Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs)

CAS ID #: 67774-32-7, 32536-52-0, 1163-19-5, 32534-81-9

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Endocrine (Glands and Hormones), Hepatic (Liver)

Cancer Classification: NTP: Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Dioxins, Furans, PCBs (contain phenyl rings of carbon atoms), Phenols/phenoxy acids

Summary:

Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are manufactured chemicals. They are added to the plastics used to make products like computer monitors, televisions, textiles, plastic foams, etc. to make them difficult to burn. PBBs can leave these plastics and find their way into the environment. PBBs are usually colorless to off-white solids. PBBs are mixtures of brominated biphenyl compounds known as congeners.

In the United States, manufacturing of PBBs was stopped in 1976. PBBs are still around in the environment because they do not degrade easily or quickly.