Chemical name: FireMaster BP 6, Polybromobiphenyls

Final regulatory action has been taken for the category: Industrial

Final regulatory action: The chemical is Banned

Use or uses prohibited by the final regulatory action:

PBBs and mixtures containing 0.1% or more of PBBs are banned for manufacture, import and use as an industrial chemical. No remaining uses are allowed, except for the use mentioned in the following subsection.

Use or uses that remain allowed:

Use of the chemical for research or laboratory purposes is allowed.

The final regulatory action was based on a risk or hazard evaluation: Yes

Summary of the final regulatory action:

PBBs and mixtures containing 0.1% or more of PBBs are banned for manufacture, import and use as an industrial chemical. No remaining uses are allowed.

The reasons for the final regulatory action were relevant to: Human health

Summary of known hazards and risks to human health:

PBBs are a possible carcinogen to humans (IARC Group 2B). In experimental animals, neurobehavioural toxicity is seen. And PBBs given prior to mating result in a decreased pregnancy rate.

Expected effect of the final regulatory action in relation to human health:

It is expected that the regulatory action will significantly reduce the potential risk of carcinogenic effect to workers and others involved especially in textile and plastic manufacturing industries.

Date of entry into force of the final regulatory action: 13/11/2003