Project information
Flame retardants – an overlooked chemical exposure risk on ships (ShipsFLAME)

This project deals with the crew exposure risks associated with flame retardants (FRs) in ships’ indoor environments, and how to reduce the risks. The presence of FRs onboard ships is a natural consequence of the need for flame retardancy in marine materials and products. Many FRs are classified as hazardous chemicals associated with health risks, including endocrine disruption, developmental toxicity, and carcinogenic potential.
One preliminary study discovered disturbingly high levels of FRs on ships, leading to exposures exceeding reference values. The aims of this study are two-fold: 1) determine the occurrence and associated exposure risk of FR on Swedish ships; 2) propose a methodology for risk reduction by informed selection of marine materials.
The issues presented in the proposal have not yet been systematically studied. The project’s outcome will benefit the seafarers by creating a healthier working and living environments onboard.