In May 2020, the Australian Department of Health published an assessment report classifying the chemical tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA; CAS 79-94-7) as a category 2 carcinogen, meaning that it is suspected of causing cancer. The report provides data across the entire risk assessment including the manufacture and use of the substance, its estimated human and environmental exposure, and risk management measures.
TBBPA is a polybrominated flame retardant largely used in epoxy resins for printed circuit boards and electrical equipment housing. It is also included in the FACET database of food contact chemicals. It was identified in 2005 as a priority existing chemical under the Industrial Chemicals Act in Australia, and a public consultation on a draft version of the assessment closed on May 4, 2020. In the EU, TBBPA is suspected of causing cancer and is also undergoing an assessment for endocrine disruption.
Read More
Chemical Watch (May 6, 2020). “Australia publishes final risk assessment reports for TBBPA and pentaBDE.”
Reference
Australian Department of Health (May 2020). “Tetrabromobisphenol A Priority Existing Chemical Assessment Report – Assessment No. 42.” (pdf)
