Toxicological aspects of halogen free flame retardants based on denitrification inhibition tests

The change from brominated flame retardants to nonhalogenated alternatives has started in the electronics industry. Information about toxicological aspects concerning the involved chemicals is however limited. This study shows that one nonhalogenated alternative has lower toxicity than the brominated flame retardant TBBPA, when tested for inhibition of denitrification. The other nonhalogenated alternative showed higher toxicity, but was more soluble in water than the brominated flame retardant TBBPA, indicating less risk for bioaccumulation. Denitrification is a bacterial process that is of great importance in soil and water environments