Concentrations and legislative aspects of PBDEs in plastic of waste electrical and electronic equipment in Brazil

Author(s)

Melo, Hansel David Burgos ; de Souza-Araujo, Juliana ; Garzon, Laura Geraldine Benavides ; Marcedo, Joao Carlos ; Cardoso, Rafael ; Mancini, Sandro Donnini ; Harrad, Stuart ; Rosa, Andre Henrique

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Science of The Total Environment; v. 906, p. 8-pg., 2023-09-29.

Abstract

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been widely used as additives in polymeric products such as electronic and electrical equipment (EEE) to help meet fire safety regulations. However, some BFRs like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), are now listed under the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and banned in many countries, due to their adverse health impacts, environmental persistence, and capacity for bioaccumulation and long-range atmospheric transport. Despite this, in Brazil, only a few studies exist of the presence of these contaminants in the environment, and even fewer in waste EEE (WEEE). Against this backdrop, this study measured the presence of PBDEs in samples (n = 159) of WEEE in the metropolitan region of Sorocaba, Sao Paulo, Brazil. PBDEs were detected in 149 samples, with concentrations in 18 samples exceeding the Eu-ropean Union's Low POP Content Limit (LPCL) of 1000 mg/kg. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) was the congener present at the highest concentration in most samples, with those of other PBDEs such as BDE-47 much (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 21/11549-0 - Environmental and human health exposure risk of polyfluoroalkyl and brominated flame retardants substances in natural waters and house dust in the Metropolitan Region of Sorocaba
• Grantee: Juliana Araujo Ávila
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 22/00985-6 - Presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in solid waste and their impact for implementing a circular economy
• Grantee: André Henrique Rosa
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 22/14797-7 - Presence of Persistent Organic Pollutants (BDEs, HBCD and Cl-OPFRs) in solid waste: risk of exposure and its impact on the recycling process
• Grantee: Hansel David Burgos Melo
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate