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On March 19, 2025, the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) opened public consultation on the draft risk profile for a group of substances proposed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The group of substances is 'Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs), including mixed polybrominated/chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBCDD/Fs)'.
PBDD/Fs and PBCDD/Fs are being evaluated for potential inclusion in Annex C (Unintentional production) of the Stockholm Convention. Although there is no evidence of intentional production, these substances are unintentionally formed during thermal processes involving brominated flame retardants (BFRs). This includes uncontrolled burning of waste containing BFRs, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs).
The draft risk profile offers a detailed analysis of the data from the original proposal and presents evidence demonstrating how these substances meet the criteria for POP classification. It will be discussed at the UN’s upcoming POPs Review Committee (POPRC) meeting in Autumn 2025, with the goal of finalizing the risk profile and advancing to the next stage, Risk Management Evaluation.
This time, the UK Defra invited stakeholders to provide additional information in this regard via email ([email protected]). Any comments that could support, challenge, or enhance the evidence presented in the draft risk profile are welcome before May 19, 2025.
The draft risk profile and relevant documents are available here.
