[2] The term pentaBDE alone refers to isomers of pentabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE congener numbers 82-127).

Commercial pentaBDE is most commonly used as a flame retardant in flexible polyurethane foam; it was also used in printed circuit boards in Asia, and in other applications.

[2] Elevated concentrations can be found in air, water, soil, food, sediment, sludge, and dust.

[9] In an investigation carried out by the WWF, "the brominated flame retardant chemical (PBDE 153), which is a component of the penta- and octa- brominated diphenyl ether flame retardant products" was found in all blood samples of 14 ministers of health and environment of 13 European Union countries.

"[11] In Sweden, the government "phase[d] out the production and use of the [pentaBDE] compounds by 1999 and a total ban on imports came into effect within just a few years.