The Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (SFT) has carried out a material flow analysis to collect data on the use, dispersal and emissions of brominated flame retardants in Norway, particularly of penta-, octa- and decabromodiphenylethers (penta-DBE, octa-DBE, deca-DBE), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD).

300 tonnes per year
The analysis shows that the registered consumption of brominated flame retardants in Norway is about 300 tonnes per year. The largest area of use is tetrabromobisphenol A in printed circuit boards in EEE. The use of hexabromocyclododecane and deca-bromodiphenylether amounts to 30–50 tonnes per year. 

Mainly used in EEE
Around 2/3 of the brominated flame retardants that are consumed each year in Norway are found in EEE. Other important product groups in which brominated flame retardants are found are insulation materials and textiles, upholstery, plastics and electronics in cars.

Waste collection and recovery routines reduce waste problem
According to Norwegian legislation EEE shall be specially collected so that some of the materials are recovered. As a result, the emissions of brominated flame retardant are lower than the actual consumption. However, this correlation will have to be studied further. 

For more information:

• Brominated flame retardants: Summary of the material flow analysis   
• Action plan for flame retardants (09.01.03)

Contacts:

• Head of Section Anne-Grethe Kolstad, Section for Chemicals and the Chemical Industry
  Telephone: +47 22 57 35 05,  E-mail: anne-grethe.kolstad@sft.no   
• Senior Advisor Solvår Hardeng, Division for Chemicals and the Chemical Industry
  Telephone: +47 22 57 34 64, E-mail: solvar.hardeng@sft.no