definition
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardant (BFR) [3], hydrocarbons with a basic structure of two phenyl rings linked by an oxygen atom [1]. These compounds have been added to many consumer and commercial products such as textiles, carpeting, construction materials, and electronics in an effort to reduce their combustibility [3] generally at concentrations between 5 and 30% by weight [1]. There are 209 different possible compounds, referred as PBDE congeners, which differ in the number and position of the bromine atoms in the phenyl rings [1]. Based on the number of brominated substituents there are 10 homologous groups (from mono to deca) [2].
These compounds are present in the environment, in biota and in food and feed. [1]
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