Toxic substances list: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)
Related information
Hexabromocyclododecane, which has the molecular formula C12H18Br6 (HBCD), is a brominated flame retardant. Brominated flame retardants are organic compounds containing bromine that slow the ignition and spread of fire.
HBCD was found primarily in expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) polystyrene foam used as an insulation material in the building industry (approximately 99% of its historical use). There were also a number of other minor uses as a flame retardant, such as in textiles used for upholstered furniture and upholstered seating in transportation, and in wall coverings and draperies. It was also used in some glues, paints, adhesives and polymers contained in electronic equipment. The only known intentional use of HBCD in products in Canada is within the automotive sector. Although, HBCD may also be present in products made from recycled plastics including toys.
For more information on this substance, please visit the Chemical Substances website and the Chemicals at a glance information sheet for HBCD.
Risk assessment
- CEPA Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances (item 127). It is entering or may enter 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.
- Virtual elimination of the substance (Track 1) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
- Final Order Adding HBCD to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (November 2012)
- Final screening assessment report for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (November 2011)
Risk management strategy
Strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:
- Risk management approach for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (November 2011)
Risk management tools
Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:
- Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 [proposed] (May 2022)
- Proposed Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (Export Control List) (May 2022)
- Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012
- Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (for the addition of 5 substances) (October 2016)
- Risk management of HBCD: commitment to voluntary phase-out use in new vehicles from the Canadian automotive companies (August 2016)
International engagement
For information on Canada's international engagement on this substance, please visit:
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
- Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
- Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
- Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (Protocol to the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP))
- Arctic Contaminants Action Program Working Group (ACAP)
- Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Working Group (AMAP)
Consultations
Consultations (past and present) on the substance:
- Proposed Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 (May 2022)
- Proposed Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (May 2022)
- Consultation document on proposed amendments to Schedule 3 (Export Control List) to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (March 2020)
- Consultation document on proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, PBDEs, DP and DBDPE (December 2018)
- Notice of intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 published in Canada Gazette, Part I (October 2018)
- Response to comments on the proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulation, 2012 (October 2016)
- Proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (April 2015)
- Response to comments on the Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for Hexabromocyclododecane (September 2014)
- Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for Hexabromocyclododecane (September 2012)
- Response to comments on the Risk Management Approach (September 2012)
- Response to comments on draft Screening Assessment Report and Risk Management Scope
Other information
Contact
Chemicals Management Division
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Gatineau, QC K1A 0H3
E-mail: interdiction-prohibition@ec.gc.ca
Substances Management Information Line:
Telephone: 1-800-567-1999 (in Canada) or 819-938-3232
Fax: 819-938-3231
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