Long abstract

About Statistics Publications & Documents Information by Country

OECD Member countries chose brominated flame retardants as one of the five chemicals (or groups of chemicals) to be included in an initial pilot project on co-operative risk reduction. An OECD Clearing House made up of the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom began collecting information in support of this Risk Reduction Monograph in 1993. Drafts of the document were developed with the support of Mr Pedro Arias, a consultant to the OECD.

This document reflects information provided in 1993-1994 and should be considered as a "snapshot" of the most recent thinking and activities during this time period. For countries considering risk reduction, or additional risk reduction measures, for selected brominated flame retardants, this document may assist in evaluating the effectiveness of national strategies by identifying common trends in the setting of criteria, standards or national policies. It may also suggest rationales, and possibilities, for concerted international actions, if necessary.

General information on brominated flame retardants is summarized in Chapter 1 and the appendices. However, the discussions of exposure and effects in Chapters 2 through 5 mainly address only polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), polybrominated diphenyl oxides (PBDPOs) and tétrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).

Where risk reduction activities for brominated flame retardants are in place or contemplated in Member countries, they are expected to continue to create information and technology conduits, and to promote the development and transfer of knowledge regarding the nature and efficacy of responses to situations in which countries believe the risk resulting from exposure to brominated flame retardants is unacceptable.