CHLORINATED ORGANOPHOSPHATE FLAME RETARDANTS IN WASTE FABRICS AND FOAMS: IMPLICATIONS FOR WASTE MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The presence of some brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in food contact articles and childcare goods at levels lower than those allowed for flame retardancy is frequently linked to the recycling of flame retardant-treated plastics. In response to this, Low POP Concentration Limits (LPCLs) on the maximum permissible concentrations of some BFRs in waste have been established to ensure that waste plastics exceeding such limits are not recycled, hence limiting further contamination of the recycled plastic stream. Given that chlorinated organophosphate flame retardants (Cl-OPFRs) have similar toxicity and health impacts as BFRs, similar concentration limits are predicted to be adopted in the near future for Cl-OPFRs. This study measured Cl- OPFRs in fabrics and foams of waste furniture, end-life vehicle and childcare items from Ireland, the UK, and Saudi Arabia. Our investigation revealed that tris(1-chloro- 2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP) was the predominant Cl-OPFR detected in furniture and childcare items, while tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) was the predominant Cl-OPFR detected in vehicles and childcare items intended for car use. Cl-OPFR concentrations in the UK and Ireland significantly exceeded those in Saudi Arabia likely because of international differences in fire safety regulations. In addition, this study evaluated the utility of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) as a screening tool for regulatory compliance. Specifically, we measured chlorine (Cl) and phosphorus (P) as a surrogate indicator of the presence of Cl-OPFRs in waste fabric and foam. Our investigation revealed that XRF was not a reliable tool for identifying articles containing levels of Cl-OPFRs exceeding the national limit of 1,000 mg/kg. This is because of the high incidence of false exceedances observed in our analyses in 81 %, 74 %, and 97 % of samples from Ireland, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, respectively, as well as the high positive slopes and y-intercepts of plots of XRF Cl against GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass spectrometry) measurements of Cl- OPFRs. Finally, as human exposure to Cl-OPFRs via inhalation, dust ingestion, and dietary intake is crucial, this study assessed exposure to Cl-OPFRs via dermal contact with upholstered items. Our estimates of adult and toddler exposure to Cl-OPFRs via dermal uptake fall below the relevant health-based limit values.