FireMaster FF 1

627.6 g/mol

627.53518 g/mol

614-131-1

9S2PWX7KBN

DTXSID70858838

White solid

0 Ų

log Kow = 6.39

246 to 250 °F (NTP, 1992)

72 °C

less than 1 mg/mL at 64° F (NTP, 1992)|Soluble in acetone and benzene|In water, 0.011 mg/L at 25 °C

7.6e-05 mm Hg at 194 °F (NTP, 1992)|5.2X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C

Henry's Law constant = 4.3X10-6 atm-cu m/mole at 25 °C

Insoluble in water.

Aryl Halides

POLYBROMINATED BIPHENYL is relatively inert (NTP, 1992). These substances undergo chemical reactions only under relatively severe circumstances or in the presence of an effective catalyst that promotes reaction. They are resistant to ignition, although they may become flammable at very high temperatures. They will be resistant to oxidation/reduction, except in the most severe conditions.

Degrades readily in UV light.

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.

Flash point data for this chemical are not available; however, it is probably combustible. (NTP, 1992)

|Danger|H351: Suspected of causing cancer [Warning Carcinogenicity]|P201, P202, P260, P264, P270, P281, P308+P313, P309+P311, P314, P405, and P501

Fires involving this material can be controlled with a dry chemical, carbon dioxide or Halon extinguisher. (NTP, 1992)

SMALL SPILLS AND LEAKAGE: If a spill of this chemical occurs, FIRST REMOVE ALL SOURCES OF IGNITION, then you should dampen the solid spill material with acetone and transfer the dampened material to a suitable container. Use absorbent paper dampened with acetone to pick up any remaining material. Seal your contaminated clothing and the absorbent paper in a vapor-tight plastic bag for eventual disposal. Solvent wash all contaminated surfaces with acetone followed by washing with a soap and water solution. Do not reenter the contaminated area until the Safety Officer (or other responsible person) has verified that the area has been properly cleaned. STORAGE PRECAUTIONS: You should protect this material from exposure to light. Protect it from moisture and store it in a refrigerator. If possible, it would be prudent to store this compound under inert atmosphere. (NTP, 1992)

RECOMMENDED RESPIRATOR: Where the neat test chemical is weighed and diluted, wear a NIOSH-approved half face respirator equipped with a combination filter cartridge, i.e. organic vapor/acid gas/HEPA (specific for organic vapors, HCl, acid gas, SO2 and a high efficiency particulate filter). (NTP, 1992)

A major source of environmental contamination of hexabromobiphenyl occurred in the lower peninsula of Michigan where Firemaster BP-6 was accidentally substituted for a cattle nutrient in feed sent to a number of farms in 1973(1). The disposal of contaminated feed, animal carcasses (poultry, dairy cattle, swine) and animal products such as meat, eggs, and diary products was a major source of hexabromobiphenyl emitted to the environment(1).

SOIL: At farm with contaminated dairy herd (0.2-0.3 mg/L in milk), concentrations of PBBs was measured in manured soil samples taken at 3 different locations in field approximately 1 yr after contamination. Major PBB component isomer (2,2',4,4'5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl) were found in concentration of 4.1, 5.7 and 4.4 ug/kg.|SOIL: Soil samples from 30 farms located in Michigan heavily contaminated with Firemaster BP-6 contained polybrominated biphenyl (PBBs) at levels of 0.1 to 224 ppb(1). Although levels of hexabromobiphenyl were not quantified in these samples, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl is the main constituent of Firemaster BP-6 and is likely to be the primary contaminant in the soils.

...Female Sprague-Dawley rats were initiated on day 1 by ip administration of diethylnitrosamine. On day 7 after initiation, the rats were fed a vitamin A-deficient basal diet that was supplemented with either 2000 IU (low-vitamin A) or 200,000 IU (high-vitamin A) retinyl acetate/kg feed. From day 30 after initiation until the end of the study the following PBBs were added to the diets: Firemaster BP-6 (10 ppm), 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexabromobiphenyl (10 ppm) or 3,4,5,3',4',5'-hexabromobiphenyl (1 ppm). The control animals received low- or high-vitamin A diets containing no PBBs. On day 180, ... numbers of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase-positive foci/cu cm liver and the mean volumes of these foci were lower in the high-vitamin A groups than those in the corresponding low-vitamin A groups, but these differences were not significant. The percentage of the liver volume occupied by foci was significantly greater in the low-vitamin A with 345-HBB group than in the corresponding high-vitamin A group. Thus, high dietary levels of vitamin A had some inhibitory effect on the promotion of hepatic-altered foci by 345-HBB in initiated rats.

2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl's former production and use as an additive in flame retardants primarily in thermoplastics that were used in electrical housing equipment(1), may have resulted in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Although there are 42 possible congeners of hexabromobiphenyl, the 2,2',4,4',5,5' isomer was the key component in fire retardants such as Firemaster BP-6 and Firemaster FF-1(1,2). The production of hexabromobiphenyl was voluntarily discontinued in 1974(2).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values in the range of 2138-7413(2), indicate that 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl will have little or no mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.3X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), derived from a vapor pressure, 5.2X10-8 mm Hg(3), and water solubility, 0.011 mg/L(4); however, adsorption is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(3). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl is highly persistent under aerobic conditions, but may biodegrade slowly under anaerobic conditions(2). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl was not degraded when incubated in a Brookston Loam (58% sand, 27.9% silt, 14.1% clay, 3.14% organic carbon, pH 7) and a Spinks loamy sand (81.1% sand, 14.5% silt, 4.4% clay, 1.1% organic carbon, pH 5.8) for 24 weeks maintained under aerobic conditions(3).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), Koc values in the range of 2138-7413(2), indicates that 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 4.3X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC),derived from its vapor pressure, 5.2X10-8 mm Hg(4), and water solubility, 0.011 mg/L(5); however, adsorption to suspended solids and sediment is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 14 and 165 days, respectively, if adsorption is ignored(SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 160 days when adsorption is considered(6). According to a classification scheme(7), a BCF of 18,100 measured in fathead minnows (8), suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl is resistant to degradation under aerobic conditions, but may slowly undergo debromination at the meta and para positions under anaerobic conditions(2). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of hydrolyzable functional groups(2,9). 2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl was degraded over 60% following 12 hours of irradiation in cyclohexane solution(10), suggesting that there is potential for direct photolysis in sunlit surface waters(SRC).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl, which has a vapor pressure of 5.2X10-8 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely in the particulate phase in the ambient atmosphere. Particulate-phase 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl may be removed from the air by wet and dry deposition(SRC). In solution, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl has been shown to undergo direct photolysis resulting in lower brominated biphenyls as photodegradation products(3,4); however, it is unclear whether direct photolysis will occur for particulate phase 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl in the atmosphere.

Following 12 hours of irradiation approximately 25% photodegradation was observed for 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl(1).

A BCF value of 18,100 was measured in fathead minnow exposed to hexabromobiphenyl (isomer unspecified) for 32 days(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this measured BCF value suggests that bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC).

The Koc of hexabomobiphenyl was reported to range from 2138-7413(1). According to a classification scheme(2), this range of Koc values indicates that hexabromobiphenyl should possess slight mobility or be totally immobile in soils(SRC). The leaching potential of hexabromobiphenyl was assessed using four soils from Michigan(3). Leaching studies using 100 ppm of hexabromobiphenyl applied to the surface of the soils and leached with 20 times the average annual rainfall in Michigan indicated that less than 0.6% of the initially applied amount leached through the soil columns and it was concluded that hexabromobiphenyl should not leach below its incorporation depth(3).

The Henry's Law constant for 2,2',4,4'5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl is estimated as 4.3X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) derived from its vapor pressure, 5.2X10-8 mm Hg(1), and water solubility, 0.011 mg/L(2). This Henry's Law constant indicates that 2,2',4,4'5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(3); however, adsorption to suspended solids and sediment should attenuate the potential for volatilization(SRC). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 14 days if adsorption is neglected(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(3) is estimated as 165 days if adsorption is neglected (SRC). The estimated volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 160 days if adsorption is considered(4). 2,2',4,4'5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon its vapor pressure(1). 14C labeled hexabromobiphenyl was incubated in soils from Michigan and stored in the dark for 1 year(5). Less than 0.2% of the originally applied amount was shown to volatilize(5).

Hexabromobiphenyl was a major constituent in Firemaster BP-6 and Firemaster FF-1, which were used in thermoplastics incorporated into electronic products such as televisions and computers which are eventually landfilled or incinerated(1). Farms or other sites located in Michigan that were heavily contaminated with Firemaster BP-6 may also contain residual quantities of hexabromobiphenyl since this compound is recalcitrant in the environment. Persons living near landfills or contaminated sites in Michigan may potentially be exposed to hexabromobiphenyl(SRC).

The median concn of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl in blood from US blood donors and Swedish female cleaners were 190 pmol/g liquid wt (N=12; range, 21-2,600 pmol/g liquid wt) and 330 pmol/g liquid wt (N=20; range, 120-1,000 pmol/g liquid wt), respectively(1).|Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) were detected in blood and adipose tissue of 1788 persons in Michigan(1). The source of the PBBs was thought to be from the accidental substitution of Firemaster (a flame retardant largely composed of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl) for cattle feed in the summer of 1973. Resulting in contaminated meat, butter, milk and other diary products that were eventually consumed by humans. Of the 1681 serum samples tested, 70% were positive for PBBs and of the 844 adipose tissues tested, over 97% were positive(1). Levels were highest in that part of the state where meat and diary products were most contaminated, and levels were lowest in the upper peninsula, furthest from the source.

(14)C-labelled 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl...administered to male rats was readily absorbed from intestine and distributed throughout body; it was stored principally in fat. Extrapolation of rate of excretion indicates that <10% of any dose would be excreted.|2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl was most prevalent polybrominated biphenyl homolog in serum from Michigan chemical corp employees, serum from dairy farmers, and serum from rats exposed to Firemaster FF 1.|Timed-pregnant albino Hartley strain guinea pigs of approximately 65 days gestation or lactating animals within 6-12 hr of parturition received a single oral dose of Firemaster FF-1 (50 mg/kg bw). The pregnant animals and their fetuses were killed 2 days later at term while the lactating animals and their pups were killed at intervals of 2, 4, 7, 14, 28, 42, and 60 days. Tissues (liver, kidney, lung, perirenal fat) were /analyzed/ ...for 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexabromobiphenyl (HBB)... content... . Transplacentally-acquired residues of the order of 45 ug HBB/g were found in both maternal and fetal adipose tissue and in fetal liver. HBB residues in maternal kidney, lung and liver were of the order of 4-7 ug/g while, in the fetuses and pups, levels in the kidney and lung were of the order of 1-2 ug/g. Levels of HBB in breast milk 2 days after treatment averaged 22.4 +/- 7.8 ug/g (mean +/- S.D.)... . HBB levels in the pup kidney, lung and adipose tissue reflected redistribution or sequestration in the body fat. The biological half-life of HBB in tissues of both dams and pups appeared to be approximately 22 days. /Firemaster FF-1/|In rats treated by gavage with one or four daily doses of 14C-2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB 153), initial concentrations of radioactivity were highest in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, but later redistribution to adipose tissue (4-7 days after the last dosing) resulted in lower concentrations in liver and muscle. In rats dosed daily with 14C-BB 153 over a 30-day period, tissue concentrations on day 31 were (in increasing order): blood, muscle, liver, skin, and adipose... .|For more Absorption, Distribution and Excretion (Complete) data for 2,4,5,2',4',5'-HEXABROMOBIPHENYL (11 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The in vitro metabolism of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB 153) with liver microsomes of rats induced with either BB 153 or FireMaster BP-6 produced three major metabolic fractions: lipophilic ether soluble polar metabolites, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) soluble conjugates, and macromolecular adducts.|In contrast to the lower brominated congeners, no major metabolites were identified in the urine or feces of rats treated with a single ip dose of 2,2'4,4'5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl.|Feces of dogs fed BP-6 contained a metabolite identified as 6-hydroxy-2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexabromobiphenyl (hydroxy-HBB). MS analysis of synthetic hydroxy-HBB showed that, during GC on OV-101 columns at 230-260 °C, it decomposes into two pentabromodibenzofurans (PDBF).

Mathematical model was developed to describe pharmacokinetics of 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl in rats and man. The estimated body burden t1/2 in man was 6.5 yr.|The biological half-life of HBB /(2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexabromobiphenyl)/ in tissues of both /lactating Hartley strain guinea pig / dams and /their/ pups appeared to be approximately 22 days.

Flame retardant (Firemaster BP-6 ) was subjected to chem and toxicological analyses to establish whether brominated dibenzo-p-dioxin or dibenzofuran impurities were present. No bromodibenzofurans or bromodibenzo-p-dioxins were found.|Firemaster BP-6 contains 25 ppm hexabromonaphthalene and 1 ppm pentabromonaphtalene as impurities. Firemaster BP-6 has been found to contain 70 ppm hexabromonaphthalene and 150 ppm pentabromonaphthalene.

SYMPTOMS: Symptoms of exposure to this compound may include hyperplasia and necrosis. Exposure also causes an increase in incidences of viral and bacterial infections. ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: This chemical may cause lacrimation. When heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes of bromide ion. (NTP, 1992)

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. If the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give 1 or 2 glasses of water to dilute the chemical and IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center. Be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital if advised by a physician. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, ensure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)

2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl

Formerly used as a fire retardant until production halted in November, 1974

2,2',4,4',5,5'-Hexabromobiphenyl (is pure grade of chem). Hexabromodiphenyl also known as Firemaster BP-6 and Firemaster FF-1 is technical grade. Firemaster FF-1 is pulverized form of Firemaster BP-6 containing 2% by wt of anticaking agent, calcium polysilicate, produced in limited quantities as developmental product in 1971 and 1972.|Bromine content.../is/ about 77% for /commercial/ hexabromobiphenyl... technical grade...(Firemaster BP-6) produced in US contains 63% hexabromobiphenyl (principally 2,2',4,4',5,5'-isomer), 14% heptabromobiphenyl (mostly 2,2',3,4,4',5,5'-isomer), 10% pentabromobiphenyl, 2% tetrabromobiphenyl and 11% other bromobiphenyls.

All use of hexabromobiphenyl in US was discontinued in 1974...|Before its production was stopped /in US/ in November 1974, this chemical was used as fire retardant in 3 main commercial products: 1) acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics; 2) coatings and lacquers; and 3) polyurethane foams. ... Use ... as flame retardant in thermoplastics was confined to those products which do not come into contact with food or feed and which were not used in fabrics to which humans are exposed.|In July 1973, cattle feed was contaminated with about 1000 kg of hexabromobiphenyl /believed to be Firemaster FF-1/, resulting in contamination levels of from over 4000-13500 mg/kg. Contaminated feed was used by farmers in Michigan between July 1973 and May 1974...|The sole US producer depleted their remaining stock /of hexabromobiphenyl/ in April 1975