Polybrominated biphenyls

Synonyms

Firemaster BP-6; Biphenyl, hexabromo- (technical grade); Hexabromobiphenyl (technical grade); PBB; Polybrominated biphenyls; [ChemIDplus]

Category

Halogenated Polyaromatics

Sources/Uses

Used as flame retardants; [Sullivan, p. 766]

Comments

In animal studies, the effects are similar to those of PCBs. No human diseases have been linked to occupational exposure to polybrominated biphenyls. [Sullivan, p. 766] Listed in a table of "Chloracne-Producing Chemicals"; [Rosenstock, p. 714] There is evidence that PBBs can cause fetal loss and testicular damage in experimental animals. [ATSDR Case Studies #29] "The accepted view is that exposure to PBBs or PCBs leads to hepatic injury only when they are sufficiently contaminated with PCDFs." (PCDFs = polychlorinated dibenzofurans.) [Zimmerman, p. 395] Polybrominated biphenyls cause malignant liver tumors in feeding studies of rats and mice; [IARC] See "2,4,5,2',4',5'-Hexabromobiphenyl."

The manufacturing of PBBs stopped in the US in 1976. [ATSDR ToxFAQs]

Biomedical References

Yes

Reference Link #2

Hepatoxic (a) from occupational exposure (secondary effect) or (b) in animal studies or in humans after ingestion

Yes

Chloracne

Probable (2a)

Anticipated human carcinogen

Diseases

Occupational diseases associated with exposure to this agent:

• Chloracne