HBM4EU, an EU Horizon2020 project, has published an initial screening study to identify priority chemicals relevant for human bio-monitoring (HBM). From 62 flame retardants initially considered (alongside 8 other groups of chemicals, see pinfa Newsletter n°84), 20 are identified to receive further attention, based on concerns about potential toxicity and existing HBM data.
The majority of these are halogenated FRs, but melamine polyphosphate and seven non-halogenated phosphate esters (TPHP, TMPP, TNBP, TBOEP, TEHP, EHDPP, ip-TPP*) are also listed. Additionally, six further FRs are noted to have both no toxicological data and no HBM data, including one PIN substance: diethylphosphinic acid (this is however not used itself as a flame retardant, but rather its salts, particularly its aluminium salt). The project now intends to carry out further research into the 20 identified FRs (in particular collation and assessment of HBM data and evaluation of appropriate HBM methods for these substances), and also to look for further screening information on the six addition FRs considered to be lacking data.
HBM4EU Coordinating and Advancing Human BioMonitoring in Europe to Provide Evidence for Chemical Policy Making https://www.hbm4eu.eu/ and Scoping Document on Flame Retardants, 20/11/2017, 26 pages https://www.hbm4eu.eu/the-substances/flame-retardants/
* Acronyms: TPHP Triphenyl phosphate, TMPP Tricresyl phosphate, TNBP Tri-n-butyl phosphate, TBOEP Tri(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate, TEHP Tris(2-ethylhexyl), EHDPP 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate, ip-TPP Isopropyl triphenyl phosphate