Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) - information sheet

Cyclododecane, 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromo-
CAS Registry Number: 3194-55-6

Overview

The Government of Canada conducted a science-based evaluation, called a screening assessment, to address the potential for harm to Canadians and to the environment from hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). The assessment was completed in 2011.
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA 1999), the risk posed by a substance is determined by considering both its hazardous properties (its potential to cause adverse human health or ecological effects) and the amount of exposure there is to people and the environment. A substance may have hazardous properties; however, the risk to human health or to the environment may be low depending upon the level of exposure.
- More information on assessing risk can be found in the Overview of Risk Assessment and related fact sheets, particularly on Types of Risk Assessment Documents and the Risk Assessment Toolbox.
As a result of the screening assessment, the Government concluded that HBCD is harmful to the environment but not to human health, at levels of exposure at the time of the assessment.

The screening assessment focused on the substance cyclododecane, 1,2,5,6,9,10-hexabromo-, also referred to as hexabromocyclododecane or HBCD. HBCD is a brominated flame retardant.
Flame retardants are used to slow the ignition and spread of fire.
At the time of the assessment, HBCD was mainly used as a flame retardant in polystyrene foam insulation for building materials. Also, it had uses as a flame retardant in textiles for residential and commercial upholstered furniture, transportation seating, wall coverings and draperies. It had minor uses in adhesives, paints, plastics and electronic goods.

The assessment indicated that Canadians may be exposed to HBCD from environmental sources (for example, air, water and soil), household dust, food (including human breast milk), and from using certain products available to consumers containing this substance.
This assessment took into consideration the results of human biomonitoring studies, which is the measurement of substances in blood, urine or breast milk. The presence of a substance in the body does not necessarily mean that it is causing harm. Harmful effects will depend on the levels and the properties of the substances. The information on measured levels in humans is important to estimating exposure to Canadians.
The assessment also indicated that HBCD may be released to air, water, soils, and sediments from industrial processes.

Available information indicated that HBCD may have adverse developmental and reproductive health effects. These were considered to be the important or "critical" effects used for characterizing the risk to human health in this assessment.
The assessment found that HBCD had the potential to cause adverse effects to sensitive aquatic organisms at low concentrations.

For the human health assessment, a comparison was made between levels to which Canadians may be exposed to HBCD and levels associated with health effects. It was determined that HBCD did not pose a risk to human health.
Considering all the information presented in the ecological assessment, it was determined that HBCD posed a risk to the environment.
Also, HBCD was proposed to meet the persistence and bioaccumulation criteria as set out in the Persistence and Bioaccumulation Regulations of CEPA 1999.
The Government of Canada published the Final Screening Assessment for Hexabromocyclododecane on November 12, 2011.

As a result of the final screening assessment, the Government concluded that HBCD is not harmful to human health at levels of exposure current at the time of the assessment.
The Government also concluded that HBCD is entering the environment at concentrations that may be harmful to the environment, and meets the criteria for virtual elimination (set out in the CEPA 1999).

The Government of Canada published the Risk Management Approach for Hexabromocyclododecane on November 12, 2011, for a 60-day public comment period.
HBCD was added to Schedule 1 of CEPA 1999, also called the List of Toxic Substances.
The Government took risk management action on HBCD to address ecological concerns, including the use of the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012.
Further information and updates on risk management actions for substances managed under the CMP can be found in the risk management actions table and the two year rolling risk management activities and consultations schedule.

HBCD may be found in products available to consumers. Canadians should follow any safety warnings and directions on product labels and dispose of productsresponsibly.
Visit Healthy Home for more information on chemical safety in and around the home.
Canadians who may be exposed to HBCD in the workplace should consult with their employer and an occupational health and safety (OHS) representative about safe handling practices, applicable laws, and requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).