Evaluation of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants from various materials in professional seating furnishing wastes from French flows. (15th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Portet-Koltalo, Florence; Guibert, Nicolas; Morin, C.; de Mengin-Fondragon, Florence; Frouard, Adèle
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 131(2021)
• Page Start: 108
• Page End: 116
• Publication Date: 2021-07-15
• Subjects: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers -- Waste furnishings -- Hard plastics -- Foams -- Soft furnishings; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2021.05.038
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: PBDEs were measured in various materials from seating furniture wastes. A single MAE-GC/MS process was adapted for both plastics, foams and textiles. From 100 samples the sum of 8 PBDEs did not exceed the tolerated threshold. BDE-209 was identified at higher contents mainly in hard plastics. No direct correlation could be found between Br levels measured by XRF and PBDEs. Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are brominated flame retardants that are used in polymeric materials. Due to their adverse health effects, the use of recycled wastes has been forbidden if the total PBDE content exceeds 0.1% (w/w). The objective was to estimate the proportion of PBDEs in professional seating furnishing wastes to identify the materials in which the content of PBDEs (and particularly BDE-209) could exceed the limit to eliminate them from recycling. An analytical process (microwave extraction followed by purification and chromatographic analysis) was adapted to assess with a unique methodology the amounts of eight PBDEs in materials that result from various seating wastes, such as hard plastics, foams and accompanying textiles. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used to rapidly predict critical PBDE concentrations via Br. From 100 samples, the total PBDE content did not exceed the current tolerated threshold. The examined materials contained only trace levels of former PBDE formulations, and BDE-209 was identified at higher amounts, mainly in hard plastics, but these amounts were less than 312 mg kg −1 . Since XRF was not reliable for quantitative measurements and was not specific, no direct correlation could be identified between Br and PBDE levels. Br was strongly associated with As in all the materials, but the presence of PBDEs was not clearly associated with the presence of other metals that are used in flame retardants.