Brominated-RoHS Flame Retardants

At MassLab, we offer comprehensive testing services for brominated flame retardants to ensure that your products comply with regulatory standards and safeguard both the environment and human health. Brominated flame retardants are chemical compounds that contain bromine and are used to delay or prevent combustion. They are commonly applied in industries such as electronics, plastics, textiles, and automotive to reduce fire risks. However, some brominated flame retardants have been found to exert harmful effects on both the environment and human health.

What Are Brominated Flame Retardants and Why Are They Restricted?

Brominated flame retardants are chemicals that incorporate bromine atoms into their structure and impart flame-retardant properties to materials. The most common types include polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBB). Although these compounds are effective in reducing the risk of fire, they can release harmful aromatic amines under certain conditions—such as skin contact or ingestion. These aromatic amines are known to disrupt hormonal balance, exhibit carcinogenic and neurotoxic effects, and tend to bioaccumulate in the environment. Consequently, many countries, particularly within the European Union, have imposed strict limits on their use.

Applications of Brominated Flame Retardants

Brominated flame retardants are used in a wide range of products to reduce fire risks:

• Electronics and Circuit Boards:
  Commonly used in devices such as televisions, computers, mobile phones, and power supplies.
• Plastics:
  Added to PVC, ABS, and other plastics used in electrical cables, outlets, and various plastic components.
• Automotive Parts:
  Used in interior components, seating, and cable insulation to enhance fire resistance.
• Textile Products:
  Incorporated in fabrics and other materials to improve heat resistance.
• Construction and Insulation Materials:
  Applied to building materials to improve fire safety.

IEC 62321-6:2015 Standard

The IEC 62321-6:2015 standard provides an internationally accepted methodology for analyzing brominated flame retardants in products to ensure RoHS compliance. This standard is specifically focused on detecting and quantifying PBDE and PBB in electronic and electrical products, thereby helping manufacturers verify that their products meet the RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive.

Testing Methods for Brominated Flame Retardants

1. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

• Method Overview:
  GC-MS is widely used to separate and quantify volatile organic compounds, including PBDEs and PBBs.
• Process:
  The sample is vaporized and separated chromatographically in the gas phase, and the mass spectrometer then analyzes the bromine-containing components to determine their concentration.
• Advantages:
  Offers high sensitivity and accuracy, making it one of the preferred methods for analyzing brominated flame retardants.

2. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)

• Method Overview:
  XRF is a rapid and non-destructive method for detecting bromine in materials.
• Process:
  It measures the bromine content directly, providing a quick screening method for RoHS compliance.
• Advantages:
  While ideal for preliminary screening, XRF is often followed by more sensitive techniques like GC-MS for confirmation. It is particularly useful when testing large numbers of samples efficiently.

Regulatory Framework

Due to the potential health risks associated with brominated flame retardants, various regulatory measures have been established:

• RoHS Directive (EU):
  Mandates that electronic products contain only trace levels of PBDEs and PBBs.
• REACH Regulation (EU):
  Classifies these chemicals as hazardous and imposes strict usage limits.
• US CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act):
  Restricts the use of brominated flame retardants in children’s products.

MassLab’s Brominated Flame Retardant Testing Services

MassLab offers brominated flame retardant testing services that adhere to IEC 62321-6:2015 standards, ensuring that your products meet RoHS requirements. Our modern analytical instruments and experienced team conduct precise analyses of PBDEs and PBBs across various industries including electronics, plastics, automotive, and textiles. With our reliable testing services, you can ensure that your products comply with legal regulations and are safe for consumers.

For more detailed information or to request an analysis, please contact us. Our dependable testing solutions help you achieve global compliance and enhance product safety.