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CAS 32536-52-0
Also known as: pentabde, pentabromodiphenyl ether, octabde, octabromodiphenyl ether
Part of family: Brominated flame retardants (PBDEs)
Hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether are flame retardants, meaning they are chemicals added to products to slow down or prevent fires. They belong to a group called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which were commonly used in plastics, electronics, furniture foam, and textiles. These substances are regulated because they are persistent organic pollutants (POPs)—they don't break down easily in the environment, can travel long distances, and build up in the bodies of animals and people. The Stockholm Convention on POPs, a global treaty, added these chemicals to its list in 2009 (Annex A) for elimination. This means countries that signed the treaty agree to stop producing and using them, with some exceptions. The concern is that long-term exposure may harm wildlife and human health, though the exact risks are still studied. This summary draws on public regulatory data; the linked source is authoritative. Source: Stockholm Convention on POPs (https://www.pops.int/TheConvention/ThePOPs/ListingofPOPs/)
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