Regulators Zero in on HBCD Flame Retardant

The flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is being addressed by both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Canadian agencies Environment Canada and Health Canada. HBCD is a brominated flame retardant that is used in all polystyrene building insulation—both extruded (XPS) and expanded (EPS)—as well as in certain consumer products. These agencies are laying the groundwork for regulation of the chemical to address health and environmental concerns.

According to EPA, HBCD is found worldwide in wildlife and the environment, as well as in human breast milk, fatty tissue, and blood. It bioaccumulates in living organisms up the food chain, persists in the environment, and is transported long distances in natural systems. EPA considers HBCD to be highly toxic to aquatic organisms, and believes the chemical presents human health concerns based on animal test results “indicating potential reproductive, developmental, and neurological effects,” according to information on its website.

According to an action plan it released on August 18, 2010, EPA is considering the following steps: