Toxic substances list: hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD)

Hexabromocyclododecane, which has the molecular formula C₁₂H₁₈Br₆ (HBCD), is a brominated flame retardant. Brominated flame retardants are organic compounds containing bromine that slow the ignition and spread of fire.

HBCD was found primarily in expanded (EPS) and extruded (XPS) polystyrene foam used as an insulation material in the building industry. This accounted for approximately 99% of its historical use. There were also a number of other minor uses as a flame retardant, such as in:

• textiles used for upholstered furniture and upholstered seating in transportation
• wall coverings and draperies

It was also used in some glues, paints, adhesives and polymers contained in electronic equipment. The only known intentional use of HBCD in products in Canada is within the automotive sector. Although, HBCD may also be present in products made from recycled plastics including toys.

For more information on this substance, please visit the Chemical Substances website and the Chemicals at a glance information sheet for HBCD.

Risk assessment

• CEPA Schedule 1 - List of Toxic Substances - This substance has been added to the List of Toxic Substances. It is entering or may enter the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that have or may have an immediate or long-term harmful effect on the environment or its biological diversity.
• Virtual elimination of the substance (Track 1) under the Toxic Substances Management Policy
• Final Order Adding HBCD to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (November 2012)
• Final screening assessment report for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (November 2011)

Risk management strategy

Strategies and actions recommended to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Risk management approach for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (November 2011)

Risk management tools

Tools developed to manage risks associated with the substance:

• Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025
• Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012
• Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (for the addition of 5 substances) (October 2016)
• Risk management of HBCD: commitment to voluntary phase-out use in new vehicles from the Canadian automotive companies (August 2016)

International engagement

For information on Canada's international engagement on this substance, please visit:

• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
• Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
• Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA)
• Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (Protocol to the UNECE Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP))
• Arctic Contaminants Action Program Working Group (ACAP)
• Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme Working Group (AMAP)

Consultations

Consultations (past and present) on the substance:

• Proposed Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2022 (May 2022)
• Proposed Order Amending Schedule 3 to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (May 2022)
• Consultation document on proposed amendments to Schedule 3 (Export Control List) to the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (March 2020)
• Consultation document on proposed amendments to the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 for PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, PBDEs, DP and DBDPE (December 2018)
• Notice of intent to amend the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 published in Canada Gazette, Part I (October 2018)
• Response to comments on the proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulation, 2012 (October 2016)
• Proposed Regulations Amending the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2012 (April 2015)
• Response to comments on the Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for Hexabromocyclododecane (September 2014)
• Consultation Document on the Proposed Risk Management Measure for Hexabromocyclododecane (September 2012)
• Response to comments on the Risk Management Approach (September 2012)
• Response to comments on draft Screening Assessment Report and Risk Management Scope

Other information

• Summary of flame retardant assessments and management conducted under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
• Substance prohibition summary: hexabromocyclododecane
• Federal Environmental Quality Guidelines for Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) (May 2016)