Title: Flame retardants & PVC in electronics – Electronics TakeBack Coalition
Headings: Flame retardants & PVC in electronics
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Flame retardants & PVC in electronics
Halogenated compounds
Which halogenated compounds are used in electronics?
Chlorine based compounds
Halogenated compounds’ hazards
Similarities to Dioxin
Halogenated chemicals are problematic at many phases of the lifecycle
Halogenated dioxins and furans

Content: Compounds that contain bromine and chlorine also tend to be particularly likely to bioaccumulate, be persistent and/or toxic [i] —or to degrade in the environment into new halogenated organic molecules with these troubling characteristics. As they accumulate over time, they can become widespread pollutants in air, water, soil, and sediment, where they are increasingly ingested by humans and animals. Moreover, as the climate changes over the next century, scientists believe that warming temperatures will increase the toxicity of many persistent organic pollutants in the environment [ii]. Similarities to Dioxin
Of particular concern is the ability of halogenated organics to act as pre-cursors for generating dioxin, a known human carcinogen [iii] that is toxic in very low amounts. Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and a leading science expert on BFRs and dioxins, led the U.S. EPA’s 1994 dioxin assessment process, which concluded that there was no safe level of dioxin exposure for humans [iv]. Exposing halogenated organics such as the BFRs, CFRs, and PVC in electronics to high heat by incineration or the burning practices commonly used in informal recycling in the developing world have been demonstrated to generate dioxins. [ v] Airborne dioxins travel the globe, and once they land, the dioxins can enter both terrestrial and aquatic food chains. The plastic casings from e-waste that unscrupulous recyclers sent to China is likely to be burned, generating dioxin, that is later carried by the wind currents back to the U.S.
Halogenated chemicals are problematic at many phases of the lifecycle
Scientists believe that substantial quantities of the halogenated compounds used in electronics products can be released into the environment at every stage of their lifecycles. This includes chemical manufacture, incorporation into products, and use of the products, as well as when they are disposed of or recycled [vi]. Organo-halogens can also produce toxic byproducts throughout their lifecycles, particularly when they are initially synthesized by chemical manufacturers.