The analysis used earlier investigations of the use of brominated flame retardants as a starting point. On the basis of information from these investigations, it was decided to focus mainly on the following branches and products:

• Electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) 
• Insulation materials 
• Textiles 
• Paints, varnishes and glues 
• Vehicles 
• Raw materials for plastics, chemicals

There are about 70 different brominated organic compounds that can be used as flame retardants. Appendix 3 lists the substances that are in use. 

The table below shows Norway’s consumption of brominated flame retardants in 2001. Norway imports its entire consumption of these substances as the chemicals themselves, in raw materials and intermediate products for processing to plastics, or in finished products.

The figures in the table show net consumption in Norway in 2001, i.e. imports minus exports (finished goods) and production waste (from the manufacture of finished goods in Norway). In the column “various brominated compounds” only totals are given because no information is available on the figures for individual brominated compounds. The figures are partly based on information from Norwegian manufactures who use brominated flame retardants in their products and partly on estimates.

Consumption of brominated flame retardants in Norway in 2001, by type of compound  

* This category is for areas of use where the split between different brominated compounds is unknown 
** The product group may also contain other brominated compounds in small quantities
*** Mainly TBBPA, but also small quantities of poly-BDE and other brominated compounds

The table shows that TBBPA accounts for between half and two thirds of total consumption. Consumption of HBCD and deca-BDE is considerably lower. It is not possible to compare the results from this material flow analysis with the analysis that was carried out in 1998, since the range of products included is different, especially as regards EEE items. In 1998, imported EEE items were not included, and the survey of insulation materials was incomplete.

The accuracy of the figures for insulation materials and textiles is high. The estimates of consumption in circuit boards and EEE items manufactured in Norway are also considered to be relatively reliable. However, the level of uncertainty is substantially higher for imported EEE items. The estimate of use in vehicles is uncertain. 

Average consumption of brominated flame retardants in other Western European countries is higher than the figures for Norway in this survey. The difference can partly be explained by the fact that Norway has a rather different consumption profile for certain products. For example, little  EPS/XPS containing flame retardants is used in Norwegian buildings, and brominated flame retardants are not use in Norwegian production of PUR for furniture, mattresses and insulation.

Nevertheless, it is reasonable to assume that the true level of consumption in Norway is higher than the figure obtained in this survey, probably 400 – 500 tonnes. This is probably because the estimates for quantities of brominated flame retardants in imported EEE items and vehicles are too low.   

Possible measures to reduce the environmental impact of brominated flame retardants include:

• Replacing brominated flame retardants with other, less dangerous flame retardants
• Eliminating/reducing their use by requiring less stringent fire safety standards to be met 
• Using alternative technological solutions or other working methods to maintain fire safety standards 
• Using materials that are not flammable in themselves instead of materials containing brominated flame retardants  
• Making arrangements to deal with waste containing brominated flame retardants separately and in an environmentally sound way.

A review of the literature and publications from manufacturers and users internationally makes it clear that there is considerable resistance to proposals to eliminate the use of brominated flame retardants. This is because these compounds have highly satisfactory  technical and fire retardant properties that make it possible to meet the strictest fire safety standards laid down by various authorities, and because their overall cost is lower than for other flame retardants. 

However, a great deal of work is being done to replace polybrominated diphenylethers with other brominated compounds that are less hazardous to health and the environment, and it is expected that over time, it will be possible to phase out the use of these substances entirely. There is less emphasis on finding replacements for TBBPA and HBCD. Little information on the health and environmental impacts of the alternative brominated compounds is available.

There are many bromium-free alternatives that are already in use or available. The substances that are of most interest are various phosphorus compounds and metal compounds (containing aluminium or magnesium). Another available option is polymers that have been modified too make them non-flammable (“built-in” flame retardant properties). These include fibrous material for use in non-flammable garments, and foam materials for furniture and other products.