| Chemical Properties | Back Directory | [Appearance]
Hexabromobiphenyl is the predominant isomer. These materials are heavy, highly brominated compounds. PBBs
are produced by direct bromination of biphenyl and it could
be anticipated that very complex mixtures of compounds
differing from each both in number of bromine atoms
per molecule and by positional isomerism are formed.
The possibility also exists (analogous to the PCBs) that
halogenated dibenzofurans, for example, brominated
dibenzofurans, may be trace contaminants in certain PBB
formulations. |
| Hazard Information | Back Directory | [Chemical Properties]
Hexabromobiphenyl is the predominant isomer. These materials are heavy, highly brominated compounds. PBBs
are produced by direct bromination of biphenyl and it could
be anticipated that very complex mixtures of compounds
differing from each both in number of bromine atoms
per molecule and by positional isomerism are formed.
The possibility also exists (analogous to the PCBs) that
halogenated dibenzofurans, for example, brominated
dibenzofurans, may be trace contaminants in certain PBB
formulations. | [Potential Exposure]
The polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are inert substances and have been employed, primarily as fire retardants. For example, the PBBs were incorporated into thermoplastics at a concentration of about 15% to increase the heat stability of the plastic to which it is added. In 1973, one to two tons of PBBs, a highly toxic flame retardant, were accidentally mixed into an animal feed supplement and fed to cattle in Michigan. Contamination also resulted from traces of PBBs being discharged into the environment at the manufacturing site and at other facilities involved in handling PBBs. Approximately 250 dairy and 500 cattle farms were quarantined; tens of thousands of swine and cattle and more than one million chickens were destroyed; and lawsuits involving hundreds of millions of dollars were instituted. Before the nature of the contamination was recognized, many of the contaminated animals had been slaughtered, marketed, eaten; and eggs and milk of the contaminated animals were also consumed. Thus, large numbers of people have been exposed to PBBs; they are persistent in the environment and are concentrated in body fat. While commercial manufacture and distribution of PBBs have currently ceased, the full extent of the problem has not yet been assessed. | [First aid]
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. When this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention. Give large quantities of water and induce vomiting. Do not make an unconscious person vomit.
| [Shipping]
UN3152 Polyhalogenated biphenyls, solid or Polyhalogenated terphenyls, solid, Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material. UN3151 Polyhalogenated biphenyls, liquid or Polyhalogenated terphenyls, liquid, Hazard class: 9; Labels: 9-Miscellaneous hazardous material. | [Incompatibilities]
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are very unreactive. Materials in this category may be incompatible with strong oxidizing (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.; contact may cause fires or explosions) and reducing agents such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Also, PBBs may be incompatible with various amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. |
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