PBDE

Definition of polybrominated diphenyl ether: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a particular class of flame retardant chemicals. These chemicals are often used as flame retardants in plastics for TV cabinets, consumer electronics, wire insulation, personal computers and small appliances. The benefit of these chemicals is their ability to slow ignition and rate of fire growth, and as a result increase available escape time in the event of a fire. This is the common definition for polybrominated diphenyl ether, other definitions can be discussed in the article

Notes

There is growing evidence that PBDEs persist in the environment and accumulate in living organisms. These chemicals can cause liver toxicity, thyroid toxicity, and neurodevelopmental toxicity. Traces of several PBDEs have been found in human breast milk, fish, aquatic birds, and elsewhere in the environment. Like organochlorine compounds PBDEs are very stable and fat soluble, they can bioaccumulate and biomagnify in a similar manner.