Analytical and environmental aspects of the flame retardant tetrabromobisphenol-A and its derivatives

J Chromatogr A. 2009 Jan 16;1216(3):346-63. doi: 10.1016/j.chroma.2008.08.035. Epub 2008 Aug 14.

Abstract

The present article reviews the available literature on the analytical and environmental aspects of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A), a currently intensively used brominated flame retardant (BFR). Analytical methods, including sample preparation, chromatographic separation, detection techniques, and quality control are discussed. An important recent development in the analysis of TBBP-A is the growing tendency for liquid chromatographic techniques. At the detection stage, mass-spectrometry is a well-established and reliable technology in the identification and quantification of TBBP-A. Although interlaboratory exercises for BFRs have grown in popularity in the last 10 years, only a few participating laboratories report concentrations for TBBP-A. Environmental levels of TBBP-A in abiotic and biotic matrices are low, probably due to the major use of TBBP-A as reactive FR. As a consequence, the expected human exposure is low. This is in agreement with the EU risk assessment that concluded that there is no risk for humans concerning TBBP-A exposure. Much less analytical and environmental information exists for the various groups of TBBP-A derivatives which are largely used as additive flame retardants.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis
  • Environmental Pollutants / toxicity
  • Flame Retardants / analysis*
  • Flame Retardants / toxicity
  • Food Contamination
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Humans
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / analysis*
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / toxicity
  • Quality Control
  • Risk Assessment

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Flame Retardants
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls
  • tetrabromobisphenol A