2,3,3',4-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether

485.71112

74GBI36957

DTXSID8024319

6.05 (LogP)|log Kow = 6.05

2.20e-06 mmHg|2.20X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C

Henry's Law constant = 8.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mol at 25 °C (est)

log Kow = 5.87-6.16|Hydroxyl radical reaction rate constant = 1.50X10-12 cu cm/molec-sec at 25 °C (est)

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

WHO; Environ Health Criteria 162: Brominated Diphenyl Ethers (1994). EHC are designed for scientists and administrators responsible for the establishment of safety standards and regulations and provide basic scientific risk evaluations of a wide range of chemicals and groups of chemicals.[Available from, as of October 26, 2010: http://www.inchem.org/documents/ehc/ehc/ehc162.htm]

|Danger|H372: Causes damage to organs through prolonged or repeated exposure [Danger Specific target organ toxicity, repeated exposure]|P260, P264, P270, P273, P314, P391, and P501

Sewage sludge from Sweden was found to contain 15 ug/kg of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(1). Two sewage samples were collected from a Swedish treatment plant (Gothenburg) in September 1988 and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers(2). One homogenate was composed of samples (40 g/day) taken during a 32-day period with little rain, the other homogenate was composed of samples (100 g/day) taken during a rainy period of 7 days, reported concentrations of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether were 15 ug/kg for both samples(2). Five waste water treatment plants tested in 2005 from Spain contained 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether at 33.1, 21.1, 17.0, 22.9, and 40.9 ng/g dry weight from plants in Barcelona, Burgos, Lleida, Pamplona, and Terragona, respectively(3). 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5'- and 2,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether isomers were detected in sewage sludge from 16 sites in Switzerland at 19.8-128, 0.6-25 and 0.2-1.9 ug/kg dry matter, respectively, for samples taken May to July 2003 and Jan 2005(4).

SEDIMENT: Residues of tetrabromodiphenyl ether were determined in 9 marine and/or estuarine sediment samples and 6 fresh water river samples collected at different sites in Osaka during 1981-83(1). The 9 marine and/or estuarine samples did not contain tetrabromodiphenyl ether (limit of determination <2 ug/kg). Five of 6 river sediment samples contained 12-31 ug/kg of tetrabromodiphenyl ether(1). Sediment samples taken upstream and downstream from a factory were analyzed for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(2). The levels found upstream and downstream were 3.5 and 840 ug/kg (ignition loss), respectively(2). A laminated sediment core collected in the southern part of the Baltic Proper was analyzed for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(3). The core was cut into 5 mm slices down to 50 mm depth and in 10 mm slices from 50 to 90 mm depth(3). The concentration of tetrabromodiphenyl ether at 5 mm depth was 1.6 ug/kg ignition loss and decreased gradually to 0.13 ug/kg at 40 mm depth. At a depth of 90 mm, the concentration was 0.06 ug/kg(3). Between November 1995 and January 1996, sediments downstream of sources of brominated flame retardants in the UK were analyzed(4). The concentration of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether in these samples were <0.3-368 ug/kg dry wt(4). 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5'-, 2,3',4,4'- and 3,3',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether were not detected in sediment samples taken from Thau Lagoon, France, collected May 2004(4). Sediment samples taken from Mason Bay, Korea, collected May 2006, contained <30-220, <30-121, <30 and <30 pg/g dry weight of 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5'-, 2,3',4,4'- and 3,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether, respectively(5).|SEDIMENT: Concentrations in rivers and coastal sediments of Portugal(1).|SOIL: 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported in agricultural soil treated with sewage sludge at field sites in Spain at concentrations of 0.59-33.1 ng/g dry weight(1). Background levels of 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5-, 2,3',4',6-, 2,4,4',6- and 3,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether were 7-520, 6-18, 9-73, 9-79 and 11-52 pg/g dry weight in grass lands throughout the United Kingdom, at 50-1400, 9-250, 15-82, 8-86 and 13 pg/g dry weight throughout woodlands in the United Kingdom and at 12-860, 10-71, 14-67, 8-43 and 19-27 pg/g dry weight throughout woodlands of Norway(2). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported at 0.006-0.472 ng/g in soil samples taken from 15 urban and 6 industrial sites in Taiyuan, China sampled Jan 2006(3).

URBAN/SUBURBAN: 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was detected in the atmosphere of Izmir, Turkey at 1.4-21.3 pg/cu m in the summer of 2005 and at 1.4-9.5 pg/cu m in the winter of 2004(1). Atmospheric samples from the city of Chilton, England had tetrabromodiphenyl ether concentrations of 0.72-7.2, 0.13-1.4, 0.16-0.69 and 0.32-0.50 pg/cu m for 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5'-, 2,3',4,4'- and 2,4,4',6-isomers, respectively, and was reported at < method detection limit for 2,3',4',6- and 3,3',4,4'-isomers(2). 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was detected at <0.2 pmol/cu m outside an electronic dismantling plant in Sweden(3).|INDOOR: 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was detected in the atmosphere at a dismantling electronics plant at 25 pmol/cu m and was reported at <0.2 pmol/cu m in the office with computers at the same plant in Sweden(1).|RURAL/REMOTE: Atmospheric samples from Hazelrigg, England had tetrabromodiphenyl ether concentrations of 0.78-15, 0.11-1.2, 0.10-1.2, 0.06-3.7,

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether isomers 2,2',4,4'-, 2,2',4,5'- and 3,3',4,4'- were not detected in silicone, isomers 2,3',4,4'- and 2,3',4',6- were detected at 31.1 and 21.7 ng/g(1). In ethylene propylenediene monomer rubber 2,2',4,4'-, 2,3',4,4'-, 2,3',4',6- and 3,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether were reported at 80.6, 3887.0, 209.0 and 1416.6 ng/g, respectively, 2,2',4,5'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether was not detected(1). Dust samples from Richmond and Bolinas, CA contained 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether at 112-107,000 and 192-31,1000 ng/g(2).

/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ The developmental effects of in ovo exposure to male birds at environmentally relevant levels of the PBDE technical mixture, DE-71, on reproductive success and behaviors using captive American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were determined. Males were exposed in ovo by direct maternal transfer to DE-71 and unintentionally to low concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) at three mean +/- standard error DE-71 concentrations of 288.60 +/- 33.35 ng/g wet weight (low-exposure), 1130.59 +/- 95.34 ng/g wet weight (high-exposure), or background levels of 3.01 +/- 0.46 ng/g wet weight (control). One year following exposure, males were paired with unexposed females. Reproductive success was lower in the high exposure pairs: 43% failed to lay eggs while all other pairs laid complete clutches; they also laid smaller clutches and produced smaller eggs with reduced fertility, parameters that were negatively correlated with paternal in ovo concentrations of all PBDEs, as well as individual congeners and HBCD. Throughout courtship, there were fewer copulations by all in ovo exposed males, fewer mate-calls made by high-exposure males, and decreasing trends in pair-bonding and nest-box behaviors across treatments that continued during brood rearing. The reductions in clutch size and fertility were associated with the reduced frequencies of male courtship behaviors, and were associated with increasing concentrations of the PBDE congeners BDE-47 /2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, -99 /2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, -100 /2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, -53 /2,2',5,6'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, -138 /2,2',3,4,4',5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, and HBCD. The results of /this/ study confirm effects noted in the F(0) generation and demonstrate that exposure to DE-71 affects multiple generations of this predatory avian species at environmentally relevant levels of exposure. /DE-71/|/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ ... Adult female mink /Mustela vison/ were fed one of four concentrations of DE-71 (0-2.5 ug/g) in the diet from breeding through gestation and until weaning at 6 weeks postparturition. Parent PBDEs were measured in tissues and excreta of adult mink, kits, and juveniles, whereas hydroxylated PBDEs (OH-PBDEs) were measured in juveniles only. Similar lipid-normalized concentrations of PBDEs were detected in most tissues of adult mink with the exception of brain, in which concentrations were significantly lower. Kits, however, had a higher proportion of PBDEs in brain compared with adults, presumably because of incomplete development of the blood-brain barrier. Maternal transfer favored lower-brominated PBDE congeners, and the bulk of the body burden in kits at weaning resulted from lactational rather than transplacental transfer. Lipid-normalized, whole-body biomagnification factors ranged from 0.5 to 5.2 for the major congeners and were highest for BDEs 47 and 153. Metabolism clearly limited the biomagnification of some PBDEs, and OH-PBDEs were detectable in plasma, liver, and feces. On a mass basis, OH-PBDEs accounted for 28 to 32% of the excreted fraction, indicating metabolism was an important elimination pathway. /DE-71/|/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ ... The effects of environmentally relevant doses (0, 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 ppm [wt/wt] in feed) of a technical pentabrominated diphenyl ether mixture, DE-71, on reproductive performance of mink (Mustela vison) and on development of offspring exposed perinatally and post-weaning until 33 weeks. A dietary concentration that causes no effects on reproduction in rodents, 2.5-ppm DE-71, resulted in complete reproductive failure in these mink, while whelping rates were not affected at all lower doses. Developmental effects in offspring were evident in 33-week-old juveniles, which were more sensitive to effects than their respective dams. Juvenile thyroid hormone homeostasis was also much more sensitive compared to rodents, and at 0.5-ppm DE-71, total triiodothyronine (T3) was significantly decreased in all males and females, even despite a compensatory increase of total thyroxine (T4) in females. T4-outer-ring deiodinase activity, mainly contributed by type II deiodinase, was not affected at any dose for any life stage, but thyroid follicular epithelium cell height was elevated in the 0.5-ppm-treated juveniles (p = 0.057). Ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity was significantly induced in all offspring at 33 weeks, most likely as a consequence of polybrominated dioxin, furan, or biphenyl impurities in DE-71. Biomonitoring of wild mink in the Great Lakes region indicated that most populations had lower concentrations than what are expected to affect thyroid hormone homeostasis, but margins of safety are small and mink around Hamilton Harbor exceeded the no observed adverse effect level for T3 disruption. /DE-71/|/BIRDS and MAMMALS/ Embryonic survival, pipping and hatching success, and sublethal biochemical, endocrine, and histological endpoints were examined in hatchling chickens (Gallus gallus), mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), and American kestrels (Falco sparverius) following air cell administration of a pentabrominated diphenyl ether (penta-BDE; DE-71) mixture (0.01-20 ug/g egg) ... . The penta-BDE decreased pipping and hatching success at concentrations of 10 and 20 ug/g egg in kestrels but had no effect on survival endpoints in chickens or mallards. Sublethal effects in hatchling chickens included ethoxyresorufin-O-dealkylase (EROD) induction and histological changes in the bursa, but these responses were not observed in other species. ... Mallards were clearly less sensitive than the other species to administered penta-BDE ... Based on uptake in kestrels, the lowest-observed-effect level on pipping and hatching success may be as low as 1.8 ug total penta-BDE/g egg, which approaches concentrations detected in eggs of free-ranging birds. Because some penta-BDE congeners are still increasing in the environment, the toxic effects observed in the ... study are cause for concern in wildlife. /DE-71/|For more Ecotoxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (12 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether's former production and use as a flame retardant(1) may have resulted in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). The last reported production of tetrabromodiphenyl ether was in 1987, but is present at 24 to 38% in commercial pentabromodiphenyl ether(1).

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 14,000(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrabromodiphenyl ether is expected to be immobile in soil(SRC). Volatilization of tetrabromodiphenyl ether from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 8.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a fragment constant estimation method(3). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 2.2X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). However, adsorption to soil is expected to attenuate volatilization(SRC). No degradation (as CO2 evolution) was seen after 29 days for a composite sample from two producers with the following composition: 33.7% tetrabromodiphenyl ether; 54.6% pentabromodiphenyl ether; and 11.7% hexabromodiphenyl ether using an OECD 301B ready biodegradation test(5). The test was extended to 93 days to allow sufficient opportunity for adaptation to occur. At the end of 93 days, 2.4% of the theoretical amount of CO2 had been evolved(5).|AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 14,000(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that tetrabromodiphenyl ether 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 8.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant estimation method(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 10 and 78 days, respectively(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 13 years when adsorption is considered(5). According to a classification scheme(6), estimated BCFs of 3500 to 5400(SRC), from log Kow values of 5.87 to 6.16(7) and a regression-derived equation(8), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). No degradation (as CO2 evolution) was seen after 29 days for a composite sample from two producers with the following composition: 33.7% tetrabromodiphenyl ether; 54.6% pentabromodiphenyl ether; and 11.7% hexabromodiphenyl ether using an OECD 301B ready biodegradation test(9). The test was extended to 93 days to allow sufficient opportunity for adaptation to occur. At the end of 93 days, 2.4% of the theoretical amount of CO2 had been evolved(9). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).|ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), tetrabromodiphenyl ether, which has a vapor pressure of 2.2X10-6 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), will exist in both the vapor and particulate phases in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase tetrabromodiphenyl ether is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 11 days(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 1.5X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) that was derived using a structure estimation method(3). Particulate-phase tetrabromodiphenyl ether may be removed from the air by wet or dry deposition(SRC). Fifteen polybrominated diphenyl ethers, tetra- thru deca-isomers, were reported to absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(4) and therefore are expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of tetrabromodiphenyl ether with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 1.5X10-12 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric half-life of about 11 days at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per cu cm(1). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(2). Fifteen polybrominated diphenyl ethers, tetra- thru deca-isomers, were reported to absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(3) and therefore are expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

Estimated BCFs of 3500 to 5400 were calculated in fish for tetrabromodiphenyl ether(SRC), using log Kow values of 5.87 to 6.16(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), these BCFs suggest the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is very high(SRC). Mussels, in water containing 0.31 ng/L of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether, had a BCF of 144,400 wet weight and 13,000,000 based on lipid weight(4).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of tetrabromodiphenyl ether can be estimated to be 14,000(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that tetrabromodiphenyl ether is expected to be immobile in soil.

The Henry's Law constant for tetrabromodiphenyl ether is estimated as 8.5X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(SRC) using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that tetrabromodiphenyl ether is expected to volatilize from water surfaces(2). 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)(2) is estimated as 10 days(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 78 days(SRC). However, volatilization from water surfaces is expected to be attenuated by adsorption to suspended solids and sediment in the water column. The volatilization half-life from a model pond is about 13 years when adsorption is considered(3). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 2.2X10-6 mm Hg(4).

Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported in vegetables, tubers, pulses, cereals, fruits, fish and shellfish, meat and meat products, eggs, milk, dairy products, and fats and oils at 4.0, 0.5, 2.3, 2.2, 0.4, 158.3, 23.5, 17.3, 8.0, 10.7, and 169.7 ng/kg wet weight in products purchased from 7 cities in Catalonia, Spain, sampled June to August 2000(1). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether isomers 2,2',4,4'- and 2,2',4,5'- were detected in cod liver oil supplement manufactured in Norway(2). 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether were reported as 41, 0.55, 0.11 and 0.22 ng/g in dietary fish oil supplements in 28 samples taken from Belgium, 18 samples taken from The Netherlands, 12 samples taken from the United Kingdom and 11 samples taken from other countries(3).

ENVIRONMENTAL: Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported in milk at 8.0 ng/kg wet weight in products purchased from 7 cities in Catalonia, Spain, sampled June to August 2000(1). Human milk concentrations of 1.4-12.9, 1.31, not detected to 186 and 0.2-16.1 ng/g lipid were reported in the countries of Canada, Finland, Japan, and Sweden, respectively, for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(2).|ENVIRONMENTAL: 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether breast milk concentrations over time in Northern Hemisphere populations(1).|ENVIRONMENTAL: Milk samples were collected in 2003 from 40 first-time mothers with 2- to 8-week-old infants and residing in urban areas in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. (Montana, Oregon, and Washington State) and Canada (British Columbia). Mean and median total concentrations of 12 tri- thru decabromodiphenyl congeners were 96 and 50 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was found at the highest level, with median concentration of 28 ng/g lipid weight. Breast milk was collected from 12 primiparous 24- to 33-year-old nursing women in Japan, at 1 month after delivery and analyzed for six tri- to hexabrominated diphenyl ethers. The most abundant polybrominated diphenyl ether congener in human milk was 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether. The sum of the concentrations of six tri- to hexabromodiphenyl ethers ranged from 0.7 to 2.8 ng/g lipid weight. There was a strong positive relationship between total polybrominated diphenyl ether levels in human milk and the frequency of fish consumption. In Japan, 16 tri- to heptabrominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed in eight pooled human milk samples collected between 1973 and 2000. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers were not detected in the samples from 1973 at the limit of detection of 0.01 ng/g lipid weight. In 2000, the sum of the concentration of these polybrominated diphenyl ethers was 1.4 ng/g lipid weight and the predominant congener was 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether at 0.5 ng/g lipid weight. The breast milk concentrations of 2,2',4,4'-tetra, 2,2',4,4',5- and 2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether, and 2,2',4,4',5,5'- and 2,2',4,4',5,6'-hexabromodiphenyl ethers were determined in samples from 93 primiparous women collected from 1996 to 1999 in Uppsala County, Sweden. The women ranged in age from 20-35 years. 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was the major congener (mean value 2.4 ng/g lipid weight) and constituted 60% of the mean concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers of 4.0 ng/g lipid weight. No significant relationship was found between breast milk concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and dietary intakes of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (through fish, meat/poultry, dairy products, and egg consumption), age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, or computer usage. After adjustments for these factors, a weak but significant association between polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations and smoking was observed. Time-trend analysis for samples collected between 1996 and 2001 indicated a peak in total polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations around 1998, followed by decreasing levels. Pooled samples of breast milk collected at eight time periods between 1972 and 1997 from primiparous Swedish women were analyzed for tri- to hexabromodiphenyl ethers. In 1997, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether was the most abundant congener (2.3 ng/g lipid weight). The sum of the concentrations of these polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners in human milk increased from 0.1 to 4.0 ng/g lipid weight during the 25-year period studied (1).

Occupational exposure to tetrabromodiphenyl ether may occur through dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where tetrabromodiphenyl is used. Monitoring data indicate that the general population may be exposed to tetrabromodiphenyl ether ingestion of food (mostly fish), and dermal contact with products containing tetrabromodiphenyl ether. (SRC)

The concentrations of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether in the adipose tissue of two patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and myelodysplastic syndrome were 8.8 and 0.58 ng/g lipid basis, respectively(1). The mean concentration of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl in U.S. blood donors in 1988 was 1.3 pmol/g liquid wt (range, <0.8-49 pmol/g liquid weight; 6 of 12 samples, positive)(2). The mean concentration of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl in blood samples from Swedish female cleaners sampled in 1997 was 3.2 pmol/g liquid wt (range, <1 to 34 pmol/g liquid wt; 19 of 20 sample positive)(2). Adipose samples from residents of Tokyo, Japan sampled in 1970 and 2000 contained 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether at 4.4-60.4 and 109-979 pg/g lipid(3). Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported in adipose tissue from people that had lived in Tarragona, Spain for at least 10 years at concentrations of 0.20-5.8 ng/g(4). Serum samples from 276 California residents contained a geometric mean of 36.2 ng/g lipid for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether, serum samples from 1764 residents of other US states had a geometric mean of 19.5 ng/g lipid for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(2). 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was detected the serum of cleaners, clerks and dismantlers at a dismantling electronics plant in Sweden at 3.2, 3.0 and 5.9 pmol/g lipid weight, respectively(4). 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether was detected in the serum at 0.83 and 4.4 pmol/g lipid weight of people with a no fish diet and people with a high fish diet, respectively(4). Adipose tissue concentrations of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether was reported as 0.54-4.7, 0.09-3.7, 3.1-16.8, 0.004-0.98, 0.2-5.8, 1.7-4.0 and 7.01-196 ng/g lipid in samples from Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, Japan, Spain, Sweden and the United States, respectively(5). Mean concentrations of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether in serum were 0.10-14, 4.85, 0.05-134, 9-310, 8.4-210 and <0.4-511 ng/g lipid in samples from Japan, Korea, Sweden, mothers, umbilical cords, and in the general population from the United States, respectively(5). Human milk concentrations of 1.4-12.9, 1.31, not detected to 186 and 0.2-16.1 ng/g lipid were reported in the countries of Canada, Finland, Japan, and Sweden, respectively, for 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(5).|2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether body concentrations over time in Northern Hemisphere populations(1).

Significant absorption of tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TBDPE) in the gastro-intestinal tract of rats and mice occurs after oral administration. The main excretory pathway for rats is via feces, whereas excretion in the mouse is equally distributed in feces and urine. Although a number of TBDPE metabolites were detected in different tissues, the majority of the administered dose was retained in adipose tissue, mainly as the parent compound, for five days following administration. In the rat, the lung had the second highest concentration of TBDPE and its metabolites. The authors postulated that similarities between these metabolites and thyroxine may be biologically and toxicologically relevant, whereby structural similarities may enable them to compete for binding sites on transport proteins.|... Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TeBDE) is one congener in a mixture of polybrominated diphenyl ethers that makes up a flame-retardant commercial product called pentabromodiphenyl ether (PeBDE). ... This study was designed to assess the rate and extent of absorption of (14C)-tetrabromodiphenyl ether ([14C]-TeBDE) through human and rat skin in vitro. (14C)-TeBDE was applied to human and rat split thickness skin membranes in vitro in a single test preparation: (14C)-TeBDE in acetone (ca. 20%, w/v). Dermal delivery and absorbed dose of TeBDE applied to human skin was 3.13% (313 ug equiv/sq cm) and 1.94% (194 ug equiv/sq cm) of the applied dose, respectively. Dermal delivery and absorbed dose of TeBDE applied to rat skin was 17.94% (1804 ug equiv/sq cm) and 14.81% (1489 ug equiv/sq cm) of the applied dose, respectively. These results confirm that the risk of systemic exposure due to external dermal exposure of the PeBDE product is low in the human. ... The results also confirm that the rat is a conservative model overpredicting human absorption about eight fold.|... Male rats were administered dust or corn oil containing 8 or 6 ug PBDEs/kg bw, respectively, in the diet for 21 days (N=4 rats per treatment), and the concentration of 15 PBDEs were measured in various tissues, plasma, and feces. PBDEs were found in all tissues, including the brain, and showed no difference in distribution patterns between treatments for most PBDEs. Tri- to hexa-BDEs comprised >80% of the total PBDEs in the adipose, brain, kidney, lung, and residual carcass, but <40% in the liver and plasma. The ratio of the lipid-weight concentration of tri- to hexa-BDEs in adipose tissue, residual carcass, and plasma was 1:1:2. For the hepta- to nona-BDEs, lipid-weight concentrations increased from adipose tissue to residual carcass to plasma in the ratio 0.3:1:>4. BDE-209 was the dominant congener in the liver and plasma, but was not detected in the adipose tissue or carcass. In summary, the lower brominated congeners tended to distribute equally into lipids implying both adipose tissue and plasma would be suitable matrices for biomonitoring. Plasma was the best matrix for detection of the higher brominated congeners (especially BDE-209), although on a lipid-weight basis tended to overestimate the total body burdens. /PBDE congeners/

Immediate first aid: Ensure that adequate decontamination has been carried out. If patient is not breathing, start artificial respiration, preferably with a demand valve resuscitator, bag-valve-mask device, or pocket mask, as trained. Perform CPR if necessary. Immediately flush contaminated eyes with gently flowing water. Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on the left side (head-down position, if possible) to maintain an open airway and prevent aspiration. Keep patient quiet and maintain normal body temperature. Obtain medical attention. /Poisons A and B/|Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway (oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal airway, if needed). Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with 0.9% saline (NS) during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 mL/kg up to 200 mL of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poisons A and B/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in severe respiratory distress. Positive-pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Consider administering a beta agonist such as albuterol for severe bronchospasm ... . Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start IV administration of D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use 0.9% saline (NS) or lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam or lorazepam ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poisons A and B/

/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ In a longitudinal cohort initiated after 11 September 2001, including 329 mothers who delivered in one of three hospitals in lower Manhattan, New York, ... prenatal PBDE exposure and neurodevelopment /were examined/ when their children were 12-48 and 72 months of age ... 210 cord blood specimens /were tested/ for selected PBDE congeners and assessed neurodevelopmental effects in the children at 12-48 and 72 months of age; 118, 117, 114, 104, and 96 children with available cord PBDE measurements were assessed at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 months, respectively. ... Multivariate regression analyses /was used/ to evaluate the associations between concentrations of individual PBDE congeners and neurodevelopmental indices. Median cord blood concentrations of PBDE congeners 47 /2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, 99 /2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, and 100 /2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether/ were 11.2, 3.2, and 1.4 ng/g lipid, respectively. After adjustment for potential confounders, children with higher concentrations of BDEs 47, 99, or 100 scored lower on tests of mental and physical development at 12-48 and 72 months. Associations were significant for 12-month Psychomotor Development Index (BDE-47), 24-month Mental Development Index (MDI) (BDE-47, 99, and 100), 36-month MDI (BDE-100), 48-month full-scale and verbal IQ (BDE-47, 99, and 100) and performance IQ (BDE-100), and 72-month performance IQ (BDE-100). This epidemiologic study demonstrates neurodevelopmental effects in relation to cord blood PBDE concentrations.|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ Epidemiological studies ... have revealed only limited information about associations between PBDE exposure and menstruation characteristics. /The goal of this study/ was to examine whether high breast milk PBDE levels in reproductive-age females lead to interference with menstruation characteristics. Fifteen PBDE congeners in 46 breast milk samples /were analyzed/. (BDE-15 /4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether/, 28 /4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether/, 47 /2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, 49 /2,2',4,5'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, 99 /2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether//, 100 /2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, 153 /2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, 154 /2,2',4,4',5,6'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, 183 /2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptabromodiphenyl ether/, 196 /2,2',3,3',4,4',5,6'-octabromodiphenyl ether/, 197 /2,2',3,3',4,4',6,6'-octabromodiphenyl ether/, 203 /2,2',3,4,4',5,5',6-octabromodiphenyl ether/, 207 /2,2',3,3',4,4',5,6,6'-nonabromodiphenyl ether/, 208 /2,2',3,3',4,5,5',6,6'-nonabromodiphenyl ether/, and 209 /decabromodiphenyl ether/). The mean sum of PBDEs (SigmaPBDEs) in breast milk was 3.42 ng/g lipid. Women's age at menarche was not correlated with breast milk PBDE levels. Increased BDE-208 and 209 levels were significantly associated with the prolonged length of average and the longest menstrual cycle independent of age, pre-pregnant BMI, and parity. Higher concentrations of SigmaPBDEs and the higher brominated PBDEs from BDE-183 to 209, except 197, were significantly linked to women whose menstruation periods were still coming irregularly at the sampling time. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of BDE-153, 183, 207, 208, and SigmaPBDEs were significantly higher in women with length of average menstrual cycle >32 days, compared to the control. Women whose menstruation periods still came irregularly when they were 18 years old had higher age-adjusted ORs of BDE-207, 208, 209, and SigmaPBDEs than those whose periods came regularly at the same age. Although SigmaPBDEs and certain higher brominated PBDEs appear to have potential to prolong length of average menstrual cycle and delay the age when menstruation periods begin coming regularly, these findings are not conclusive ...|/EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDIES/ The aim of this study was to examine how PBDEs in breast milk are associated with infant birth outcome and maternal menstruation characteristics. Study participants were healthy women recruited from central Taiwan between December 2000 and November 2001. Twelve congener levels of PBDEs (BDE-17 /2,2',4-tribromodiphenyl ether/, 28 /2,4,4'-tribromodiphenyl ether/, 47 /2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, 66 /2,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether/, 85 /2,2',3,4,4'-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, 99 /2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, 100 /2,2',4,4',6-pentabromodiphenyl ether/, 138 /2,2',3,4,4',5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, 153 /2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, 154 /2,2',4,4',5,6'-hexabromodiphenyl ether/, 183 /2,2',3,4,4',5',6-heptabromodiphenyl ether/, 209 /decabromodiphenyl ether/) in 20 breast milk samples were measured by gas chromatography with high resolution mass spectrometer. The mean level of PBDEs in breast milk was 3.93+/-1.74 ng/g lipid. The estimated PBDE daily intake for a breastfed infant was 20.6 ng/kg bw/day after delivery. After maternal age, pre-pregnant BMI, and parity were adjusted, increased PBDEs in breast milk was related with decreased birth outcome, particularly for birth weight and length, chest circumference, and Quetelet's index of infants. No significant differences in PBDEs were found between the two groups of menstrual cycle length higher and lower than 30 days after /adjustment/ for maternal age, pre-pregnant BMI, and parity. In utero exposure to low doses of PBDEs may result in lower birth weight and shorter birth length. /The/ findings are limited based on the low doses of PBDEs and the small sampling size.|/GENOTOXICITY/ ... The relationship between 2,2,4,4-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE-47) and oxidative DNA damage /was examined/ as well as the mode of interaction between PBDE-47 and 2,2,4,4,5,5-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) by incubating SH-SY5Y cells in four doses of PBDE-47 (0, 1, 5, 10 uM) and/or 5 uM PCB153 and 100 uM NAC (N-acetylcysteine) for 24 hr. Results showed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in the 5 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 and 10 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (p < 0.05). DNA strand breakage and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels were significantly increased in the 10 uM PBDE-47, 5 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153, and 10 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). Furthermore, ROS formation and DNA strand breakage were dramatically increased in the 5 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 and 10 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 groups compared with the corresponding PBDE-47 only group and the PCB153 group (p< 0.05). The level of 8-OHdG was significantly increased in the 10 uoM PBDE-47 + PCB153 group compared with the corresponding PBDE-47 only group and the PCB153 group (p < 0.05). The PBDE-47 group coincubated with NAC decreased the ROS level and ameliorated PBDE-47-mediated DNA damage. The mRNA expression levels of X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 1 (Xrcc1) were significantly decreased in the 10 uM PBDE-47, 5 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153, and 10 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 groups, whereas X-ray repair cross-complementing gene 3 (Xrcc3) were significantly increased in the 10 uM PBDE-47 and 10 uM PBDE-47 + PCB153 groups compared with the control (p < 0.05). The PBDE-47 groups coincubated with NAC, however, considerably increased Xrcc1 while decreasing Xrcc3 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). These results indicate that PBDE-47 induced oxidative DNA damage and that PBDE-47 combined with PCB153 may increase such effects in SH-SY5Y cells in vitro. Furthermore, the results suggest that oxidative stress is responsible for DNA damage induced by PBDE-47.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The DE-71 mixture was analyzed on GC/LRMS (gas chromatography/low resolution mass spectrometry) in the NCI (negative chemical ionization) mode (HP5890 GC coupled to a HP MSD) monitoring at m/z 79 and 81 with methane as the chemical ionization gas. The DE-71 mixture contained on a weight basis 0.23% BDE-28 (tri-BDE), 31.8 % BDE 47 (tetra-BDE), 50.9% BDE-99 (penta-BDE), 9.1% BDE-100 (penta- BDE), 3.9% BDE-153 (hexa-BDE), 3.8% BDE-154 (hexa-BDE), 0.2% BDE- 183 (Hepta-BDE).|42 congeners for Tetrabromodiphenyl ether /From table/|Composition of commercial brominated diphenyl ethers. Product: Tetrabromodiphenyl ether: 7.6% polybrominated diphenyl ethers, 41-41.7% tetrabromodiphenyl ether, 44.4-45% pentabromodiphenyl ether and 6-7% hexabromodiphenyl ether. /Commercial tetrabromodiphenyl ether/

Benzene, 1,1'-oxybis-, tetrabromo deriv.: ACTIVE|S - indicates a substance that is identified in a final Significant New Use Rule.|Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (TBDPE) is not produced as an individual product. The 2,2',4,4'-TBDPE isomer is a major component of the PeBDPE commercial product.