Illustration of a polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) molecule. PBDEs consist of bromine atoms (yellow) bound to phenyl ether rings (white) linked via an oxygen atom (red). The number of bromine atoms varies within the class of PBDEs giving rise to a number of compounds used in a wide range of materials. PDBEs are widely used as flame retardants in electronics, furnishings and textiles. PDBEs are of interest regarding potential health effects and persistence in the environment.