PBBs (Polybrominated Biphenyls)and PBDEs (Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers) are manufactured chemicals found in plastics used in a number of consumer products such as televisions and textiles to make them difficult to burn. Because they are simply mixed with the plastics rather than bound to them, they can leave the plastic and enter the environment. Both are colorless to off-white solids that are mixtures of up to 209 individual component chemicals called congeners. Although the production of PBBs was discontinued in the United States in 1976, the manufacture of PBDEs continues.

How You Are Exposed

PBBs and PBDEs can enter the air, water and soil during their manufacture, use and disposal. Exposure to PBBs by the general population will be mostly from past releases. Animal feed was accidentally mixed with PBBs in lower Michigan in 1973 and residents of that area who ate contaminated animal products were exposed to these chemicals and people living in southern Michigan today may still be experiencing exposure to PBBs. One can also be exposed to PBBs in the air if you live near a waste site containing the chemicals.

Most people are exposed to low levels of PBDEs found in air, sediments, animals, and food. Exposure to more significant levels can occur in people who work in industries that manufacture PBDE-containing products or in people that work in a confined place where plastics and foam products are recycled or computers are repaired. 

How Can PBBs/PBDEs Affect Your Health?

Most of what is known about the health effects of PBBs comes from studies of the Michigan residents who ate contaminated animal products for several months. They complained of nausea, abdominal pain, appetite loss, joint pain, fatigue and weakness. Skin problems, such as acne, also appear to be an effect of PBB exposure through skin contact, as well as inhaling and ingesting it.

There is no definitive information on the health effects of PBDEs in people but preliminary evidence suggests that they may cause neurobehavioral alternations and affect the immune system in animals.