BRUSSELS -- Technical experts from EU member states this week reviewed a draft environment assessment of the brominated flame retardant TBBPA.

The assessment is being carried out by the UK on behalf of the EU under the EU Existing Substances Regulation.


At the meeting it was agreed that, following completion of a new set of studies, the assessment should be largely concluded at the group's meeting next March, according to a statement issued today by Lawrie McLaren, program director of the BSEF.

The BSEF is an international organization of the bromine chemical industry whose mission is to inform stakeholders and commission science on brominated chemicals such as flame retardants.

Already, an EU human health assessment has been completed for TBBPA for which conclusions indicate no need for risk reduction measures. TBBPA is a reactive brominated flame retardant whose major use is in the printed circuit boards of more than 90% of today’s electrical and electronics products.