In this paper, the bromination reaction between lead oxide and hydrogen bromide originating from the thermal decomposition of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), under inert and oxidizing atmospheres, was investigated, using a laboratory-scale furnace. The results obtained under inert conditions indicated that bromination of PbO proceeded simultaneously with debromination of TBBPA, with an average effectiveness of 69% (max. 80%). Volatilization of the formed PbBr2 began at 315 degrees C, intensified at 750 degrees C, and reached 98% at 850 degrees C. The formed organic char served as a source of carbon for reduction of the unreacted lead oxide to metallic lead in the range 315-750 degrees C. Additional experiments conducted at selected temperatures under slightly oxidizing (5 vol% O-2) and quasi-atmospheric (20 vol% O-2) conditions showed no significant effects on bromination-evaporation of lead in the studied mixture. However, in isothermal treatment under quasi-atmospheric oxygen levels, complete vaporization of the formed lead bromide was obtained at a temperature of only 650 degrees C. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.