Environmental concentrations and toxicology of 2,4,6-tribromophenol (TBP)

摘要

Abstract2,4,6-Tribromophenol is the most widely produced brominated phenol. In the present review, we summarize studies dealing with this substance from an environmental point of view. We cover concentrations in the abiotic and biotic environment including humans, toxicokinetics as well as toxicodynamics, and show gaps of the current knowledge about this chemical.2,4,6-Tribomophenol occurs as an intermediate during the synthesis of brominated flame retardants and it similarly represents a degradation product of these substances. Moreover, it is used as a pesticide but also occurs as a natural product of some aquatic organisms. Due to its many sources, 2,4,6-tribromophenol is ubiquitously found in the environment. Nevertheless, not much is known about its toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics. It is also unclear which role the structural isomer 2,4,5-tribromophenol and several degradation products such as 2,4-dibromophenol play in the environment. Due to new flame retardants that enter the market and can degrade to 2,4,6-tribromophenol, this compound will remain relevant in future years – not only in aquatic matrices, but also in house dust and foodstuff, which are an important exposure route for humans.Graphical abstractDisplay OmittedHighlights•We summarize publications regarding the sources and environmental behavior of TBP.•TBP is emitted to the environment as an intermediate and degradation product of BFRs.•TBP is not only anthropogenically produced, but also naturally occurring.•TBP has been detected in abiotic and biotic matrices including house dust and humans.•The limited knowledge about toxicokinetics and toxicodynamics of TBP is summarized.Due to natural and anthropogenic sources, 2,4,6-tribromophenol is ubiquitously found in the environment, but not much is known regarding its toxicokinetics and -dynamics.