Q. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?

1. They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
2. They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

• 1 only
• 2 only
• Both 1 and 2
• Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)

• Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) belong to a large class of compounds known as organohalogens. 
• BFRs have an inhibitory effect on combustion chemistry and tend to reduce the flammability of products containing them.
• They are effective in plastics and textile applications like electronics, clothes, and furniture. They are also used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery.
• Some brominated flame retardants, such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), persist and bioaccumulate in the environment, potentially having toxic effects on organisms.
• They can accumulate in humans and animals causing many diseases. 
• There is also concern that levels could cause adverse effects in sensitive human populations such as young children, indigenous peoples, and fish consumers.
• They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.