Prelims 2014 · archive
EasyBrominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use?
- 1.They are highly resistant to degradation in the environment.
- 2.They are able to accumulate in humans and animals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Answer & explanation
Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct. Brominated flame retardants such as the PBDEs used in foam furnishings are highly persistent in the environment and bioaccumulative, and they have been detected in humans in all regions. This is why the Stockholm Convention lists them as persistent organic pollutants.
- ✓ 1. The commercial mixtures of pentabromodiphenyl ether (pentaBDE) and octabromodiphenyl ether (octaBDE) are both described as highly persistent in the environment. They resist degradation.
- ✓ 2. PentaBDE is bioaccumulative and has been detected in humans in all regions. OctaBDE has a high potential for bioaccumulation and food-web biomagnification, so these chemicals build up in humans and animals.
Remember · PBDE flame retardants are persistent, bioaccumulative and capable of long-range environmental transport. That is why the Stockholm Convention lists them as POPs.
Sources
- Stockholm Convention (UNEP): The 12 initial POPs and all listed POPs (PBDEs and hexabromobiphenyl) ↗ “Commercial mixture of pentaBDE is highly persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative and has a high potential for long-range environmental transport. These chemicals have been detected in humans in all regions. … Commercial mixture of octaBDE is highly persistent, has a high potential for bioaccumulation and food-web biomagnification, as well as for long-range transport.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2014, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·