A Toxicological Profile for Phosphate Ester Flame Retardants
Author:
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Date Published:
9/2012
Description:
The profiles focus on health and toxicologic information; therefore, each toxicological profile begins with a public health statement that describes, in nontechnical language, a substance's relevant toxicological properties. Following the public health statement is information concerning levels of significant human exposure and, where known, significant health effects. A health effects summary describes the adequacy of information to determine a substance's health effects. ATSDR identifies data needs that are significant to protection of public health. This profile discusses the following phosphate ester flame retardants: tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tributyl phosphate (TnBP), tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCP), triphenyl phosphate (TPP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP), triisobutyl phosphate (TiBP), and tricresyl phosphate (TCP).Phosphate esters are a class of anthropogenic organic compounds found in the environment due to their release from commercial and industrial products. They are pervasive throughout the world due to their extensive industrial and commercial use since the 1940s. Phosphate esters represent an important class of commercial additives used as flame retardants, plasticizers, hydraulic fluids, solvents, extraction agents, antifoam agents, adhesives, and coatings for electronic devices.
Human exposure to phosphate ester flame retardants can occur via ingestion of food and water, and through contact with water, air, or soil containing phosphate esters. The most likely route of exposure to the general population is through ingestion of food and water containing phosphate esters or inhalation of vapors or particulates released from flame retardant materials. The dermal route can account for exposure if contact with flame-retarded textiles occurs. Oral exposure could occur in young children from dissolution of phosphate ester treated materials since children are more likely to suck on these materials. The ranges of expected exposure through food are generally 0.5–20 ng/kg/day for adults and 0.1– 40 ng/kg/day for children under 2 years of age. These estimated intakes are significantly lower than the doses administered to laboratory animals. Workers in industries that manufacture phosphate esters or products containing phosphate esters are subject to a greater exposure risk than the general population.
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