• Flame retardants in electronics degrade into toxic molecules, posing risks to wildlife and human health.
• Zebrafish tests reveal metabolic dysfunction and developmental harm from these chemicals.
• Current regulations fail to monitor these widely used but harmful substances.
• Breakdown products of TBBPA-based polymers were found in soil, dust, and air near e-waste facilities.
• Researchers call for stricter global regulations to address this growing environmental and health crisis.

In a troubling revelation, new research has uncovered that flame retardants widely used in electronic devices such as cell phones that are marketed as safe and environmentally friendly are actually breaking down into toxic molecules that threaten both wildlife and human health.

The study, published March 6 in Nature Sustainability, found that these chemicals, known as polymeric flame retardants, degrade into harmful byproducts in soil, dust, and air near electronic waste recycling facilities in southern China. Tests on zebrafish revealed that these breakdown products cause metabolic dysfunction and potential developmental harm, raising concerns about their impact on humans.

The findings highlight a critical gap in regulations, as these chemicals remain largely unmonitored despite their widespread use in smartphones, laptops, and other electronics. While the European Union and other regions have banned similar toxic substances, the U.S. and other countries continue to allow their use, leaving consumers and the environment at risk.

A false sense of security

Polymeric flame retardants, such as those based on tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), were introduced as a “safer” alternative to older, toxic flame retardants like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). Industry proponents have long argued that these large polymer molecules are inert and unlikely to degrade or enter living organisms. However, the new study debunks this claim, showing that these polymers break down into smaller, more harmful molecules in the environment.

Researchers identified 76 breakdown products of TBBPA-based polymers in environmental samples collected near e-waste recycling facilities in southern China. These smaller molecules, with molecular weights ranging from 400 to 2,000 Da, were found in soil, dust, and air, suggesting they can easily spread and accumulate in ecosystems.

“Our study suggests polymers can act as a Trojan horse for toxic chemicals,” said Da Chen, senior author of the study and a scientist at Jinan University in China. “They are added to products as inert large molecules, but over time they can degrade, exposing us to their harmful breakdown products.”

Zebrafish tests reveal alarming toxicity

To assess the potential health risks, researchers exposed zebrafish embryos to the breakdown products. The results were alarming: the chemicals caused metabolic dysfunction and showed signs of developmental harm. Mitochondrial dysfunction, a key toxicity mechanism, was identified as a major concern.

“Because the production volume is so high, we think you’re going to get lots of these small molecules coming out of the environment and into us,” said Miriam Diamond, a co-author of the study and researcher at the University of Toronto.

The implications extend beyond zebrafish. Humans are exposed to these chemicals during the manufacturing, use, and disposal of electronic devices. With millions of tons of e-waste generated annually, the risk of widespread contamination is significant.

The study’s authors argue that the current lack of regulation is unacceptable. “Big molecules made of harmful small molecules need to be regulated. They shouldn’t get a free pass,” said Arlene Blum, a co-author and executive director of the Green Science Policy Institute.

One major hurdle is the lack of transparency surrounding these chemicals. Companies are not required to disclose the exact composition of their flame retardants, making it difficult for researchers and regulators to assess their safety. Blum noted that while an estimated 450 tons of TBBPA-based polycarbonate are produced annually in the U.S., detailed data on their use and environmental impact are scarce.

The study also raises concerns about other types of polymers, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are used in textiles, food packaging, and cosmetics. Like polymeric flame retardants, PFAS have been linked to serious health risks, yet they remain poorly regulated.

A global problem

The findings underscore the need for stricter regulations and better oversight of chemical safety. While the European Union has banned many toxic flame retardants, the U.S. lags behind, with only 13 states implementing partial restrictions. This patchwork of regulations leaves consumers vulnerable and allows harmful chemicals to persist in the environment.

“It shouldn’t be up to us as environmental chemists to figure this out after this chemical has gone into high production,” Diamond said.

As the use of electronic devices continues to grow, so does the urgency to address this issue. Without swift action, the hidden dangers of polymeric flame retardants could have far-reaching consequences for public health and the environment.

Sources for this article include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

DailyMail.co.uk

Nature.com

ChildrensHealthDefense.org