Banned flame retardants PBDE still contaminating European environment, study warns

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), once widely used as flame retardants, have been banned for years, yet a new analysis finds they are still present in soil, sediments, water and air across Europe. Scientists are particularly concerned about their persistence and potential health risks. The bans have not yet produced the desired results due to the extreme durability of these compounds.