More clues to HBCD isomer mystery

摘要

European scientists have published the most compelling explanation to date for why a trace component of the popular hexabromocyclodo-decane (HBCD) flame retardant is bioaccumulating in North American and European wildlife. The new research by Jan Boon of the Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ) and his colleagues, which is published in this issue (pp 2095-2100), is raising questions about whether HBCD is a suitable replacement for the "Penta" and "Octa" polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardant formulations that have been banned in Europe and are being phased out in North America (Environ. Sci. Tech- nol. 2003,37,8A-9A).