Decabromodiphenyl ether

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. A water spray may also be used. (NTP, 1992)

In case of fire in the surroundings, use appropriate extinguishing media.

Fresh air, rest.

Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

Rinse with plenty of water (remove contact lenses if easily possible).

Rinse mouth. Give one or two glasses of water to drink.

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazard) - Term used to describe gases and volatile liquids that are toxic when inhaled. Some are TIH materials themselves, e.g., chlorine, and some release TIH gases when spilled in water, e.g., chlorosilanes. [ERG 2016].

Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.

Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures Use personal protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Avoid breathing dust.; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains.; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Pick up and arrange disposal without creating dust. Sweep up and shovel. Keep in suitable, closed containers for disposal.

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If you spill this chemical, you should dampen the solid spill material with water, then transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with water to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Wash all contaminated surfaces with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned.

SRP: 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 air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday

Avoid formation of dust and aerosols. Further processing of solid materials may result in the formation of combustible dusts. The potential for combustible dust formation should be taken into consideration before additional processing occurs. Provide appropriate exhaust ventilation at places where dust is formed.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Five composite samples of the fiscal year 1987 National Human Adipose Tissue Survey(FY87 NHATS) were analyzed for decabromodiphenyl ether(1). Concns of this compound ranged from 73 to 140 pg/g (lipid basis)(1). 3 of 5 selected human adipose tissue samples from the FY87 NHATS contained decabromodiphenyl ether(1). A study of 48 composite samples from the FY87 NHATS contained decabromodiphenyl ether at concns of 5 to 20 pg/g (lipid basis) (38 of 48 samples contained undetectable concentrations of this compound)(1). Decabromodiphenyl ether was detected at concns up to 5 ppb in human hair in communities near the bromine industry in Magnolia and El Dorado, AK(2). Decabromobiphenyl ether was found in human adipose tissue obtained from a hospital in Osaka, Japan(3). Blood serum concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ether in hospital cleaners (n=20), computer clerks (n=20) and electronics dismantlers (n=19) ranged from <0.3 to 3.9, <0.3 to 8.0, and <0.3 to 9.9 pmol/g lipid, respectively(4). Decabromodiphenyl ether was present in nearly all blood serum samples collected during this study(4). Decabromodiphenyl ether was analyzed in breast milk from 23 mothers in Dallas, TX and detected in 7 at concentrations of less than detection limit to 8.24 ng/g lipid(5). Decabromodiphenyl ether was detected in the serum of computer tech, test facility workers, shredder workers, smelter workers, rubber polybromodiphenyl ether mixers, wire manufacturers, and abattoirs at 1.5, 2.9, 3.8, <0.1, 1.2-145, 7.3-278, and 0.92-9.3 pmol/g lipid, industries in Sweden(6). In 1999, 19 full time computer technicians had serum levels of decabromodiphenyl ether of <2-7.1 pmol/g lipid weight(7). Serum from US blood donors in 1988 contained decabromodiphenyl ether at a concn range of <1-35 pmol/g lipid weight(8).

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.

The aim of this study was to see how a mixture of cadmium (Cd) and decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE209) affect thyroid function, namely thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroxin (T4), free thyroxin (FT4), triiodothyronin (T3), and free triiodothyronin (FT3) in Wistar rats (eight per group) receiving either a single substance or their combination by gavage for 28 days. Three groups were receiving Cd alone in the doses of 2.5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, or 15 mg/kg bw a day, three groups were receiving BDE209 in the doses of 1000 mg/kg, 2000 mg/kg, or 4000 mg/kg bw a day, while nine groups were receiving different mixtures of Cd and BDE209 in these doses (3x3 design). The results have indicated that the Cd+BDE209 mixtures more potently disrupt thyroid hormone homeostasis than would be expected from these chemicals alone.

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) and its commercial alternative decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) are two structurally similar brominated flame retardants, with evidence of their ubiquitous existence in aquatic ecosystems. The present study was conducted to investigate the hepatic oxidative stress inducing potential of BDE-209, DBDPE, and their mixture in Carassius auratus after exposure to different doses (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 7, 14 and 30 days. Results showed that oxidative stress was evoked evidently for the experimental groups with longer exposure duration, as indicated by significant inhibition in the antioxidant enzymes activities and decrease in the reduced glutathione level, as well as simultaneous elevation of lipid peroxidation level measured by malondialdehyde content. In addition, it was found that BDE-209 possessed a higher oxidative stress inducing ability than DBDPE. Considering the more pronounced antioxidant responses in combined exposure, the interaction of BDE-209 and DBDPE was presumed to be additive action.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are ubiquitous in the environment and in humans. A deca-bromodiphenyl ether mixture (deca-BDE) is the dominating commercial PBDE product today. Deca-BDE is degraded by UV to PBDEs with fewer bromines. We hypothesized that photodegradation of deca-BDE results in the formation of free radicals. We employed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) with spin trap agents to examine the free radicals formed from UV irradiation of a deca-BDE mixture (DE-83R). The activating wavelength for deca-BDE photochemistry was in the UVA to UVB range. The yields of radicals from irradiated deca-BDE in tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, and toluene were about 9-, 4-, and 7-fold higher, respectively, than from irradiated solvent alone. Radical formation increased with deca-BDE concentration and irradiation time. The quantum yield of radical formation of the deca-BDE mixture was higher than with an octa-BDE mixture (DE-79; approximately 2-fold), decabromobiphenyl (PBB 209; approximately 2-fold), decachlorobiphenyl (PCB 209; approximately 3-fold), and diphenyl ether (DE; approximately 6-fold), indicating the positive effects of bromine and an ether bond on radical formation. Analysis of hyperfine splittings of the spin adducts suggests that radical formation is initiated or significantly enhanced by debromination paired with hydrogen abstraction from the solvents. To our knowledge this is the first study that uses EPR to demonstrate the formation of free radicals during the photolytic degradation of PBDEs. Our findings strongly suggest the potential of negative consequences due to radical formation during UV exposure of PBDEs in biological systems.

Globally, brominated diphenyl ether-209 (BDE-209) is the most widely used polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDEs). It has been reported that BDE-209 induces developmental neurotoxicity in vivo. The purpose of this study was to use an antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), as an antidote for the neurotoxic effect of BDE-209. We used primary hippocampal neurons from rats for the in vitro cultures. BDE-209 was added to the cultures in increasing concentrations and co-cultured with NAC in order to assess the effect of NAC on BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity. We measured cell viability, apoptosis, expression of phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), intracellular calcium content, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. The difference between the BDE-209 groups without NAC and the blank control groups was significant (P<0.05). The difference between the NAC treatment groups and the BDE-209 groups without NAC was also significant (P<0.05), showing that BDE-209 increased apoptosis, the expression of p38 MAPK, the calcium ion concentration, and the ROS level and decreased cell viability. In contrast, NAC reduced the degree of cellular cytotoxicity induced by BDE-209. The results suggested that NAC may be able to attenuate BDE-209-induced neurotoxicity.

LC50; Species: Eisenia fetida (Earthworm) mature organism; environmental exposure using filter paper >1000 ug/sq cm

LC50; Species: Oryzias latipes (Japanese medaka); Concentration: >500 mg/L for 48 hr /Conditions of bioassay not specified in source examined/

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2.8X10+5(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that decabromodiphenyl ether is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of decabromodiphenyl ether from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 1.2X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(2). Decabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.96X10-11 mm Hg(3). A 0% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test indicates that decabromodiphenyl ether is not readily biodegradable(4). A soil degradation study found that soils spiked with 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg decabromodiphenyl ether showed no degradation after 160 days of incubation(5). Anaerobic biodegradation is very slow(5). In the absence of sunlight, the compound persists in soils and sediments(6). In sunlight, decabromodiphenyl ether readily photodegrades to the lower brominated congeners (such as tetra- and hexabrominated biphenyl ethers) which can bioaccumulate(7). The extrapolated primary degradation half-life in sludge-amended soil under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions was found to be >360 days assuming exponential decay(8).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 2.8X10+5(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that decabromodiphenyl 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 1.2X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(2). According to a classification scheme(4), BCF values of 0.3 to <50(5-7), suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). A 0% of theoretical BOD using activated sludge in the Japanese MITI test indicates that decabromodiphenyl ether is not readily biodegradable(7). A soil biodegradation study found that decabromodiphenyl ether showed no degradation after 160 days of incubation(8). Anaerobic biodegradation is very slow(8). In the absence of sunlight, decabromodiphenyl ether persists in sediments(9). Photodegradation may occur in the surface layer of water(10,11). In sunlight, decabromodiphenyl ether readily degrades to the lower brominated congeners (such as tetra- and hexabrominated biphenyl ethers) which can bioaccumulate(8). Decabromobiphenyl ether does not hydrolyze in water(8).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), decabromodiphenyl ether, which has an extrapolated vapor pressure of 6.96X10-11 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase decabromodiphenyl ether may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). Photodegradation of decabromodiphenyl ether may occur in the atmosphere, where decabromodiphenyl ether is likely to be adsorbed onto atmospheric particulates(3). Theoretically, direct photodegradation may be fairly rapid(SRC) based upon studies with sunlight irradation(3-5). However, photodegradation of atmospheric particulate matter is difficult to assess(SRC). Global monitoring that has detected decabromodiphenyl ether at numerous remote sites around the world indicate that decabromodiphenyl ether is transported long distances through the atmosphere(6-9) suggesting that atmospheric photodegradation is not a rapid fate process for decabromodiphenyl ether(SRC).

A market basket study conducted in Osaka, Japan in 2012 detected decabromodiphenyl ether in sugar and confectionary (153 pg/g), oils and fats (75.9 pg/g wet wt), legumes and their products (74.6 pg/g), fish, shellfish and their products (31.8 pg/g wet wt), meat and eggs (87.2 pg/g wet wt) and seasonings and other processed foods (186 pg/g)(1). Decabromodiphenyl ether was detected in US baby foods at median cocnentrations of 26.5, 14, 41 pg/g fresh wt in baby formula, cereal and puree, respectively(2).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation.

Oral (L628) ; inhalation (L628) ; dermal (L628)

ENVIRONMENTAL: Decabromodiphenyl ether was analyzed in breast milk from 23 mothers in Dallas, TX and detected in 7 at concentrations of not detected to 8.24 ng/g lipid(1). Human milk samples collected in Beijing in 2011 (103 samples) contained median decabromodiphenyl ether concentrations of 2.14 and 1.44 ng/g in urban and suburban samples respectively(2).

ENVIRONMENTAL: The findings /reported/ from a recent survey of the levels of decabromodiphenyl ether in human milk and commercial foods from Canada. The analysis of decabromodiphenyl ether in these samples was reported to be difficult, and the presence of decabromodiphenyl ether in laboratory blanks made quantification in the samples uncertain. However, little or no decabromodiphenyl ether could be detected in 72 human milk(1).

ENVIRONMENTAL: ... The breast milk was obtained from /39/ primiparous mothers from Uppsala county, Sweden aged 22 to 36 years. The year of the collection was not indicated, however the study is part of a current and ongoing investigation on persistent and organic pollutants in blood and breast milk from mothers planning to include 250 mothers. The women had to answer a questionnaire focusing on the present pregnancy, including symptoms, dietary habits and other habits (including smoking and alcohol consumption). The levels of polybromodiphenyl ethers detected in the breast milk samples were generally within 1,000 to 10,000 pg/g fat weight with one individual presenting a high peak value (28,170 pg/g fat). ... Within this small group of samples there was no correlation between the concentrations of polybromodiphenyl ethers and the mothers' age, the alcohol or the fish consumption, the place of residence or the birth weight of the child, the computer usage frequency although an increase in concentration with increasing cigarette smoking was suggested. However it is not established if smoking habits is a causal effect for the increase of polybromodiphenyl ethers in human breast milk. No data on /decabromobiphenyl ether/ were reported. ... /Polybromodiphenyl ethers/

ENVIRONMENTAL: Breast-milk excretion is one of the concerns for some PBDPOs and at least for PeBDPOs, it was deemed useful to include in this report the available data on PBDPOs breast-milk excretion. Studies which focused mainly on analytical techniques and extraction and purification methods, samples of human milk were analyzed for PBDPO content. The milk was collected during different periods from 1972 to 1997 and supplied by the Mothers' Milk Centre in Stockholm. The milk samples were collected from differing numbers (ranging from 20 to 116) of women with an average age between 27 and 31 years, over a 25-year period from 1972 to 1997. TriBDPO, TeBDPOs, PeBDPOs and HxBDPOs congeners were differentiated. Recovery studies were performed by adding a standard solution of TriBDPOs, TeBDPOs, PeBDPOs and HxBDPO to one of the samples before extraction.. The average recoveries of these substances ranged from 86 to 102% except for one internal standard with a recovery of 70-111%. /Polybromobiphenyl ethers/

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. Decabromodiphenyl ether is included on this list. Effective date 1/11/90; Sunset date: 6/30/98.

Used in high impact polystyrene and other polymers; Used as a flame retardant in thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins, textiles, and adhesives; [HSDB] Used as flame retardants since the 1970s in carpet lining, mattresses, chairs and sofas (polyurethane foam), and casings for televisions and computers; 209 congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exist, but only 13 are usually found in commercial mixtures; Electronic recycling workers have increased blood levels; [Reference #1]

Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]

Brominated additive flame retardant. ... /Used in:/ ABS: Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene polymers; HIPS: High-impacted polystyrene; PBT: Poly(butylene terephthalate); PE: Polyethylene; PP: Polypropylene; UPE: Unsaturated polyester. /From table/

Decabromodiphenyl oxide is an unreactive, additive flame retardant widely used for its thermal stability and its low cost in thermoplastic resins, thermoset resins, textiles and adhesives. The major applications are in high impact polystyrene, glass reinforced thermoplastic polyester and moulding resins, low density polyethylene extrusion coatings, polypropylene (homo- and copolymers), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene rubber, nylon and polyvinyl chloride.

Decabromodiphenyl ether is used as a flame retardant. It is mostly used in applications in the plastics and textile industries. It is an additive flame retardant, i.e. it is physically combined with the material being treated rather than chemically combined (as in reactive flame retardants).

The largest volume use of decabromodiphenyl ether is in high impact polystyrene that is used to manufacture television cabinets ... used in virtually every class of polymer, including ABS, engineering thermoplastics such as polyamides and polyesters, polyolefins, thermosets (i.e., epoxies and unsaturated polyesters), PVC, and elastomers. It is also widely used in textile applications as the flame retardant in latex-based back coatings.

2022: 22,000 lb

(1973) MORE THAN 5X10+5 G

(1975) MORE THAN 5X10+5 G

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#4285]

Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis[2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo]- 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).[EPA/Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics; High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge Program. Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis

For more U.S. Production (Complete) data for DECABROMODIPHENYL ETHER (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Decabromobiphenyl ether is manufactured by the exhaustive bromination of phenyl ether. ... Lewis acid catalysis and an excess of bromine are used to obtain high conversions of the less reactive under-brominated intermediates to decabromobiphenyl ether.

Decabromobiphenyl ether can be prepared at atmospheric pressure by reacting bromine with phenyl ether in ethylene dibromide solvent and in the presence of aluminum bromide catalyst.

... Production of decabromodiphenyl ether is carried out by using bromine as both the reactant and reaction medium. Diphenyl ether is added to the bromine in the presence of a catalyst and the rate of addition of diphenyl ether effectively controls the rate of reaction. The reaction is a batch process and the temperature of the reaction is around the boiling point of the bromine solvent (~59 °C).

Plastics -> Flame retardants

Plastics -> Polymer Type -> N.a.

Plastics Material and Resin Manufacturing

Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis[2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo-: ACTIVE

Decabromodiphenyl oxide (DBDPO) is commonly used in conjunction with antimony trioxide, which acts as a synergist, contributing to the flame retardancy of the textile. Typically, the flame retardant mixture consists of about 66 to 75% DBDPO and 25 to 33% antimony trioxide. The amount of DBDPO added to the mixture varies depending on the desired flame-retardant properties of the fabric.

Often plastic additives may be released by leaching. However, decabromodiphenyl ether in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene-polystyrene polymers did not leach into water even under conditions of elevated temperatures in the presence of 3% acetic acid (detection limit=0.5 ppm bromide).

In the 1990's, two types of flame retardants are preferred for outdoor fabrics, ... an antimony-bromine system based on decabromodiphenyl ether and antimony(III)oxide.