"Intersecting Circular Economy and Child Health: A Scoping Review of Legacy Brominated Flame Retardants in Plastic Childcare Products and Toys" published by Environmental Health Division colleagues
We are excited to announce that Rebecca Mlelwa, a PhD student and Professor Hanna-Andrea Rother at UCT, School of Public Health, Environmental Health Division, has published a significant article titled: "Intersecting Circular Economy and Child Health: A Scoping Review of Legacy Brominated Flame Retardants in Plastic Childcare Products and Toys"
This scoping review assesses the presence of legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs), specifically polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), in children's products made from recycled plastics. Historically used in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), vehicles, furniture, and building materials, these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are banned under the Stockholm Convention due to their severe health effects, including endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental problems, and cancer. Despite the ban, these chemicals persist in recycled plastics and have been detected in children's products.
Key findings:
- Recycled plastics from electronics may contain phased-out PBDEs and HBCDD
- Legacy PBDEs and HBCDD are found in children’s products made from recycled plastics
- Children’s products made from recycled plastics are sold worldwide
- PBDEs and HBCDD cause endocrine disruption, cancer, and neuro-developmental disorders
- Stronger regulations are needed to protect children from these legacy POP- BFRs
The study calls for global action, urging the Basel Convention to adopt stricter POP content limits to prevent recycling plastics with high PBDEs and HBCDD levels. It also advocates for the Stockholm and Basel Conventions to establish safe limits for these chemicals in recycled plastics and to ban contaminated recycled plastics in children's products, ensuring a safer circular economy.
Mlelwas’ and Rothers' work highlights the intersection of environmental sustainability and child health, advocating for policies that protect our youngest and most vulnerable populations.
Read the full Paper here