The EPA is considering hexabromocyclododecane, a brominated flame retardant made up of various mixtures of its 16 isomers (herein: HBCD), for action under the Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA). This is in addition to two other groups of compounds already discussed in previous Lab Science News articles.

HBCD is ubiquitous in the environment throughout the world and is also found in human tissues, including blood, adipose, and breast milk. When released into the environment, it can travel great distances, bioaccumulating and biomagnifing in the food chain. In addition to its high toxicity to aquatic organisms, studies have also linked HBCD to reproductive, developmental, and neurological effects in humans, with a potentially higher impact on children because of their smaller size.

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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a series of actions on four chemicals raising serious health or environmental concerns, including phthalates. For the first time, EPA intends to establish a “Chemicals of Concern” list and is beginning a process that may lead to regulations requiring significant risk reduction measures to protect human health and the environment. The agency’s actions represent its determination to use its authority under the existing Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) to the fullest extent possible, recognizing EPA’s strong belief that the 1976 law is both outdated and in need of reform.

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