Q. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? - They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (UPSC Prelims 2014)
Answer:
Both 1 and 2
Notes: The correct answer is
[C] Both 1 and 2. Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are organobromine compounds used in diverse consumer products to reduce the flammability of the material.
- Resistance to Degradation (Statement 1 – Correct): BFRs are categorized as Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Due to their stable chemical structure, they do not break down easily through natural processes like photolysis or bacterial action. Consequently, they can persist in the soil, air, and water for decades, often traveling long distances from their original source.
- Bioaccumulation (Statement 2 – Correct): These chemicals are lipophilic (fat-soluble), meaning they store easily in the fatty tissues of living organisms. As smaller organisms are consumed by larger ones, the concentration of BFRs increases up the food chain—a process known as biomagnification. High levels have been detected in human breast milk, blood, and fatty tissues, leading to concerns regarding endocrine disruption and neurodevelopmental issues.