Testing of manufactured items for the presence of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, Decabromodiphenyl ethane and Dechlorane Plus

Background

Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) requires the services of a consultant to examine the concentrations of the brominated flame retardants Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) in certain manufactured items. Specifically, the consultant must purchase manufactured items that may contain PBDEs, DBDPE and DP and perform laboratory analysis.

PBDEs are a class of substances used as flame retardants in a wide variety of products including computer housings, household appliances, furniture, automotive/aircraft seating and interiors, and a variety of electrical and electronic components. In December 2006, the Government of Canada identified PBDEs as a high priority for action under the Chemicals Management Plan (CMP). The final ecological and human health screening assessment reports which were published in July 2006 identified PBDEs as entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity (i.e., “toxic” as defined under paragraph 64(a) of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA)).

In July 2008, the Government of Canada published regulations banning PBDE manufacture and restricting PBDE use. Subsequently, the Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 that were published in the Canada Gazette, Part II on October 5, 2016 prohibit manufacture, use, sale, offer for sale and import of all PBDEs and products containing them, except manufactured items.

In Canada, DBDPE is used as an additive flame retardant in many applications such as plastic and rubber materials, electrical and electronic equipment and adhesives and sealants. Known uses of DP in Canada include applications in wire and cable jacketing, electronics, appliances, automobiles, hard plastic connectors and plastic roofing materials.

DBDPE and DP are included in the Certain Organic Flame Retardants Grouping under the second phase of the CMP, and both substances have been proposed to be toxic as defined under paragraph 64(a) of CEPA. As such, the Government of Canada is considering the implementation of regulatory and/or non-regulatory controls that would restrict the conditions under which DBDPE, DP and products containing either of these substances may be manufactured, used and/or imported.

The Government of Canada has monitored for PBDEs, DP and DBDPE in the environment and/or certain waste streams (landfill and wastewater) across Canada.  However, there is limited information regarding concentrations of PBDEs, DP or DBDPE in manufactured items.

ECCC is aware that certain industries are using PBDEs, DBDPE and DP in manufactured items[1] as flame retardants. In addition, studies by non-governmental organizations and academia have found PBDEs in manufactured items where flame retardancy is not required such as toys, office equipment and food contact articles. This is likely due to recycling of plastics containing brominated flame retardants, such as PBDEs, DBDPE and DP. ECCC is seeking to understand potential concentrations of these substances in manufactured items in a Canadian context. For PBDEs the emphasis is on the unintentional presence while for DBDPE and DP, the focus will be on both intentional and unintentional presence.

Objectives

To sample manufactured items available for purchase in Canada for the unintentional presence of PBDEs, and the presence of DBDPE and/or DP. The contractor is expected to select items that may contain PBDEs, DBDPE and/or DP as well as work with a laboratory in order to analyze the samples. The goal is to determine the concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE and/or DP in approximately 80 different/unique manufactured items. The maximum error on the analysis of the substances must be less than 20%.

[1] An item that is formed into a specific physical shape or design during manufacture and has, for its final use, a function or functions dependent in whole or in part on its shape or design.