Environmental BFR levels still not declining

Levels of the brominated flame retardant (BFR) decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE) are still not decreasing in the UK environment, research shows, despite an initiative to cut emissions at industrial sites.

The Voluntary Emissions Control Action Programme (VECAP) was set up in 2004 in response to concerns over the persistence of decaBDE and fears it might break down into more toxic products in the environment.

Decemonitor, a ten-year project to track levels in bird eggs, river sediment and sewage sludge in the UK, the Netherlands and Norway was set up at the same time.VECAP was later expanded to cover two other common flame retardants: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA).