Where It Comes From
Electronics (epoxy resins in circuit boards) and some plastics; releases during manufacturing, use, and e‑waste handling [1][3].
How You Are Exposed
Swallowing or breathing household dust; hand-to-mouth after touching electronics; certain foods (e.g., seafood); jobs making or recycling electronics; transfer during pregnancy and through breast milk [1][3][4].
Why It Matters
In animals, TBBPA disrupts thyroid hormones and can affect development; NTP found increased tumors in long-term studies. Human data are limited [1][2].
Who Is at Risk
Electronics workers and informal e‑waste recyclers; pregnant people, infants, and toddlers (developing thyroid/brain; more dust contact); communities near e‑waste sites [1][3][4].
How to Lower Your Exposure
Wet‑dust and HEPA vacuum; wash hands before eating and after device handling; keep kids’ areas dust‑free; use certified e‑waste recyclers—don’t burn or dismantle electronics at home [1][3][5].
References
- [1]CDC. Biomonitoring Summary: Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA). National Biomonitoring Program.
- [2]NTP. Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of TBBPA (CAS 79-94-7) in Rats and Mice. Technical Report 587, 2014.
- [3]U.S. EPA. TSCA Work Plan Chemical: Problem Formulation and Initial Assessment for TBBPA, 2015.
- [4]WHO/UNEP. State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals, 2012.
- [5]U.S. EPA. Sustainable Management of Electronics (eCycling) website.