The electrical and electronic engineering industry is a major consumer of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), using them to reduce flammability in plastic components for electronics. Despite existing regulations, studies have detected BFRs like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in various consumer products.
This study shows that toxic chemicals are present in toys, kitchen utensils and other consumer products purchased in markets in Africa and the Middle East. BFRs regulated under the Stockholm Convention were found in consumer products from a number of countries in the region at high concentrations, suggesting that the products were made of recycled plastic from plastic e-waste and end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) -- plastics where BFRs are commonly used.
To address this issue, more stringent measures for controlling BFRs in products and waste are recommended in this report.
Within the framework of the “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” project to assist countries in reviewing and updating their national implementation plans, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is executing Component 4, which focuses on the dissemination of information, management of knowledge and liaising with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat in providing information and tools to be integrated with existing materials and makes them easily accessible and understandable by all parties to the convention.