Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
![Molecules](images/molecule5a.jpg)
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame-retardant chemicals that are added to plastics and foam products to make them difficult to burn. There are different kinds of PBDEs; some have only a few bromine atoms attached, while some have as many as ten bromine attached to the central molecule.
PBDEs exist as mixtures of similar chemicals called congeners. Because they are mixed into plastics and foams rather than bound to them, PBDEs can leave the products that contain them and enter the environment.
- Page last reviewed: February 1, 2009
- Page last updated: February 1, 2009
- Content source: Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry
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