POP-Brominated Flame Retardants in plastic childcare products and toys: a scoping review protocol

Background Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) are hazardous chemicals banned globally in 2009 under the Stockholm Convention due to their toxic effects. POP-BFRs cause adverse environmental and health impacts, including endocrine disruption, cancer, reproductive effects and neurobehavioral and developmental disorders in children. Children have unique vulnerabilities that put them at a higher risk as compared to adults. Emerging literature suggests that POP-BFRs are increasingly found in consumer products, including those used for and by children. The rising problem is attributed to toxic recycling practices within the circular economy and exemptions introduced by the Stockholm Convention's conference of parties to allow the recycling of POP-BFRs in waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). The recycled products are thus contaminated with legacy POP-BFRs. The presence of POP-BFRs in childcare products and toys is a big concern considering children's unique vulnerabilities. While the scope of this problem is not fully known, we aim to summarise the global evidence on the extent to which plastic childcare products and toys are contaminated with legacy POP-BFRS to inform decision-making. Methods Our scoping review will follow a methodology recommended by Arksey and O'Malley. Peer-reviewed and grey literature will be retrieved from electronic databases and other relevant sites. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a full-text review. Data will be extracted and grouped according to the study settings, types of samples, levels detected and classes of POP-BFRs, and quantitatively presented using frequency counts. A narrative description will be used to summarise and discuss the evidence and any gaps identified in the current literature. Discussion Information about potential exposures that children face is essential for making informed decisions, yet such information is often insufficient or lacking. Our intention is to synthesize the evidence to inform decisions. Findings will be disseminated through publishing in scientific journals, media for the public, policy briefs for decision-makers and presentations at professional meetings. Scoping review registration: The protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/7KDE5).