Brominated flame retardants are a group of around 70 substances that contain the chemical element bromine. They are used in a variety of products from textiles to electronics to prevent them from catching fire.
These chemicals reduce the risk of fire by raising the ignition temperature of materials. Brominated flame retardants are particularly widely used in electrical and electronic equipment, paint, car parts, synthetic textiles, furniture, construction materials and packaging.
Many of them are considered persistent organic pollutants, and most of them are now illegal to use. We are exposed to these chemicals through the air and our food, and in the case of seafood they are found in fatty fish.
Published: 29.03.2019 Updated: 12.06.2019
