Effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on the avoidance response, survival, growth and reproduction of earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

► Earthworms had no significant avoidance response for 0.1-1000 mg/kg of BDE-209 exposure. ► The Lowest Observed Effect Level (LOEL) of BDE-209 on the survival and body weight of earthworms was more than 1000 mg/kg. ► BDE-209 exposure might cause a potential toxicity for the earthworm embryos.