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CAS 87-82-1

HBB

Hexabromobenzene (HBB) is a brominated flame retardant once used in plastics, textiles, and electronics [1][2]. It persists in the environment and can build up in people and wildlife [3][4].

Where It Comes From

Added to plastic, rubber, and textile products; releases during product use, disposal, and e‑waste recycling [2][3][4].

How You Are Exposed

Breathing or ingesting indoor dust; handling older electronics/furniture; eating contaminated fish or game; workplace air/dust during recycling or waste handling [3][4].

Why It Matters

Persistent and bioaccumulative; animal studies show liver and thyroid hormone effects and developmental toxicity; harmful to aquatic life. Human data are limited [2][3][4].

Who Is at Risk

Workers in electronics recycling, waste management, or legacy manufacturing; young children (hand‑to‑mouth dust); people who eat a lot of locally caught fish [3][4].

How to Lower Your Exposure

Wet‑dust and use a HEPA vacuum; wash hands before eating; safely recycle electronics; avoid open burning; follow local fish advisories; consider products without added brominated flame retardants [2][3][4].

References

  1. [1]US EPA. CompTox Chemicals Dashboard: Hexabromobenzene (CASRN 87-82-1). https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard
  2. [2]US EPA. TSCA Work Plan for Chemical Assessments (includes HBB). https://www.epa.gov/assessing-and-managing-chemicals-under-tsca/tsca-work-plan-chemicals
  3. [3]ECHA. Substance Information: Hexabromobenzene. https://echa.europa.eu/substance-information
  4. [4]Health Canada & Environment Canada. Screening Assessment: Hexabromobenzene. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/chemical-substances.html

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