The Bromine Rating is based on the occurrence and concentration of bromine in components of a product. Bromine was used as a surrogate for brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Levels of bromine greater than 1,000 ppm are likely to contain BFRs and are assigned a HIGH level. Products with bromine levels less than 1,000 cannot reliably be assumed to contain BFRs and are therefore given a LOW level.
Bromine is likely associated with the use of brominated flame retardants (BFRs). BFRs are added to plastics in order to impart fire resistance, but they can be released from the plastic into the environmental over the life of the product. Some BFRs have been associated with thyroid problems, learning and memory impairment, decreased fertility, behavioral changes, and other health problems.