Hexabromobiphenyl (HBB)

The Stockholm Convention has listed various groups of brominated chemicals considering their toxicity and persistency. Hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), a member of the polybrominated biphenyl group, is a persistent organic pollutant (POP) with carcinogenic and toxic effects. Worldwide, including India, China, Japan, and the United States, notable advancement has been made in the area of management of POP chemicals considering the Convention’s guidelines and related obligations. This chapter provides technical details, historical usage, and regulatory status of the HBB on national and global scale. It highlights its production, trade names, and effects on health and the environment. International regulations and guidelines related to HBB, including its bioaccumulation, toxicity, and environmental fate are discussed. In comparison with other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), limited scientific work on HBB in the Indian context is noted. The chapter emphasizes the need for continued research, remedial actions, and strict evaluations to prevent the reintroduction of HBB into the environment.