'-nona-bromodiphenyl ether/ (7%), BDE 153 /2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexa-bromodiphenyl ether/ (5-10%), and BDE 154 /2,2',4,4',5,6'-hexa-bromodiphenyl ether/ (1-5%).

12 congeners for octabromodiphenyl ether /From table/

One formulation, Great Lakes DE-79, where the number indicates the percent total bromine by weight.

Commercial octabromodiphenyl ether is a mixture of approximately 11% pentabromodiphenyl ether/hexabromodiphenyl ether, 44% heptabromodiphenyl ether, 31-35% octabromodiphenyl ether, 10% nonabromodiphenyl ether, and 0.5% decabromodiphenyl ether. On the basis of the chemical structure, there are 12 possible isomers of octabromodiphenyl ether. /Commercial octabromodiphenyl ether/