Brominated flame retardants in the European chemicals policy of REACH-Regulation and determination in materials

The EU REACH legislation will require the registration of 30,000 currently marketed chemicals, including the main commercial BFRs in use (Deca-BDE, HBCD and TBBP-A). Much of the data needed for registration are already available, thanks to risk assessments of continued production and use already undertaken in the EU. Within the authorisation, substitution by less hazardous chemicals is encouraged. Both qualitative and quantitative methods for the analysis of flame-retarded polymers are needed in order that the identity and concentration of the BFRs can be established and compliance with regulations including the RoHS Directive demonstrated. These are reviewed.