Hexabromocyclododecane

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD or HBCDD) is a brominated flame retardant. Its primary application is in extruded (XPS) and expanded (EPS) polystyrene foam that is used as thermal insulation in the building industry. HBCD is highly efficient in this application so that very low levels are required to reach the desired flame retardancy. Typical HBCD levels in EPS are 0.7% and in XPS 2.5%. At present, HBCD is the only suitable flame retardant for these applications. Any other flame retardant would likely need higher load levels in the polystyrene foam. Other uses are upholstered furniture, automobile interior textiles, car cushions and insulation blocks in trucks, packaging material, video cassette recorder housing and electric and electronical equipment. The industrial demand in Europe is estimated as 9500 tons per year.

HBCD's toxicity and its harm to the environment are currently discussed. HBCD can be found in environmental samples such as birds, mammals, fish and other aquatic organisms as well as soil and sediment.