UK scientists have developed a new system to treat health-endangering organic pollutants using a biomass-supported palladium catalyst.

The Birmingham-based research group has found that employing a palladium catalyst to treat polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) and polybrominated diphenyl (pdbes) reduces toxicity considerably.

The findings from the team headed up by Stuart Harrad could mean that pdbes, domestic use of which is prominent in carpet flame retardants and furniture, will be rendered much safer.

Mr Harrad's system works by removing halogen atoms through the catalysed reducing properties of biomass materials.

Andrew Hurthouse of the University of Paisley told the Royal Society of Chemistry: "Rapid dehalogenation provides a chance to engineer effective remedial solutions for an issue which remains of potential health concern long after regulatory attempts to reduce human exposure."

Pdbes are currently subject to regulations that limit their use and the way in which they marketed to the public.

Following research into the harmful effects of pcbs on humans and animals, use of the material was outlawed in the 1970s.

Sources:

Reducing the legacy of pollutants, Chemical Technology, 28 March 2007 http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/ChemTech/Volume/2007/04/legacy_pollutants.asp

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