29 Sep How TBBPA, the most widely used brominated flame retardant in the world, keeps our every day electronics safe

Tetrabromobisphenol-a, TBBPA is the most commonly used brominated flame retardant due to its effectiveness, applicability, safety and regulatory status. Used all around the world, TBBPA is a substance registered for use in the European Union under the REACH legislation. The EU risk assessment of TBBPA found that the risk reduction measures currently in place are sufficient.

With an average of over 20 electronic and electrical appliances in homes, most electronic devices now contain printed circuit boards that provide intelligent and interactive functions. With such a large potential fire load, it is essential that the plastic components do not pose a fire risk for homes or consumers during their use, particularly given that electrical devices routinely carry electric currents and thus generate heat as a by-product.

Fire safety standards developed at international and regional level (including the EU) help ensure that electrical and electronic equipment is safe for use. Chemical flame retardants are widely used to help meet specific standards for electrical and electronic equipment for particular components.

TBBPA serves a vital role in improving the fire safety of virtually all types of electronics as well as civilian and defence communication equipment. This is increasingly important given the miniaturisation of electronics, where more heat is produced within smaller devices.

Find out more about TBBPA’s uses, regulatory status, and life cycle in products in our BSEF factsheet. Click here!