Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are compounds that are widespread throughout the environment. Because they are still produced in large quantities and used in allmost any man made object we encounter (from clothing to plastics to airoplanes), BFRs are ubiquitous. The monitoring of these compounds however is not so widespread as its use. About the toxicity of the PFRs, not much is known. It is assumed that the toxicity is comparable with that of the PCBs and dioxins, which are a class of highly toxic compounds (immunologic, hepatic, thyroid, endocrine disruptor') Our rechearch focusses on the analytical part of the monitoring studies. A diversity of samples, ranging from environmental to human samples, is analysed. BFRs pollution levels in Belgium, in the Belgian North Sea and more specific around Antwerp will be mapped.
