US EPA concludes “unreasonable risks” to the environment and to workers from the brominated flame retardant HBCD. The updated and final Risk Assessment of hexabromocyclododecane and the cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster (HBCD), published by the US Environmental Protection Agency on 29th December 2021, supersedes the use-specific no unreasonable risk determinations of the previous version (September 2020). The final Risk Assessment concludes impacts on aquatic plants, fish embryos, survival of aquatic invertebrates, reproduction and survival of earthworms. The priority human health impact is on the thyroid hormone. Unreasonable risk was concluded for import, processing in formulations and in articles, recycling, installation of construction materials and demolition, but not for consumer use of final products.
“EPA Finds Unreasonable Risks for HBCD Flame Retardants”, 7 January 2022 https://ehsdailyadvisor.blr.com/2022/01/epa-finds-unreasonable-risks-for-hbcd-flame-retardants/ and EPA “Risk Evaluation for Cyclic Aliphatic Bromide Cluster (HBCD)” December 2021 https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/risk-evaluation-cyclic-aliphatic-bromide-cluster-hbcd