Is TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) safe for babies and kids?
Very high risk for kidsInfants face disproportionate exposure to TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) through dust ingestion (hand-to-mouth behavior), breast milk transfer, and dermal contact with treated textiles in cribs and car seats.
What is tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)?
The IUPAC name is tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate.
Also known as: tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, TDBPP, Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl)phosphate, Tris-BP.
- IUPAC name
- tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate
- CAS number
- 126-72-7
- Molecular formula
- C9H15Br6O4P
- Molecular weight
- 697.6 g/mol
- SMILES
- C(C(CBr)Br)OP(=O)(OCC(CBr)Br)OCC(CBr)Br
- PubChem CID
- 31356
Risk for babies
Very high riskInfants face disproportionate exposure to TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) through dust ingestion (hand-to-mouth behavior), breast milk transfer, and dermal contact with treated textiles in cribs and car seats.
Neonates and infants up to 12 months have incomplete blood-brain barrier development, immature Phase I/II metabolic enzymes (particularly CYP3A4, UGT1A1), and higher gastrointestinal permeability. Equivalent doses produce higher internal concentrations and longer residence times.
Risk for pregnant and nursing people
High riskPrenatal exposure to TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) through dust inhalation and dietary intake can affect fetal thyroid function and neurodevelopment. Flame retardants accumulate in breast milk.
Known reproductive toxicant (GHS H360) or confirmed endocrine disruptor. Placental transfer is presumed. Fetal exposure during critical developmental windows may cause structural malformations, growth restriction, or functional deficits.
Regulatory consensus
9 regulatory and scientific bodies have classified TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate). The classifications differ — that's the data.
| Agency | Year | Classification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPA CTX / NTP RoC | — | Reasonably Anticipated to be a Human Carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / IARC | — | Group 2A - Probably carcinogenic to humans | |
| EPA CTX / CalEPA | — | Known human carcinogen | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 13 positive / 0 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Genetox | — | Genotoxicity: positive (Ames: positive, 13 positive / 0 negative reports) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: SkinIrr2 (score: high) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Eye Irritation: Not classified (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Irritation: Not classified (score: low) | |
| EPA CTX / Skin-Eye | — | Skin Sensitization: Not classified (score: low) |
Regulators apply different standards of evidence — animal-data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds — which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. The disagreement is the data.
Where kids encounter tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)
- Industrial Facilities — Manufacturing plants, Chemical storage areas, Waste treatment sites
- Occupational Environments — Factories, Warehouses, Transportation vehicles
Safer alternatives
Lower-risk approaches that achieve a similar outcome to TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate):
-
Inherently flame-resistant materials (wool, modacrylic, Nomex)
Trade-offs: Higher material cost. Limited color/texture options.Relative cost: 2-4×
-
Barrier fabric technology
Trade-offs: Adds manufacturing step and costRelative cost: 1.2-2×
Frequently asked questions
Is tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) safe for kids?
Infants face disproportionate exposure to TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) through dust ingestion (hand-to-mouth behavior), breast milk transfer, and dermal contact with treated textiles in cribs and car seats.
What products contain tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)?
TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) appears in: Manufacturing plants (Industrial facilities); Chemical storage areas (Industrial facilities); Factories (Occupational environments); Warehouses (Occupational environments).
What should I do if my child is exposed to tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)?
Minimize infant exposure through source control. For breastfeeding mothers: reduce maternal exposure. For formula-fed infants: use certified low-migration bottles and verified water sources. Consult pediatrician regarding any concerns.
Why do regulators disagree about tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate)?
TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) has been classified by 9 agencies including EPA CTX / NTP RoC, EPA CTX / IARC, EPA CTX / CalEPA, EPA CTX / Genetox, EPA CTX / Genetox, with differing conclusions. Regulators apply different standards of evidence (animal data weighting, exposure-pattern assumptions, epidemiological power thresholds), which is why two scientific bodies can review the same data and reach different conclusions. See the regulatory consensus table on this page for the full picture.
See TRIS (Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate) in the baby app
Look up products containing tris (tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate), compare to alternatives, and explore the full data record.
Open in baby View raw API dataSources (2)
- IARC Monographs Volume 52: Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate (TRIS) — Group 2B Carcinogen, Genotoxicity (Ames Assay), Kidney Tumors in Rodents, DBPA Metabolite, DNA Alkylation Mechanism (1999) (1999) — regulatory
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Ban on Tris(2,3-dibromopropyl) Phosphate in Children's Sleepwear (16 CFR Part 1209), Dermal Absorption in Children, Urinary DBPA Metabolite Detection, FHSA Basis, Landmark Flame Retardant Regulation (1977) (1977) — regulatory
Reference data, not professional advice. Aggregates publicly available regulatory and scientific data; not a substitute for veterinary, medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Why we built ALETHEIA →