Flame retardants in the indoor environment - Part II: release of VOCs (triethylphosphate and halogenated degradation products) from polyurethane

Organophosphate esters, halogenated and non-halogenated, are frequently used for fire protection of building materials. With regard to toxicological profiles it is desired to avoid human exposure in the indoor environment. Moreover, some hazardous volatile organic compounds detected in indoor air are directly linked to the utilization of flame retardants. In this study, different polyurethane (PUR) products for building and indoor use treated with organophosphate flame retardants were tested in 1 m(3) emission test chambers. Emissions of flame retardants and degradation products were measured under living conditions. A PUR hard foam sample showed area-specific emission rates >100 mu g/m(2) h for the compound triethylphosphate. During the tests several chlorinated degradation products of organophophorous flame retardants could be identified in the chamber air.