MP12 Organic, Metallic, Organometallic Pollutants
Monday, 14 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM in Exhibit Hall

(BAY-1118-131501) Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Singapore.

BAYEN, S.¹, LI, Q.Q.², WURL, O.³, OBBARD, J.³, ¹ Department of Inorganic, Analytical and Applied Chemistry (CABE), University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland² Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore³ Tropical Marine Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore

ABSTRACT- PBDEs are widely used as flame retardants in a range of construction materials, textiles and other consumer products, such as electronics. Although environmental levels of PBDEs can be traced back to the 1970 ′s in Europe and America, there is no existing data in South-East Asia prior to 2002. Consumption of PBDEs in Asia reached 24,650 metric tons in Asia in 2001, less than 1% of which corresponded to the pentachlorinated diphenyl ether formulations (www.bsef.com). Although measures have been taken in Europe, America and Japan, to curtail usage of certain PBDEs, there is currently no existing legislation in the Asia-Pacific region restricting the use of PBDEs. This report collates data on the levels of PBDEs in air, seawater, marine sediments, marine biota, seafood and human tissues in Singapore, from our various studies, conducted since 2002. It is apparent from the data, that PBDEs, and particularly BDE-47, 99 and 100, are ubiquitous in Singapore's marine environment. Additionally, the presence of 'hot-spots' of contamination suggest the presence of local sources of PBDEs. Data from Singapore are discussed within the international context. The present report reflects the need for a more extensive investigation of PBDEs in a range of environmental media in South-East Asia.

Key words: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, Brominated flame retardants, South-East Asia, bioaccumulation