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Pentabromodiphenyl ether (PentaBDE)

CAS 32534-81-9

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Also known as: pentabromodiphenyl ether, pentabde, penta-bde

Part of family: Brominated flame retardants (PBDEs), Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)

What it is + why it's regulated

Pentabromodiphenyl ether, often called PentaBDE, is a flame retardant that was added to products like furniture foam, electronics, and plastics to slow down burning. It belongs to a family of chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PentaBDE is regulated because it does not break down easily in the environment, builds up in living things, and can travel long distances. The European Union restricts it under the RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU Annex II) because it is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) listed under the Stockholm Convention. This means it poses long-term risks to wildlife and ecosystems. Products sold in the EU must contain less than 0.1% PentaBDE by weight. The restriction helps reduce exposure to this chemical. Source: EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU Annex II (with 2015/863 amendment) at https://echa.europa.eu/scientific-research-projects/rohs. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative.

Listed reason: Family member of restricted PBDE; Stockholm POP

Authoritative source

Issuing body: EU RoHS Restricted Substances
Primary register: https://echa.europa.eu/scientific-research-projects/rohs

Always verify each fact at the primary register before acting on it.

What this is NOT

ProductGuru is an INDEX of public regulatory data, not a primary source. This page is not medical, occupational-health, or legal advice. Every claim above is drawn from the issuing-agency register linked. Inclusion in our index is not endorsement, condemnation, or hazard assessment.

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