Brominated flame retardants are additives mainly used in electrical and electronic appliances and in construction materials to reduce flammability. Global consumption of four commonly used flame retardants has nearly doubled from 100,000 tons per year in 1991 to 190,000 tons per year in 1999 (see figure IV.4.1). This is mainly due to the increasing use of plastics and stricter fire regulations. These flame retardants have become a concern because they are persistent, accumulate in the food-chain, behave like hormones and might cause cancer. The present case study summarizes the results of an analysis of brominated flame retardants carried out in Switzerland.