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Analysis for Bromine in Electronic Parts 1 Background and PurposeBrominated flame retardants are used as fire retardants in a large number of different products such as textiles, computer screens and household appliances. The brominated flame retardants primarily contain carbon, hydrogen and bromine. Some of the substances are concentrated in the food chain and are suspected of causing cancer and hormone disturbances. The analysis shows the content of bromine and antimony in the products. However, it has not been examined which fire retardants the substances come from. The National Agency of Environmental Protection has requested an analysis of a number of electronic parts and household appliances for content of brominated flame retardants. Mr. Jacob Maag, Cowi, has assisted in choosing the appliances on behalf of the National Agency of Environmental Protection. The appliances chosen were purchased by the Danish Technological Institute, Chemical Technology, Aarhus, where the analysis for content of bromine was carried out by X-ray technique. Prior to this analysis Mr. Nils Nilsson, Danish Technological Institute, Environmental and Waste Technology, had prepared a memo on bromine in electronic parts, concluding that a considerable content of bromine in plastics from household appliances came from components added to the plastics with the aim of having a fire retarding effect.
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