ECHA Listed Polybrominated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans Under Proposals for New POPs - Consultation

On March 25, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) listed Polybrominated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PBDDs), Polybrominated Dibenzofurans (PBDFs), and Mixed Polybrominated/Chlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PBCDDs) and Dibenzofurans (PBCDFs) under proposals for new Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). 
The consultation period for comments on the draft risk profile ends on May 20, 2025, at 23:59 Helsinki time.

These chemicals have been shown to cause a range of toxic effects similar to those of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PCDD/Fs), including lethality, wasting, thymic atrophy, teratogenesis, reproductive effects, immunotoxicity, and liver injury. The most toxic congeners are those substituted at positions 2, 3, 7, and 8. Evidence suggests that these substances can also activate the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and cause neurodevelopmental and behavioral changes in animals, such as reduced spawning success in zebrafish and neurotoxicity in mice.

These chemicals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, with the potential for long-range environmental transport. They have been detected in various environmental compartments, including in marine mammals in remote regions, indicating global exposure. Furthermore, PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs contribute significantly to dioxin-like toxicity, including in food, tissues, and milk, with young children at risk of exceeding tolerable weekly intake levels.