title: Biodegradation of brominated and organophosphorus flame retardants.
abstract: Brominated flame retardants account for about 21% of the total production of flame retardants and many of these have been identified as persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. Nevertheless, debromination of these chemicals under anaerobic conditions is well established, although this can increase their toxicity. Consequently, the production and use of these chemicals has been restricted and alternative products have been developed. Many of these are brominated compounds and share some of the disadvantages of the chemicals they are meant to replace. Therefore, other, nonbrominated, flame retardants such as organophosphorus compounds are also being used in increasing quantities, despite the fact that knowledge of their biodegradation and environmental fate is often lacking.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Center for Safety of Substances and Products, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Susanne L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Waaijers
authors.affiliation: Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics (IBED), University of Amsterdam, P.O. Box 94240, 1092 GE Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address: j.r.parsons@uva.nl.
authors.forename: John R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Parsons
mesh_terms: D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D001966:Bromine / Q000378:metabolism*; D004986:Ether / Q000378:metabolism; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D010755:Organophosphates / Q000378:metabolism*; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D005411:Flame Retardants; D010755:Organophosphates; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls; D004986:Ether; D001966:Bromine