*Flame Retardants: New and Old Environmental Contaminants DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104886*

**Table 4.** *Chemical structure and some* 

*physicochemical*

 *properties of novel organic* 

*organophosphate*

 *flame retardants.*

*The Toxicity of Environmental Pollutants*

**20**

#### *Flame Retardants: New and Old Environmental Contaminants DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104886*

Although organic compounds, such as TPhP, are found in sediments, halogenated compounds predominate. Lee et al. [97] and Chen et al. [98] analyzed the composition of water and sediments in lakes. In both studies, the halogenated ester tris- (chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCPP) were found to predominate. Among nonhalogenated compounds, tris-(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBEP) was identified in most samples [97, 98].

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification affect biological characteristics negatively. In fish, for example, growth, sex, food, and maternal transfer are impacted, jeopardizing organism development and the ecosystem as a whole [99].

Organophosphate bioaccumulation has been studied since the 1970s. These compounds have been found in different tissues of rodents, fish, and birds, and they may accumulate in gills, kidneys, liver, and muscle tissue [100].

Wang et al. [101] evaluated the bioaccumulation and biomagnification potential of organophosphates in coral reef fish. These authors found several other types of organophosphates, including TCP. In addition to risking environmental health, this phenomenon may harm human health. Contamination of coral reef ecosystems is extremely relevant and further analysis will be needed in the future.

Indeed, water is an important factor in organophosphate distribution. Particles are dispersed in air through the mechanical friction of the materials. These particles may be included in rainwater and be the main cause of river water and soil contamination [102].

Recycling sites also impact soil contamination by organophosphates directly. In these sites, the soil is in direct contact with different types of materials, mainly electronic waste. Open-air storage of these residues determines local soil contamination and release of these compounds into the air [103].

According to Sánchez-Piñero et al. [104], several organic compounds, mainly BPA-DP and TPhP, are found in soil and dust in public places. Although these authors state that the values are within those authorized by legislation, investigating continuous exposure is necessary.

Thus, soil and water contamination are directly related to human health. Food and drinking water contamination and environmental contamination are directly related, as well.

As a reinforcement, the environmental effects caused by ALPi are still limited and not very specific, although the literature describes that bioaccumulation potential for free halogen compounds is low and that it is easily degraded in the environment [6].
