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Product Name: Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether
Chemical Formula: C12H6Br4O
Synonyms: Polybrominated diphenyl ether, PBDE-47, 2,2',4,4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether
CAS Number: 40088-47-9
Recommended Use: Flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and electronics
Manufacturer: Contact supplier/distributor
Emergency Contact: Local poison control center or nearest emergency facility
Classification: Acute Toxicity (Oral) Category 4, Skin Irritation Category 2, Eye Irritation Category 2A, Aquatic Chronic Category 1
Signal Word: Warning
Hazard Statements: Harmful if swallowed. Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
Precautionary Statements: Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Avoid release to the environment. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and face protection. If skin irritation occurs: get medical advice/attention.
Potential Health Effects: Eye and skin irritant, possible reproductive toxin, may disrupt endocrine system, persistent in body
Chemical Name: Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether
Concentration: >97% by weight
Impurities: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (minor), potential trace solvents from manufacturing
Molecular Weight: 485.79 g/mol
EINECS Number: 254-787-2
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing. Rinse skin thoroughly with water and soap. If skin irritation continues, seek medical care.
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. Get medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel. Obtain medical assistance immediately.
Symptoms of Exposure: Eye redness, skin rash, headache, nausea, fatigue. Long-term exposure may cause thyroid disruption or other hormonal imbalances.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical powder, foam, or water spray
Unsuitable Extinguishing Media: High-pressure water jets (risk of chemical dispersion)
Specific Hazards: Decomposes to release toxic fumes, including hydrogen bromide, bromine, and carbon oxides
Firefighter Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear. Cool containers with water spray if exposed to fire.
Combustion Products: Hydrogen bromide, brominated organic compounds, phenolic fumes, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Explosion Hazard: Not considered explosive under normal conditions; can aggravate fire conditions due to brominated volatiles.
Personal Precautions: Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Ventilate area. Evacuate non-essential personnel.
Protective Equipment: Chemical-resistant gloves, goggles, impervious clothing, suitable respiratory protection if airborne dust forms.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent further leakage or spillage. Keep out of waterways, drains, and soil.
Methods for Cleanup: Absorb with inert material (sand, earth, vermiculite). Use spark-proof tools to collect spilled substance. Place in appropriate chemical waste container.
Decontamination: Wash down area with detergent and water after material has been removed.
Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations.
Handling: Avoid breathing dust, fumes, or vapors. Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling this product. Wash thoroughly after handling. Minimize dust generation.
Storage Requirements: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and incompatible materials.
Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizers, acids, alkalis. Store away from food, feed, or high-temperature environments.
Additional Precautions: Use nonsparking tools and explosion-proof equipment in storage and handling areas.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits in most jurisdictions, though manufacturers may recommend <0.1 mg/m³
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation to reduce airborne concentration. Enclose processes and use mechanical ventilation where dust is generated.
Personal Protective Equipment:
• Eyes: Safety goggles or face shield
• Skin: Chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile, neoprene), lab coat or coveralls
• Respiratory: If airborne dust is present, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator suitable for organic particulates
• Hygiene: Clean clothing daily. Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or using restroom.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder
Odor: Odorless or very slight aromatic odor
Melting Point: Approximately 93 – 96°C (200 – 205°F)
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents such as acetone, ether, benzene
Vapor Pressure: Very low (<1 x 10-6 mmHg at 25°C)
Partition Coefficient (log Kow): ~6.8 – 7.2 (highly lipophilic)
Density: About 2.1 g/cm³
Flash Point: Not flammable under standard conditions
Decomposition Temperature: Above 300°C (572°F)
pH (in solution): Not applicable
Viscosity: Not applicable (solid)
Stability: Stable at room temperature under normal handling and storage conditions
Reactive Conditions: Exposure to strong acids or alkalis, UV light, high heat (decomposes at high temperature releasing hazardous products)
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids, strong bases
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Bromine, hydrogen bromide, phenolic compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide
Polymerization: Not expected under recommended storage and handling.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin, and eye contact
Acute Toxicity: Oral LD50 (rat): 420 mg/kg, Dermal LD50: data limited, Inhalation LC50: data not available
Chronic Effects: May disrupt thyroid hormones and other endocrine functions; persistent and bioaccumulative contaminant; possible reproductive and developmental effects
Skin/Eye Irritation: Moderate skin and eye irritant
Inhalation Effects: Respiratory tract irritation and possible systemic toxicity
Carcinogenicity: IARC and US EPA have not classified as carcinogen; some animal data suggest increased risk due to long-term exposure
Mutagenicity: Limited data, not considered mutagenic at typical exposures
Target Organs: Liver, thyroid, reproductive system
Symptoms: Dermatitis, eye redness, headache, dizziness, nausea
Sensitization: Not known as a sensitizer but skin reactions have been observed in some users
Environmental Behavior: Persistent organic pollutant (POP), highly resistant to degradation, accumulates in sediments and biota
Aquatic Toxicity: Very toxic to aquatic organisms, LC50 (fish): 0.2-1.8 mg/L
Bioaccumulation: Strong tendency to bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial food chains (high log Kow)
Soil Mobility: Low mobility, tends to bind to organic matter
Persistence/Degradability: Degrades slowly in environment, half-life in soil and sediment may span years
Other Environmental Hazards: Toxic for birds and mammals through food chain transfer; potential to disrupt whole ecosystems through biomagnification
Regulatory Status: Restricted or banned in many countries due to persistence and toxicity
Waste Treatment Methods: Dispose of content and container in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations for hazardous waste
Incineration: High-temperature incineration (≥1200°C) recommended to destroy brominated compounds and reduce environmental release
Do Not: Dispose of to sewer, natural waters, or regular landfill
Contaminated Packaging: Triple-rinse containers, offer for incineration or disposal at certified hazardous waste facility
Safe Handling: Limit exposure pathways during disposal by using closed and labeled waste containers, minimize dust
Waste Transport: Use certified waste carriers experienced with persistent organic pollutants
UN Number: Not assigned, typically shipped as a regulated substance depending on jurisdiction
Transport Hazard Class: Environmental Hazard (Marine Pollutant); not assigned to a transport hazard class under the UN Model Regulations
Packing Group: Not classified
Labels: “Marine Pollutant” or “Environmentally Hazardous Substance” labeling required
Proper Shipping Name: Environmentally hazardous substance, solid, n.o.s. (contains Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether)
Special Provisions: Avoid release to the environment during transport; keep containers tightly closed and secure to prevent movement and breakage
Regulatory References: Check national regulations and International Maritime Dangerous Goods (IMDG), International Air Transport Association (IATA) codes for local specifics
EU: Listed as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH; subject to authorization and restriction
US: EPA classifies as a persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) chemical; restrictions under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
International: Stockholm Convention lists many PBDEs, including tetrabromodiphenyl ether, for elimination or restriction
Worker Safety: OSHA, NIOSH, and ACGIH provide precautionary recommendations but no specific exposure limit
Labeling: Product labeling must include GHS hazard symbols, warning statements, and emergency contact
Other Restrictions: Many countries regulate, limit, or phase out PBDEs in manufactured goods; consult local authority for allowable uses
