Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used extensively over the past two decades as flame retardants in plastics, textiles, coatings and electrical components found in many common products including televisions, computers and electrical appliances. The annual world production is more than 55,000 metric tons/year (www.bsef.com). As a consequence of their widespread use, they have become persistent organic pollutants worldwide. Although PBDE levels in biota are still less than those of the PCBs, studies show a sharp and alarming increase in PBDE concentrations during the past decade.

PBDEs are lipophilic compounds and bioaccumulate rapidly through the food chain. For example, preliminary studies suggest that the levels of PBDEs in breast milk of North American women appear to be doubling every two to five years (Ryan, J.J., Patry, B., Organohalogen Compounds 2000, 47, 57).

Although the toxicology of PBDEs is currently under investigation, research shows that PBDEs affect thyroid hormone levels and can cause liver and neurodevelopmental health risks. Ongoing toxicological studies and environmental monitoring will provide more understanding of the significance of PBDEs in the environment and on human health. A comprehensive collection of original communications regarding brominated flame retardants is found in a special issue of Chemosphere, 2002, 46 (5).

AccuStandard has synthesized and cataloged 96 pure PBDE congeners for use as standards for toxicology research and in the identification of unknown substances in environmental samples. Additional congeners and mixes are added continuously. AccuStandard also offers custom synthesis of congeners not found in the catalog or website.

ASTM Method D6042-96 for Plastic Container Testing
Manufactures of Plastic containers use this test method to ensure the quality of their product to pharmaceutical customers. Pharmaceutical companies also specify this test and provide their lists of target compounds and concentration limits in purchasing agreements. Isopropanol extraction, UPLC separation, and UV detection is used by this test.

New Method 8265 Volatile Organic Compounds NEW
This method is applicable to the determination of VOCs in discrete samples taken to the laboratory and to on-site measurement and monitoring. This method is especially useful for the analysis of large numbers of samples, for screening samples, vadose zone samples, and for on-line analysis.