| Summary: | The brominated flame retardants (BFRs) tetrabromobisphenyl-A (TBBP-A) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) are widely used in Europe and may be transported to northern regions by long range transport, as has been modelled for other BFRs [Wania and Dugania, 2003] or via bird migration from southern source areas [Lindberg et al. 2003].Due to their physicalchemical properties, these chemicals have the potential to bioaccumulate and cause toxicity in exposed organisms. Biomagnification of TBBP-A and HBCD in the food chain puts predators high in the chain, such as the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), at increased risk of exposure and accumulation. Recent studies have demonstrated substantial levels of different flame retardants, including HBCD, in eggs of Swedish populations of F. peregrinus [Lindberg et al., 'Research ASAP'] and guillemot (Uria algae) eggs collected over the last three decades [Sellström et al., 2003]. The objective of the present study was to analyse concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) in 34 peregrine falcon eggs collected in Greenland from 1986 to 2003.
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