Since the phase-out of the historically-used polybrominated diphenyl ethers because of growing evidence of their negative health and environmental impacts, current-use organophosphate flame retardants have re-emerged to replace polybrominated diphenyl ethers. However, very little is known about organophosphate flame retardants. This process of replacing suspected harmful chemicals with understudied alternatives is common. Many chemicals are largely unstudied before they are introduced to consumer products and the environment, and are unregulated. Scientific research has revealed potential negative associations between health and certain chemicals, such as flame retardants. Subsequently, these chemicals are either banned or phased out. Other chemicals with unknown health repercussions potentially replace their banned or phased out predecessors (legacy chemicals) and are often structurally similar to the previous iteration or are structurally similar to other chemicals with adverse impacts on health.
This dissertation maps a typical chemical’s path within the United States chemical management system. I chart this process, focusing on flame retardants, by measuring the level of contamination of the legacy flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and the re-emerging organophosphate flame retardants in fire station dust across the United States. Then, I evaluate the association between maternal urinary levels of organophosphate flame retardant metabolites and their effect on sex hormones in male children at age 12. Finally, I present what the electronics industry is currently doing to avoid regrettable substitutions and discuss the need to combine risk assessments with alternatives assessments.