Oxidation of commercial antioxidants is driving increasing atmospheric abundance of organophosphate esters: Implication for global regulation

SCIENCE FOR SOCIETY Organophosphate esters (OPEs), a group of synthetic chemicals widely used as flame retardants, are ubiquitously present in the global environment, including urban, rural, and polar regions. Recent studies indicate that OPEs can harm ecosystems and human health, including increased cancer risks. In response to the potential environmental and health risks posed by OPEs, seven states in the United States and the European Union have issued regulations on OPEs, including limiting or prohibiting their use in commercial products. Our results suggest that OPEs are not only emitted from known sources such as flame retardants but can also be produced when other commercial chemicals are transformed in the air. This implies that existing OPE regulations designed to limit OPE pollution may not be sufficient. Our study emphasizes the need for more comprehensive policies to control environmental OPEs.