Assessment of Occupational Exposure to Flame Retardants

National Institute Of Environmental Health Sciences

Investigators

Abstract

Flame retardants in US products are changing rapidly primarily because the most common flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), were phased out from 2004 to 2013 because of reported evidence of liver and thyroid effects, developmental changes and neurotoxicity (EPA 2012). Many consumer products which previously used PBDEs now use alternative flame retardants. Occupational exposure to these alternative flame retardants is not currently well characterized. This project will assess exposure to nine alternative flame retardants plus a panel of PBDEs. Exposure will be assessed among workers involved in the manufacture, installation or use of goods containing these nine alternative flame retardants. These worksite categories will be included in the study: manufacture of products that use flexible polyurethane foams, plastics, or resins, fabrication and manufacture of rigid polystyrene foam, cutting, installing or spraying polyurethane foam insulation at construction sites, gymnasiums, manufacture of wire harnesses or printed circuit boards, and fire service. Site visits will optimize sampling methods to assess exposure to dominant flame retardants used in each worksite category. In FY16 a database system was built and refined so that information collected as part of the study can be securely stored and processed. The site visit report for an air sampling only study was completed and a report on exposures in firefighters was finalized. Multiple exposure assessments were conducted at nail salons, and sites that use or manufacture isopolyurethane roofing boards and spray polyurethane foam. Site visit reports are being prepared for the exposure assessments completed in FY16.