"A controversial substance once commonly used as a flame retardant poses outsize risks to both human health and the environment, according to EPA, in a decision that formalizes a new “whole chemical” approach to assessing the dangers of a compound.

Cyclic aliphatic bromide cluster, typically stylized as HBCD, presents “an unreasonable risk of injury” to workers throughout a range of uses from import and processing to commercial use and disposal, EPA determined. Additionally, the agency emphasized that HBCD poses a threat to aquatic and sediment-dwelling organisms, disrupting hatching growth for fish in particular.

HBCD is present in common items including building insulation, furniture and electronics, and its health impacts include possible reproductive, developmental and neurological damage."

E.A. Crunden reports for E&E News June 29, 2022. [2]