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Sjöström Y, Tao F, Ricklund N, de Wit CA, Hagström K, Hagberg J. Children's exposure to halogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters through dermal absorption and hand-to-mouth ingestion in Swedish preschools. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 943:173635. [PMID: 38821289 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Children are exposed to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) through inhalation and ingestion, as well as through dermal contact in their everyday indoor environments. The dermal loadings of EDCs may contribute significantly to children's total EDC exposure due to dermal absorption as well as hand-to-mouth behaviors. The aim of this study was to measure potential EDCs, specifically halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs), on children's hands during preschool attendance and to assess possible determinants of exposure in preschool indoor environments in Sweden. For this, 115 handwipe samples were collected in winter and spring from 60 participating children (arithmetic mean age 4.5 years, standard deviation 1.0) and analyzed for 50 compounds. Out of these, 31 compounds were identified in the majority of samples. Levels were generally several orders of magnitude higher for OPEs than HFRs, and 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPP) and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were detected in the highest median masses, 61 and 56 ng/wipe, respectively. Of the HFRs, bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl)-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (BEH-TEBP) and 2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) were detected in the highest median masses, 2.8 and 1.8 ng/wipe, respectively. HFR and/or OPE levels were found to be affected by the number of plastic toys, and electrical and electronic devices, season, municipality, as well as building and/or renovation before/after 2004. Yet, the calculated health risks for single compounds were below available reference dose values for exposure through dermal uptake as well as for ingestion using mean hand-to-mouth contact rate. However, assuming a high hand-to-mouth contact rate, at the 95th percentile, the calculated hazard quotient was above 1 for the maximum handwipe mass of TBOEP found in this study, suggesting a risk of negative health effects. Furthermore, considering additive effects from similar compounds, the results of this study indicate potential concern if additional exposure from other routes is as high.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ylva Sjöström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Fang Tao
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Niklas Ricklund
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Hagström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jessika Hagberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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Stadion M, Blume K, Hackethal C, Lüth A, Schumacher DM, Lindtner O, Sarvan I. Germany's first Total Diet Study - Occurrence of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in foods. Food Chem X 2024; 22:101274. [PMID: 38524778 PMCID: PMC10957405 DOI: 10.1016/j.fochx.2024.101274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food represents a public health concern. The BfR MEAL Study was initiated to generate a comprehensive data base of occurrence data for chemicals in the most consumed foods in Germany. Non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) and PBDEs were analysed in 300 foods, purchased and prepared representatively for the eating behaviour of the population in Germany. Highest levels of NDL-PCBs and PBDEs were detected in spiny dogfish, cod liver, herring, and eel. High NDL-PCB and PBDE levels were observed in other oily fish, wild boar meat, sheep liver, and high-fat dairy products. The comparison of food from conventional and organic production revealed higher NDL-PCB values in the food group 'meat and meat products' if produced organically. Occurrence data of this study will improve future dietary exposure and risk assessments in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Stadion
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Blume
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christin Hackethal
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Lüth
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - David M. Schumacher
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Lindtner
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Irmela Sarvan
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Max-Dohrn-Straße 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Jin M, Guo Z, Ye N, Sun L, Guo J. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in student dormitory microenvironments: Concentrations, sources, and human exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 350:124010. [PMID: 38648964 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.124010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Microenvironments, such as student dormitories, differ from general residential environments. They are characterized by small spaces, poor air circulation, high personnel densities, and electronic products, such as computers that are turned on for extended periods, leading to increased pollution concentrations. The limited space and poor air circulation reduce migration of contaminants, such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), making it easier for PBDEs to accumulate. However, few studies have been conducted on small group dwellings, including student dormitory dwellings. We collected dust samples from student dormitories of a university to analyze the characteristics and traceability of PBDEs in dormitory microenvironments. The results showed that PBDE congeners were widely present in university dormitories and the order of median concentration of ∑10PBDEs was as follows: male old-fashioned dormitory (273 ng/g) > female four-person dormitory (132 ng/g) > female two-person dormitory (132 ng/g) > male two-person dormitory (96.2 ng/g) > female old-fashioned dormitory (91.6 ng/g) > male four-person apartment (51.8 ng/g). BDE-209 was the most abundant PBDE congener, followed by BDE-47, and BDE-28. PBDEs were also found in typical electrical appliances, with higher concentrations in laptops than in desktops, and higher concentrations in desktops than in idle ones. According to Spearman correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), we also found that boards and wallpaper materials were common sources of contamination in the microenvironment of student dormitories, and that female dormitories had more sources of PBDE emissions. Human exposure to PBDEs in students is below the US Environmental Protection Agency reference dose. Although exposure to PBDEs generated in dormitories does not pose a significant health risk, the potential hazards of PBDEs to the reagent environment remain to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mantong Jin
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China.
| | - Zhaoxuan Guo
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Nanxi Ye
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
| | - Jingjing Guo
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, 310014, China
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, (Ron) Hoogenboom L, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Schwerdtle T, Wallace H, Benford D, Fürst P, Hart A, Rose M, Schroeder H, Vrijheid M, Ioannidou S, Nikolič M, Bordajandi LR, Vleminckx C. Update of the risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8497. [PMID: 38269035 PMCID: PMC10807361 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food, focusing on 10 congeners: BDE-28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and ‑209. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour and reproductive/developmental effects are the critical effects in rodent studies. For four congeners (BDE-47, -99, -153, -209) the Panel derived Reference Points, i.e. benchmark doses and corresponding lower 95% confidence limits (BMDLs), for endpoint-specific benchmark responses. Since repeated exposure to PBDEs results in accumulation of these chemicals in the body, the Panel estimated the body burden at the BMDL in rodents, and the chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans. For the remaining six congeners no studies were available to identify Reference Points. The Panel concluded that there is scientific basis for inclusion of all 10 congeners in a common assessment group and performed a combined risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the combined margin of exposure (MOET) approach was the most appropriate risk metric and applied a tiered approach to the risk characterisation. Over 84,000 analytical results for the 10 congeners in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary Lower Bound exposure to PBDEs were meat and meat products and fish and seafood. Taking into account the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded that it is likely that current dietary exposure to PBDEs in the European population raises a health concern.
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Pajurek M, Mikolajczyk S, Warenik-Bany M. Occurrence and dietary intake of dioxins, furans (PCDD/Fs), PCBs, and flame retardants (PBDEs and HBCDDs) in baby food and infant formula. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166590. [PMID: 37634722 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
This study determines the levels of 49 persistent organic pollutants which were grouped into polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs), in infant formula and varieties of baby food. The analyzed samples (n = 80) came from stores all over Poland. The presence of PCDD/F, PCDD/F/PCB and non dioxin-like (ndl)-PCB congeners above the maximum levels stipulated in Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2011 was not detected in any sample. The determined average content of PCDD/Fs/dl-PCBs in the tested baby foods was in the range of 4-10 % of the maximum level, and content of ndl-PCBs was in the range of 2-6 % of the maximum level. Despite these low levels of dioxins, furans, and PCBs, a risk analysis assuming weekly consumption of the recommended food intake showed exceedances of the tolerable weekly intake (TWI). The content of flame retardants was low in all examined categories of food for children and infant formula. The lower-bound concentration of the sum of HBCDD isomers (LB ∑HBCDDs) ranged from below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 0.0313 ng/g w.w. and the concentration of ∑PBDEs was in a 0.001-1.014 ng/g w.w. range. Neither infant formula nor baby food contributed considerably to infant exposure to HBCDDs or PBDEs. Our research indicates that the safe exposure thresholds for dioxins and PCBs in foods for infants and young children may be too high and perhaps it may be necessary to amend the legislation setting acceptable limits for baby food. It seems reasonable to introduce a recommendation on the frequency of food consumption for children and the control of raw materials for food production, in particular fish and cow milk, should be a permanent control point in the food safety assurance system.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pajurek
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland.
| | - S Mikolajczyk
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
| | - M Warenik-Bany
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, 24-100 Pulawy, Poland
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Tao F, Sjöström Y, de Wit CA, Hagström K, Hagberg J. Organohalogenated flame retardants and organophosphate esters from home and preschool dust in Sweden: Pollution characteristics, indoor sources and intake assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 896:165198. [PMID: 37391153 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.165198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
This study analysed settled dust samples in Sweden to assess children's combined exposure to 39 organohalogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and 11 organophosphate esters (OPEs) from homes and preschools. >94 % of the targeted compounds were present in dust, indicating widespread use of HFRs and OPEs in Swedish homes and preschools. Dust ingestion was the primary exposure pathway for most analytes, except BDE-209 and DBDPE, where dermal contact was predominant. Children's estimated intakes of ∑emerging HFRs and ∑legacy HFRs from homes were 1-4 times higher than from preschools, highlighting higher exposure risk for HFRs in homes compared to preschools. In a worst-case scenario, intakes of tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) were 6 and 94 times lower than the reference dose for children in Sweden, indicating a potential concern if exposure from other routes like inhalation and diet is as high. The study also found significant positive correlations between dust concentrations of some PBDEs and emerging HFRs and the total number of foam mattresses and beds/m2, the number of foam-containing sofas/m2, and the number of TVs/m2 in the microenvironment, indicating these products as the main source of those compounds. Additionally, younger preschool building ages were found to be linked to higher ΣOPE concentrations in preschool dust, suggesting higher ΣOPE exposure. The comparison with earlier Swedish studies indicates decreasing dust concentrations for some banned and restricted legacy HFRs and OPEs but increasing trends for several emerging HFRs and several unrestricted OPEs. Therefore, the study concludes that emerging HFRs and OPEs are replacing legacy HFRs in products and building materials in homes and preschools, possibly leading to increased exposure of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Tao
- College of Quality and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, People's Republic of China; Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Sjöström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katja Hagström
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Jessika Hagberg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Faculty of Business, Science and Engineering, Örebro University, SE 70182 Örebro, Sweden
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7
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Pietron WJ, Malagocki P, Warenik-Bany M. Feed as a source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 231:116257. [PMID: 37245570 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
One of the most important routes for human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is the ingestion of contaminated food. Food of animal origin safety is strongly related to feed quality. The aim of the study was the assessment of feeds and feed materials quality associated with ten PBDE congeners (BDE-28, 47, 49, 99, 100, 138, 153, 154, 183 and 209) contamination. The quality of 207 feed samples divided into eight categories (277/2012/EU) was checked using the gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). At least one congener was identified in 73% of the samples. All investigated fish oil, animal fat, and feed for fish were contaminated, and 80% of plant-origin feed samples were free of PBDEs. The highest median content of ∑10PBDE was found in fish oils (2260 ng kg-1) followed by fishmeal (530 ng kg-1). The lowest median was found in mineral feed additives, plant materials excluding vegetable oil and compound feed. BDE-209 was the most frequently detected congener (56%). All congeners except BDE-138 and BDE-183 were detected in 100% of the fish oil samples. Except for BDE-209, the congener detection frequencies did not exceed 20% in compound feed, feed of plant origin, and vegetable oils. Excluding BDE-209, similar congener profiles were found for fish oils, fishmeal and feed for fish, with BDE-47 in the highest concentration, followed by BDE-49 and BDE-100. Another pattern appeared in animal fat, with a higher median concentration of BDE-99 than BDE-47. Time-trend analysis of PBDE concentrations in fishmeal (n = 75) showed a 63% decrease in ∑10PBDE (p = 0.077) and a 50% decrease in the ∑9PBDE (p = 0.008) between 2017 and 2021. It proves the international legislation implemented to reduce PBDE environmental levels has been effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Jerzy Pietron
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, 24-100, Poland.
| | - Pawel Malagocki
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, Pulawy, 24-100, Poland
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Wei Y, Geng W, Zhang T, He H, Zhai J. N-acetylcysteine rescues meiotic arrest during spermatogenesis in mice exposed to BDE-209. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:50952-50968. [PMID: 36807852 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25874-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Deca-bromodiphenyl ethers (BDE-209) has been widely used in electronic devices and textiles as additives to flame retardants. Growing evidence showed that BDE-209 exposure leads to poorer sperm quality and male reproductive dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms of BDE-209 exposure caused a decline in sperm quality remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on meiotic arrest in spermatocytes and decreased sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. In the study, mice were treated with NAC (150 mg/kg BW) 2 h before administrated with BDE-209 (80 mg/kg BW) for 2 weeks. For the in vitro studies, spermatocyte cell line GC-2spd cells were pretreated with NAC (5 mM) 2 h before treated with BDE-209 (50 μM) for 24 h. We found that pretreatment with NAC attenuated the oxidative stress status induced by BDE-209 in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, pretreatment with NAC rescued the testicular histology impairment and decreased the testicular organ coefficient in BDE-209-exposed mice. In addition, NAC supplement partially promoted meiotic prophase and improved sperm quality in BDE-209-exposed mice. Furthermore, NAC pretreatment effectively improved DNA damage repair by recovering DMC1, RAD51, and MLH1. In conclusion, BDE-209 caused spermatogenesis dysfunction related to the meiotic arrest medicated by oxidative stress, decreasing sperm quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
- Department of Health Supervision, Administrative Committee of Hefei Xinzhan High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, Wenzhong Rd 999, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
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Zheng K, Zeng Z, Lin Y, Wang Q, Tian Q, Huo X. Current status of indoor dust PBDE pollution and its physical burden and health effects on children. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:19642-19661. [PMID: 36648715 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24723-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely detected in indoor dust, which has been identified as a more important route of PBDE exposure for children than food intake. The physical burden and health hazards to children of PBDE exposure in house dust have not been adequately summarized; therefore, this article reviews the current status of PBDE pollution in indoor dust associated with children, highlighting the epidemiological evidence for physical burden and health risks in children. We find that PBDEs remain at high levels in indoor dust, including in homes, schools, and cars, especially in cars showing a significant upward trend. There is a trend towards an increase in the proportion of BDE-209 in household dust, which is indicative of recent PBDE contamination. Conversely, PBDE congeners in car and school indoor dust tended to shift from highly brominated to low brominated, suggesting a shift in current pollution patterns. Indoor dust exposure causes significantly higher PBDE burdens in children, especially infants in early life, than in adults. Exposure to dust also affects breast milk, putting infants at high risk of exposure. Although evidence is limited, available epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to indoor dust PBDEs promotes neurobehavioral problems and cancer development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyang Zheng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Zeng
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Yucong Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, Berkeley, USA
| | - Qihua Wang
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
| | - Qianwen Tian
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
| | - Xia Huo
- Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Developmental Toxicology, School of Environment, Jinan University, 855 East Xingye Avenue, Guangzhou, 511443, Guangdong, China.
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Dvoršćak M, Jagić K, Besednik L, Šimić I, Klinčić D. First application of microwave-assisted extraction in the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human milk. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Marquès M, Nadal M, Domingo JL. Human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) through the diet: An update of the scientific literature. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 167:113322. [PMID: 35872254 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame-retardants (BFRs). As for other persistent organic pollutants, dietary intake (followed by dust inhalation) is the main route of human exposure to PBDEs. In 2012, we reviewed the scientific literature on the concentrations of PBDEs in foodstuffs and their dietary exposure. The current review is aimed at updating the results of recent studies (2012-2022) focused on determining the levels of PBDEs in food samples, as well as the dietary intake of these compounds. We have revised studies conducted over the world. The current information on the concentrations of PBDEs in food and their dietary intake is now much more notable than that available in our previous review, being China the country contributing with the highest number of studies. Because of the important differences in materials and methods used in the available studies, the comparison of results is certainly complicated. However, there seems to be a general trend towards a decrease in the levels of PBDEs in foods, and consequently, in the dietary intake of these contaminants. The lack of tolerable daily intakes of PBDEs is an issue that needs to be solved for assessing human health risks of these BFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montse Marquès
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Martí Nadal
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Sant Llorens 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
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Lexén J, Bernander M, Cotgreave I, Andersson PL. Assessing exposure of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in car cabins: Current understanding and future challenges in developing a standardized methodology. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106847. [PMID: 34479137 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) can be found in air, dust and on surfaces in car cabins, leading to exposure to humans via dust ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact. This review aims at describing current understanding concerning sampling, levels, and human exposure of SVOCs from car cabin environments. To date, several different methods are used to sample SVOCs in car cabin air and dust and there are no standard operating procedures for sampling SVOCs in cars detailed in the literature. The meta-analysis of SVOCs in car cabin air and dust shows that brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) have been most frequently studied, primarily focusing on concentrations in dust. In dust, detected concentrations span over three to seven orders of magnitude, with highest median concentrations for OPFRs, followed by BFRs and, thereafter, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In air, the variation is smaller, spanning over one to three orders of magnitude, with phthalates and siloxanes having the highest median concentrations, followed by OPFRs, fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and BFRs. Assessments of human exposures to SVOCs in cars have, so far, mainly focused on external exposure, most often only studying one exposure route, primarily via dust ingestion. In order to perform relevant and complete assessments of human exposure to SVOCs in cars, we suggest broadening the scope to which SVOCs should be studied, promoting more comprehensive external exposure assessments that consider exposure via all relevant exposure routes and making comparisons of external and internal exposure, in order to understand the importance of in-car exposure as a source of SVOC exposure. We also suggest a new sampling approach that includes sampling of SVOCs in both car cabin air and dust, aiming to reduce variability in data due to differences in sampling techniques and protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lexén
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Sustainability Centre, Volvo Cars, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | | | - Ian Cotgreave
- Bioeconomy and Health, Department Chemical Process and Pharmaceutical Development, Unit Chemical and Pharmaceutical Safety, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Sweden
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Martinez G, Niu J, Takser L, Bellenger JP, Zhu J. A review on the analytical procedures of halogenated flame retardants by gas chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry and their levels in human samples. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 285:117476. [PMID: 34082369 PMCID: PMC8355089 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) market is continuously evolving and have moved from the extensive use of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) to more recent introduced mixtures such as Firemaster 550, Firemaster 680, DP-25, DP-35, and DP-515. These substitutes are mainly composed of non-PBDEs HFRs such as 2-ethyl-hexyl tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), 1,2-bis-(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE). Other HFRs commonly being monitored include Dechlorane Plus (DP), Dechlorane 602 (Dec602), Dechlorane 603 (Dec603), Dechlorane 604 (Dec604), 5,6-dibromo-1,10, 11, 12,13,13-hexachloro- 11-tricyclo[8.2.1.02,9]tridecane (HCDBCO) and 4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1,1,3-trimethyl-3-(2,3,4,5-tetrabromophenyl)-2,3-dihydro-1H-indene (OBTMPI). This review aims at highlighting the advances in the past decade (2010-2020) on both the analytical procedures of HFRs in human bio-specimens using gas chromatography coupled with single quadrupole mass spectrometry and synthesizing the information on the levels of these HFRs in human samples. Human specimen included in this review are blood, milk, stool/meconium, hair and nail. The review summarizes the analytical methods, including extraction and clean-up techniques, used for measuring HFRs in biological samples, which are largely adopted from those for analysing PBDEs. In addition, new challenges in the analysis to include both PBDEs and a wide range of other HFRs are also discussed in this review. Review of the levels of HFRs in human samples shows that PBDEs are still the most predominant HFRs in many cases, followed by DP. However, emerging HFRs are also being detected in human despite of the fact that both their detection frequencies and levels are lower than PBDEs and DP. It is clearly demonstrated in this review that people working in the industry or living close to the industrial areas have higher HFR levels in their bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Martinez
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jianjun Niu
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Larissa Takser
- Département de Pédiatrie, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-Phillipe Bellenger
- Département de Chimie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Jiping Zhu
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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Pietron WJ, Warenik-Bany M, Wozniak B. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in raw milk from different animal species and in infant formula. Occurrence and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 278:130479. [PMID: 34126691 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widespread, persistent in the environment, and classified as global pollutants. Their presence has been confirmed in various types of food which adversely affect human health when consumed in sufficient amounts. Although milk has advantageous nutritional qualities and there are health benefits associated with its consumption, it could also contain toxic PBDEs. The aim of the study was the determination of the concentrations of ten congeners (BDE -28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183, and 209) in cow's, sheep's, and goat's milk obtained from Polish farms and their determination in infant formula. A total of 103 samples of raw milk and infant formula were tested using an accredited high-resolution gas chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry method. PBDEs were detected in all analyzed samples, the highest concentration being found in sheep's milk (11.9 ng g-1 fat), and cow's milk containing the least contamination. BDE-209 makes the predominant contribution to the sum of the ten congeners, constituting at least 38%. The profiles of PBDEs were dependent on the milk type and the differences between its varieties are discussed. The highest median concentration of the sum of ten PBDEs (0.473 ng g-1 fat) was determined in infant formula, which was identified as an important source of infants' exposure (5.48 ng kg-1 b.w. day-1 calculated based on P95 concentration). Milk is a source of PBDE in the diet; however, considered in isolation its consumption does not pose a risk to either adults' or children's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Jerzy Pietron
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), 57 Partyzantow Avenue, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Warenik-Bany
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), 57 Partyzantow Avenue, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland
| | - Barbara Wozniak
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), 57 Partyzantow Avenue, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland
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15
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Jagić K, Dvoršćak M, Jurič A, Safner T, Klinčić D. Optimization and validation of a two-step method for the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Croatian house dust samples. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2021; 13:3504-3510. [PMID: 34268546 DOI: 10.1039/d1ay00695a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microwave-assisted extraction was applied as a method for extraction of seven polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 183) from house dust samples. Optimization of MAE experimental conditions was achieved using a multivariate design approach, and the results indicated that only the choice of extraction solvent had a statistically significant influence on extraction efficiency. The extract purification step was also investigated in detail with a goal to achieve effective cleaning, with minor solvent consumption. As the final operating conditions, 20 min MAE extraction from 1 g of dust with 20 mL of n-hexane : acetone (1 : 1, v/v) at 80 °C and extract purification on an in-lab prepared column containing 2 g of neutral silica and 4 g of acidified silica, whereby the PBDEs were eluted from the column with 15 mL of n-hexane : dichloromethane (4 : 1, v/v), were selected. The extracts were analyzed on a dual GC-μECD system, and GC-MS/MS was used as a confirmatory method. The performance of the optimized method was validated by analyzing spiked dust samples and a standard reference material (NIST 2585 "Organic Contaminants in House Dust"). Congener specific PBDE recovery ranged from 76% to 90% for the spiked samples (with very good repeatability; RSD < 7%) and the measured mass concentrations of selected PBDEs were in excellent agreement with certified values for a standard reference material. The proposed method was successfully applied to the analysis of targeted PBDEs in house dust samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Jagić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Marija Dvoršćak
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Andreja Jurič
- Analytical Toxicology and Mineral Metabolism Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Toni Safner
- Department of Plant Breeding, Genetics, Biometrics and Experimentation, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb, Svetošimunska Cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia and Centre of Excellence for Biodiversity and Molecular Plant Breeding (CoE CroP-BioDiv), Svetošimunska Cesta 25, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darija Klinčić
- Biochemistry and Organic Analytical Chemistry Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska Cesta 2, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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16
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Zhao X, Yang X, Du Y, Li R, Zhou T, Wang Y, Chen T, Wang D, Shi Z. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in serum from residents living in a brominated flame retardant production area: Occurrence, influencing factors, and relationships with thyroid and liver function. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 270:116046. [PMID: 33333402 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.116046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants (FRs) in China for decades, even after they were identified as persistent organic pollutants. In this study, serum samples were collected from 172 adults without occupational exposure who were residents of a well-known FR production region (Laizhou Bay, north China), and PBDE congeners were measured to assess their occurrence, congener profile and influencing factors in serum. Moreover, the relationships between serum concentrations of PBDEs and thyroid/liver function indicators were analyzed to evaluate whether human exposure to PBDEs would lead to thyroid/liver injury. All 8 PBDE congeners were detected at higher frequencies and serum concentrations than those found in general populations. The median levels of ∑PBDEs, BDE-209 and ∑3-7PBDEs (sum of tri-to hepta-BDEs) were 64.5, 56.9 and 7.2 ng/g lw (lipid weight), respectively, which indicated that deca-BDE was the primarily produced PBDE in Laizhou Bay and that the lower brominated BDEs were still ubiquitous in the environment. Gender was a primary influencing factor for some BDE congeners in serum; their levels in female serum samples were significantly lower than those in male serum samples. Serum PBDE levels showed a downward trend with increased body mass index (BMI), which might reflect the increasing serum lipid contents. Serum levels of some BDE congeners were significantly positively correlated with certain thyroid hormones and antibodies, including free triiodothyronine (fT3), total triiodothyronine (tT3), total thyroxine (tT4) and thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab). Levels of some congeners were significantly negatively correlated with some types of serum lipid, including cholesterol (CHOL), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and total triglyceride (TG). Other than serum lipids, only two liver function indicators, total protein (TP) and direct bilirubin (DBIL), were significantly correlated with certain BDE congeners (BDE-100 and BDE-154). Our results provide new evidence on the thyroid-disrupting and hepatotoxic effects of PBDEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Zhao
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaodi Yang
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Yinglin Du
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Renbo Li
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Tian Chen
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Dejun Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China.
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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17
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Zhao X, Chen T, Yang B, Wang D, Sun W, Wang Y, Yang X, Wen S, Li J, Shi Z. Serum levels of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in residents of a major BFR-producing region: Occurrence, impact factors and the relationship to thyroid and liver function. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 208:111467. [PMID: 33080422 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Five currently used novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were determined in 172 serum samples collected from nonoccupational residents of a major BFR-producing region. All the 5 NBFRs presented high detection frequencies (DFs, >90%), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a substitute of decabrominated diphenyl ethers (deca-BDE), was the most abundant NBFR. The levels of DBDPE were from <LOD to 1590 ng/g lw, with a median level of 32.5 ng/g lw. The median levels of other NBFRs were from 0.134 to 2.87 ng/g lw, which were at least 10 times lower than that of DBDPE. Moreover, a comparison to other studies showed that our results were significantly higher than studies conducted in background population. The levels of some NBFRs adjusted by serum lipid showed negative and significant correlation with BMI, whereas the difference disappeared when NBFRs levels were calculated based on serum volume. Certain NBFRs in female showed significantly higher concentrations than those in male. No significant effect of age, smoking habit, education level and children birth (in female) on serum NBFR levels was observed. The relationship between the serum levels of NBFRs and a series of thyroid/liver injury biomarkers was further analyzed to evaluate the health effects of these NBFRs to human being. Results showed that a 10-fold increment in the serum DBDPE level was associated with decreased total triiodothyronine (TT3) level (-0.037 nmol/L) [95% CI: -0.070, -0.003], whereas serum pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) level was associated with increased total triiodothyronine (TT3) level (0.031 nmol/L) [95% CI: 0.001, 0.060]. For liver indicators, a 10-fold increment in the serum level of PBT was associated with decreased Ln aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) level (-0.068) [95% CI: -0.129, -0.007]. A 10-fold increment in the serum level of BTBPE was associated with increased TBIL level (0.869 μmol/L) [95% CI: 0.175, 1.564], direct bilirubin (DBIL) level (0.231 μmol/L) [95% CI: 0.075, 0.388] and IDBIL level (0.638 μmol/L) [95% CI: 0.091, 1.185]. Our findings indicate that BFR production is posing heavy BFR contamination to surrounding environment and human being, and which might relate to thyroid disruption and liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Zhao
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Chen
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Yang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dejun Wang
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wen Sun
- Shandong Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuwei Wang
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodi Yang
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng Wen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory for Applied Toxicology, Hubei Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Science Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Xia D, Maurice A, Leybros A, Lee JM, Grandjean A, Gabriel JCP. On-line spectroscopic study of brominated flame retardant extraction in supercritical CO 2. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128282. [PMID: 33297226 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Removal of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from polymers before disposal or recycling will alleviate negative environmental effects and ensure safe usage of recycled products. Extraction of BFRs in supercritical CO2 is appealing but also presents challenges to industries due to limited solubility and lack of kinetic studies. For a more comprehensive evaluation of supercritical extraction potentialities, we (i) developed an on-line pressure apparatus that is compatible with both the FTIR and UV-vis spectrometers to enable kinetic and thermodynamic studies; (ii) studied kinetic extraction involving three conventional and two novel BFRs as well as three typical polymeric matrix. Solubilities were determined using the gravimetric method or X-ray fluorescence. FTIR exhibited a superior applicability compared to UV-vis in the following BFR extraction's time-dependency binary and ternary systems. We observed that faster stirring speed, higher temperature, and finer particle size can accelerate the overall extraction kinetics. In binary systems, it took less than 2 h to achieve equilibrium for each BFR at 60 °C, 25 MPa and 1000 rpm. In the presence of polymeric matrix, slower extraction kinetics were observed due to the occurrence of competitive dissolution and molecular diffusion within the matrix. Mathematical models derived from irreversible desorption and Fick's diffusion laws fitted well with the observed extraction kinetics of BFRs, thus enabling us to identify the rate-determining step. The high solubilization rate coefficients that we measured for BFRs revealed that the dynamic extraction process in up-scaling design could compensate for the low solubility with flowing supercritical CO2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Xia
- Nanyang Technological University, Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), SCARCE Laboratory 637459, Singapore
| | - Ange Maurice
- Nanyang Technological University, Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), SCARCE Laboratory 637459, Singapore
| | | | - Jong-Min Lee
- Nanyang Technological University, Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), SCARCE Laboratory 637459, Singapore; Nanyang Technological University, School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, 637459, Singapore
| | | | - Jean-Christophe P Gabriel
- Nanyang Technological University, Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N), SCARCE Laboratory 637459, Singapore; Université Paris-Saclay, CEA, CNRS, NIMBE, 91191, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Arvaniti OS, Kalantzi OI. Determinants of flame retardants in non-occupationally exposed individuals - A review. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:127923. [PMID: 32835974 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.127923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) constitute a large group of different substances, some of which have been phased out of the market due to health concerns, while others are still used in many common consumer products to prevent fire hazards. This review addressed the determinants of FRs in non-occupationally exposed individuals based on surveys and questionnaire data. For this literature review, three databases (Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Knowledge) were searched by applying suitable terms, inclusion and exclusion criteria, producing a final selection of 78 articles for review. Based on these surveys there is epidemiological evidence for a significant association (p < 0.05) among human exposure and demographic factors, as well as a significant correlation between exposure to FRs and behavioural and environmental factors. Age, gender, housing characteristics, electrical and electronic equipment and mouthing behaviour (in children) play a leading role in human exposure to FRs as published studies demonstrated. However, the methodological differences among studies such as population size, questionnaire design and statistical analysis did not reveal a complete pattern of human exposure routes. Risk perception and communication are also discussed based on limited available data. Knowledge gaps and future perspectives relating to standardized protocols, elucidation of contamination sources, and risk response of health information from different target groups were also identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga S Arvaniti
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Patras, Caratheodory 1, University Campus, GR-26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Olga-Ioanna Kalantzi
- Department of Environment, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Mytilene, 81100, Greece.
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Maddela NR, Venkateswarlu K, Kakarla D, Megharaj M. Inevitable human exposure to emissions of polybrominated diphenyl ethers: A perspective on potential health risks. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 266:115240. [PMID: 32698055 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) serve as flame retardants in many household materials such as electrical and electronic devices, furniture, textiles, plastics, and baby products. Though the use of PBDEs like penta-, octa- and deca-BDE greatly reduces the fire damage, indoor pollution by these toxic emissions is ever-growing. In fact, a boom in the global market projections of PBDEs threatens human health security. Therefore, efforts are made to minimize PBDEs pollution in USA and Europe by encouraging voluntary phasing out of the production or imposing compelled regulations through Stockholm Convention, but >500 kilotons of PBDEs still exist globally. Both 'environmental persistence' and 'bioaccumulation tendencies' are the hallmarks of PBDE toxicities; however, both these issues concerning household emissions of PBDEs have been least addressed theoretically or practically. Critical physiological functions, lipophilicity and toxicity, trophic transfer and tissue specificities are of utmost importance in the benefit/risk assessments of PBDEs. Since indoor debromination of deca-BDE often yields many products, a better understanding on their sorption propensity, environmental fate and human toxicities is critical in taking rigorous measures on the ever-growing global deca-BDE market. The data available in the literature on human toxicities of PBDEs have been validated following meta-analysis. In this direction, the intent of the present review was to provide a critical evaluation of the key aspects like compositional patterns/isomer ratios of PBDEs implicated in bioaccumulation, indoor PBDE emissions versus human exposure, secured technologies to deal with the toxic emissions, and human toxicity of PBDEs in relation to the number of bromine atoms. Finally, an emphasis has been made on the knowledge gaps and future research directions related to endurable flame retardants which could fit well into the benefit/risk strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naga Raju Maddela
- Instituto de Investigación, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, 130105, Ecuador; Facultad la Ciencias la Salud, Universidad Técnica de Manabí, Portoviejo, 130105, Ecuador
| | - Kadiyala Venkateswarlu
- Formerly Department of Microbiology, Sri Krishnadevaraya University, Anantapuramu, 515003, India
| | - Dhatri Kakarla
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Mallavarapu Megharaj
- Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), Cooperative Research Centre for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE), The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
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21
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Wang J, Li J, Shi Z. Dietary exposure assessment of a nursing mother-infant cohort to legacy and novel brominated flame retardants: Results of a 3-day duplicate diet study in Beijing, China. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 254:126843. [PMID: 32339796 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
In a 3-day duplicate diet study of a nursing mother-infant cohort (n = 20), the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and 5 novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were measured in 60 24-h duplicate diet samples and 20 breast milk samples provided by the mothers. The dietary BFR intake and related health risks of the mothers and their babies due to food consumption or human milk ingestion were subsequently assessed. At median concentrations of 284, 264 and 177 pg/g wet weight (ww) in the diet, decabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-209), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and HBCDD were predominant among the total BFRs. In human milk, HBCDD was the most abundant BFR, followed by BDE-209 and DBDPE, which indicates that BDE-209 and HBCDD have remained ubiquitous in the environment because of their continuous production and use in China. Meanwhile, concentrations of DBDPE were comparative to those of PBDEs and HBCDD in both diet and human milk, and DBDPE also had much higher concentrations than any other NBFRs, which indicates that the BFR consumption pattern in China is shifting from legacy BFRs to NBFRs. The median estimated dietary intakes (EDIs) of BDE-209, HBCDD and DBDPE for the mothers were 6.83, 3.73 and 5.44 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, and EDIs for their nursing babies were 24.7, 41.9 and 7.83 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The nursing infants showed higher BFR body burden than the mothers. However, the EDIs obtained for both mothers and their babies discloses a low health risk to this mother-infant cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiandi Wang
- Shunyi Maternal and Children's Hospital of Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 110113, China; School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China; Dongcheng District Administration Center of Community Health Service, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Pardo O, Fernández SF, Quijano L, Marín S, Villalba P, Corpas-Burgos F, Yusà V. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in foods from the Region of Valencia: Dietary exposure and risk assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 250:126247. [PMID: 32109700 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dietary exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) of the population in the Region of Valencia, Spain, was assessed. A group of 320 composite samples of different fatty foods was collected and analyzed, including the following: vegetable oils, and foods of animal origin such as (a) fish and seafood, (b) eggs, (c) milk and dairy products, and (d) meat and meat products. Two scenarios were assumed for left-censored results: lower-bound (LB) and upper-bound (UB). Vegetable oils, and fish and seafood presented the highest content of PBDEs [mean values of 503 and 464 pg g-1 wet weight (ww) for total PBDEs, respectively, in the UB]. The dominating congeners were BDE47 in the food categories of fish and seafood, meat and meat products, and vegetable oils, and BDE99 in the categories of eggs, and milk and dairy products. The dietary exposure to PBDEs through consumption of the studied foods by the population in the Region of Valencia was estimated for adults (>15 years of age) and young people (6-15 years of age). Average intake levels (UB scenario) were 1.443 and 3.456 ng kg bw-1 day-1 for adults and young people, respectively. In a risk-assessment context, the margin of exposure (MOE) for congener BDE47, -99, -153, and -209 (ranged: 30-3E6) indicate that the current dietary exposure to these substances does not pose a risk to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Pardo
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Sandra F Fernández
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Analytical Chemistry Department, University of Valencia, Edifici Jeroni Muñoz, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Leyre Quijano
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine Department, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Silvia Marín
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pilar Villalba
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisca Corpas-Burgos
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicent Yusà
- Foundation for the Promotion of Health and Biomedical Research of Valencia Region, FISABIO-Public Health, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain; Public Health Laboratory of Valencia, 21, Avenida Catalunya, 46020, Valencia, Spain
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Orta OR, Wesselink AK, Bethea TN, Claus Henn B, McClean MD, Sjödin A, Baird DD, Wise LA. Correlates of plasma concentrations of brominated flame retardants in a cohort of U.S. Black women residing in the Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 714:136777. [PMID: 32018967 PMCID: PMC7268778 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.136777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are brominated flame retardant chemicals detectable in the environment and U.S. population, and are associated with adverse health outcomes over the life course. Correlates of these organic pollutants are understudied among U.S. Black women. METHODS Using baseline data from a prospective cohort study of U.S. Black women aged 23-35 years from the Detroit area of Michigan (2010-2012), we examined correlates of PBDEs and PBB-153. Non-fasting blood samples were collected from 742 participants at enrollment, a subset of women selected for a case-cohort study of environmental chemicals. Data on socio-demographics, behaviors, diet, medical history, and early-life exposures were collected via self-administered questionnaires, telephone interviews, and in-person clinic visits. We fit linear regression models to calculate percent differences and 95% confidence intervals in lipid adjusted plasma concentrations of 11 individual PBDE congeners and PBB-153 for each baseline predictor. RESULTS In models adjusted for all other correlates, a 5-year increase in age was inversely associated with most PBDE congeners (% differences ranged from 6 to 15% lower), and was positively associated with PBB-153 (52% higher). A 5-kg/m2 increase in BMI was inversely associated with PBDE-153 and PBB-153 (16% lower for both), and 6% higher for PBDE-28. Compared with having never been breastfed in infancy, ≥3 months of breastfeeding in infancy was associated with 69% higher PBB-153 concentrations. Lower education, current smoking, and heavy alcohol use were associated with higher plasma concentrations of most flame retardants. Diet was not an important predictor. CONCLUSION Important correlates for elevated body burdens of PBB-153 were increasing age and a history of having been breastfed in infancy. Education, smoking, and heavy alcohol use were important predictors of elevated body burdens of most flame retardants. This study fills an important gap in the environmental health literature by focusing on an understudied population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia R Orta
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Slone Epidemiology Center at Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael D McClean
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andreas Sjödin
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Gravel S, Lavoué J, Bakhiyi B, Lavoie J, Roberge B, Patry L, Bouchard MF, Verner MA, Zayed J, Labrèche F. Multi-exposures to suspected endocrine disruptors in electronic waste recycling workers: Associations with thyroid and reproductive hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 225:113445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.113445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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25
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Klinčić D, Dvoršćak M, Jagić K, Mendaš G, Herceg Romanić S. Levels and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in humans and environmental compartments: a comprehensive review of the last five years of research. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:5744-5758. [PMID: 31933075 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-07598-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), present in the environment, animals, and humans. Their levels, distribution, and human exposure have been studied extensively, and over the last decade, various legal measures have been taken to prohibit or minimize their production and use due to the increasing amount of evidence of their harmful effects on human and animal health.Our aim here was to make a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the levels and distribution of PBDEs in the aquatic environment, air, and soil, in indoor dust, and in humans. To fulfill this, we searched through Web of Science for literature data reported in the last five years (2015-2019) on levels of at least six key PBDE congeners in abovementioned matrices. According to our summarized data, significant PBDE mass concentrations/fractions are still being detected in various sample types across the world, which implies that PBDE contamination is an ongoing problem. Secondary sources of PBDEs like contaminated soils and landfills, especially those with electronic and electrical waste (e-waste), represent a particular risk to the future and therefore require a special attention of scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Klinčić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marija Dvoršćak
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Karla Jagić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Mendaš
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Herceg Romanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska c. 2, HR-10001, Zagreb, Croatia
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26
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Matovu H, Sillanpää M, Ssebugere P. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mothers' breast milk and associated health risk to nursing infants in Uganda. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 692:1106-1115. [PMID: 31539942 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.07.335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk samples from healthy primiparous mothers who had lived in Kampala capital city (urban area) and Nakaseke district (a rural area) for the last five years. Fifty samples were collected between March and June 2018 and were extracted by dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE). Clean-up was performed on an SPE column and analysis was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total (∑) PBDEs (BDE 28, 47, 49, 66, 77, 99, 100,138,153, 154, 183 and 209) ranged from 0.59 to 8.11 ng/g lipid weight (lw). The levels of PBDEs in samples from Kampala capital city were significantly higher than those from Nakaseke (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). The most dominant congeners were BDE-209 and -47 (contributed 37.1% and 20.2%, respectively to ∑PBDEs), suggesting recent exposure of mothers to deca-and penta-BDE formulations. Fish and egg consumption, plastics/e-waste recycling and paint fumes were associated with higher levels of BDE-47, -153 and -99, respectively, implying that diet and occupation were possible sources of the pollutants. Estimated dietary intakes (ng kg-1 body weight day-1) for BDE-47, -99 and -153 were below the US EPA reference doses for neurodevelopmental toxicity, suggesting minimal health risks to nursing infants who feed on the milk. Generally, the risk quotients for BDE-47, -99 and -153 were <1 in majority (96%) samples, indicating that the breast milk of mothers in Uganda was fit for human consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Matovu
- Department of Chemistry, Gulu University, P. O. Box 166, Gulu, Uganda; Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda; Laboratory of Green Chemistry, School of Engineering Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Mika Sillanpää
- Laboratory of Green Chemistry, School of Engineering Science, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Sammonkatu 12, 50130 Mikkeli, Finland
| | - Patrick Ssebugere
- Department of Chemistry, Makerere University, P. O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
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27
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Chen T, Huang M, Li J, Li J, Shi Z. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and novel brominated flame retardants in human milk from the general population in Beijing, China: Occurrence, temporal trends, nursing infants' exposure and risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 689:278-286. [PMID: 31276995 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.06.442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The levels of eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, and six novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were determined in human milk collected from Beijing, China in 2014. The tested 111 samples were collected from 37 mothers, and each donor provided one milk sample per month for 3 months after childbirth. Levels of ∑PBDEs (total tri- to deca-BDEs) were in the range of 0.288 to 22.2 ng g-1 lw (lipid weight). BDE-209, with a median level of 2.2 ng g-1 lw, was the predominant congener. Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), as an NBFR and a substitute for deca-BDE, was found to be the most abundant BFR in all tested human milk (median:5.96 ng g-1 lw). This result might suggest that the predominantly consumed BFRs in China have changed from PBDEs to PBDE substitutes. Additionally, a comparison to our previous studies conducted in 2005 and 2011 revealed that levels of tri- to hepta-BDEs showed significant reduction from 2005 to 2014, whereas levels of BDE-209 showed no significant variation from 2011 to 2014. Temporal trends of BFR levels over the three months of lactation were also investigated, and no significant changes were found in concentration with time over the three months lactation. For nursing infants up to 6 months old, the median lower bound of daily BFR intakes via human milk ingestion ranged from zero for 2,3-dibromopropyl-2,4,6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)-ethane (BTBPE) to 18.7 ng kg-1 bodyweight day-1 for DBDPE. Although the daily dietary BFR intake for nursing infants was found to be much higher than that for adults, the risk assessment evaluated by the margin of exposure (MOE) approach revealed that dietary BFR intake for nursing infants was unlikely to pose significant health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Chen
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Morong Huang
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Jian Li
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China; Dongcheng District Administration Center of Community Health Service, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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28
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Tay JH, Sellström U, Papadopoulou E, Padilla-Sánchez JA, Haug LS, de Wit CA. Serum concentrations of legacy and emerging halogenated flame retardants in a Norwegian cohort: Relationship to external exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 178:108731. [PMID: 31539819 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2019] [Revised: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Sixty-one serum samples from a Norwegian cohort were analyzed for 43 emerging and legacy halogenated flame retardants (HFRs). BDE-47, -153, -197 and -209 were detected in >56% of the samples with median concentrations of 0.23, 1.0, 0.64 and 1.5 ng/g lipid, respectively. BDE-49, -85, -99, -100, -154, -206, -207, -208 as well as HBB, syn- and anti-DDC-CO, OBTMPI, DBDPE, α-HBCDD and TBBPA were also detected in some serum samples (detection frequencies of 2-36%). Other tri-octaBDEs, TBP-AE, α- and β-DBE-DBCH, BATE, pTBX, αβ-TBCO, PBBz, TBCT, PBT, PBEB, DPTE, EH-TBB, BTBPE, BEH-TEBP, HCDBCO, β- and γ-HBCDD were below the limits of detection (mLOD). Concentrations of individual BDE congeners detected in this study were within the range from previous European studies. Positive correlations were seen between concentrations of BDE-47 in dust and BDE-153 in serum, between BDE-153 in dust and BDE-153 in serum, and between BDE-153 masses in handwipes and BDE-47 concentrations in serum (Spearman's rank, 0.29 < r < 0.43). Associations between the number of phones/mobiles, numbers of electronic equipment per person in the home and the consumption of specific food categories (such as soups/spices/sauces and alcoholic beverages) with BDE-47 and -153 serum levels were confirmed by multivariate linear regression analyses. The measured median serum level of BDE-47 was slightly over-predicted by a factor of 5.5 whereas other BDE congeners were under-predicted by factors of 13-6000 when compared to serum concentrations predicted from external exposure media (inhalation, dermal uptake, dietary intake from duplicate diet and dust ingestion) using a simple one compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model. BDE-153 was not detected and BDE-197 not analyzed in food so no dietary intake assessments for these could be made, which may partially explain the discrepancies between their measured and predicted serum concentrations. Overall, our results suggest that exposure via diet is the most important exposure pathway for BDE-47 and -209, with diet being responsible for more than 96% of the total daily intake of these two BDEs in the Norwegian cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hui Tay
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulla Sellström
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eleni Papadopoulou
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Juan Antonio Padilla-Sánchez
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Department of Environmental Exposure and Epidemiology, Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cynthia A de Wit
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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29
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Gebbink WA, van der Lee MK, Peters RJB, Traag WA, Dam GT, Hoogenboom RLAP, van Leeuwen SPJ. Brominated flame retardants in animal derived foods in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 234:171-178. [PMID: 31207422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were monitored in various foods from terrestrial and aquatic animal origin (>850 samples), collected in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. The terrestrial samples included meat/fat from 7 animal species (including bovines, pigs, broilers and sheep), bovine milk and hen eggs. Dominant PBDE congeners in these samples were BDE-47, -99, -100, -153 and -183. The meat/fat generally contained the highest ∑PBDE concentrations compared to eggs and milk, with meat from deer, horse and sheep containing the highest concentrations. Generally declining ∑PBDE concentrations were observed between 2009 and 2014, however, this was only significant in pig meat and hen's eggs. The aquatic samples included fillets from 18 species (including herring, haddock and salmon), brown crab parts, shrimp and mussels, and the highest ∑PBDE concentrations were seen in body parts of brown crab, herring, mackerel, salmon and sea bass (on wet weight basis). Patterns generally contained more congeners (i.e., BDE-28, -49 and -66) additional to the aforementioned congeners found in terrestrial samples. Herring, sea bass and brown crab (body parts) contained among the highest PBDE concentrations. TBBPA was only detected in 3 individual samples (bovine and broiler meat and haddock), while α-HBCDD was the dominant diastereomer detected in several terrestrial and aquatic samples. When detected, TBBPA and HBCDD concentrations were generally in the same order as ∑PBDE concentrations in the same sample types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter A Gebbink
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn K van der Lee
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud J B Peters
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wim A Traag
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Guillaume Ten Dam
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ron L A P Hoogenboom
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan P J van Leeuwen
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Part of Wageningen University & Research, 6700, AE Wageningen, the Netherlands.
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30
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Falandysz J, Smith F, Steel Z, Fernandes AR. PBDEs in cod (Gadus morhua) liver products (1972-2017): Occurrence and human exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 232:63-69. [PMID: 31152904 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
PBDEs occur in a range of commonly consumed foods but there is very little current information on occurrence in dietary supplements such as cod liver oil or cod livers used as food. This study retrospectively investigated a number of these products, sourced from the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic, historically dating from 1972 to 2017. For the sum of 17 measured PBDEs (ΣPBDE), the concentrations ranged from 9.9 to 415 ng g-1 for the oils and from 10.5 to 13 ng g-1 for canned liver products. Concentrations in the oils were highest during the period from 1993 to 2001. For all samples, BDE-47 was the dominant congener with a maximum detected concentration of 308 ng g-1 in a Baltic cod liver oil from 1993. Human exposure to PBDEs from recommended doses were estimated for adults, teenagers and children. Depending on the age group, BDE-47 intakes ranged from 1.3 to 211.5 ng kg-1 bm day-1 (Baltic Sea), 2.9-12.7 ng kg-1 bm day-1 (Atlantic, Norway) and 1.1-4.8 ng kg-1 bm day-1 (Atlantic, Iceland). Intakes for the other dominant congeners, BDE-49, BDE-99 and BDE-100, were relatively low. The intake estimates of ΣPBDE were highest for Baltic cod liver oils ranging from 2.2 to 284.8 ng kg-1 bm day-1 for adults, 2.8-178 ng kg-1 bm day-1 for teenagers and 2.0-127.8 ng kg-1 bm day-1 for a child. Estimated weekly intake of ΣPBDE from canned cod liver was highest for adults, ranging from 17.6 to 25.1 ng kg-1 bm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerzy Falandysz
- University of Gdańsk, Environ. Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, 63 Wita Stwosza Str., 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; Environmental and Computational Chemistry Group, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zaragocilla Campus, University of Cartagena, 130015, Cartagena, Colombia(1).
| | | | - Zoe Steel
- Fera Science Ltd, York, YO41 1LZ, UK
| | - Alwyn R Fernandes
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, NR4 7TJ, UK
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31
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Genisoglu M, Sofuoglu A, Kurt-Karakus PB, Birgul A, Sofuoglu SC. Brominated flame retardants in a computer technical service: Indoor air gas phase, submicron (PM 1) and coarse (PM 10) particles, associated inhalation exposure, and settled dust. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 231:216-224. [PMID: 31129402 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are found in multi-media indoors, therefore, may pose serious risks to human health. This study investigated the occurrence of BFRs in particulate matter (PM1 and PM10) and gas phase by active and passive sampling, and settled dust to estimate potential exposure in a computer technical service. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and their alternatives (novel BFRs, NBFRs) were studied. PM and gas phase were collected on glass fiber filters and polyurethane foam plugs, respectively, and analyzed with a GC/MS after extraction, clean-up, and concentration. Inhalation exposure of the staff was estimated based on the measured concentrations using Monte Carlo simulation. BDE-209 was the dominating PBDE congener in all media while bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromophthalate and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane were those of NBFRs. Submicron particulate matter (PM1) BFR levels constituted about one half of the PM10-associated concentrations, while average PM10 mass concentration (69.9 μg m-3) was nine times that of PM1 (7.73 μg m-3). Calculated log10 dust-gas and PM-gas partitioning coefficients ranged from -5.03 to -2.10, -2.21 to -0.55, and -2.26 to -1.04 for settled dust, PM10, and PM1, respectively. The indoor/outdoor concentration ratios were >1 for all compounds indicating the strength of indoor sources in the service. The estimated potential inhalation exposures, for future chronic-toxic and carcinogenic risk assessments, indicated that the levels of gas-phase and PM1-associated exposures were similar at approximately one half of PM10-associated levels. Results of this study indicate that the occurrence of BFRs in all studied media should be taken into consideration for occupational health mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Genisoglu
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Urla, Turkey
| | - Aysun Sofuoglu
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, Urla, Turkey
| | | | - Askin Birgul
- Bursa Technical University, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Sait C Sofuoglu
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, Urla, Turkey.
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Pietron W, Pajurek M, Mikolajczyk S, Maszewski S, Warenik-Bany M, Piskorska-Pliszczynska J. Exposure to PBDEs associated with farm animal meat consumption. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 224:58-64. [PMID: 30807914 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/09/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
One of the ways to reduce the number of fires and the amount of damage caused by them is to use flame retardants (FRs). Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), like other FRs, have been used in a wide array of easily flammable products. As they are not chemically bonded with materials, PBDEs can be released from polymers into the environment. PBDEs can act as endocrine disruptors and affect neurological and thyroid activity. Although human intake of PBDEs is mainly through food, data about meat as a PBDE source and human exposure through diet are limited. The objective of the present study was to develop a comprehensive database of congener-specific PBDE concentrations in farm animal muscle and to characterize potential consumer exposure. For exposure assessment, two consumption scenarios were used for adults and children. The dietary exposure to PBDE congeners is based on the assumed portion size of 100 g of different meat species. Calculations for the participants were performed using food consumption data of the Statistical Yearbook (2015/2016). The intake of PBDEs was estimated as the median (P50) and the average for all kinds of tested meat. For health risk assessment, the margin of exposure (MOE) approach was used. MOE values were in range from 5 to 149 352 132. The obtained results indicate that concentrations of ten tested congeners (BDE-28,47,49,99,100,138,153,154,183,209) in different kinds of farm animal meat (cow, chicken, farm deer, horse, ostrich, pig, rabbit, sheep, turkey) are low and meat consumption does not pose a risk for human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Pietron
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Marek Pajurek
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Szczepan Mikolajczyk
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Sebastian Maszewski
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Warenik-Bany
- Department of Radiobiology, National Veterinary Research Institute, Partyzantow 57, 24-100, Pulawy, Poland.
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Kuo LJ, Cade SE, Cullinan V, Schultz IR. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in plasma from E-waste recyclers, outdoor and indoor workers in the Puget Sound, WA region. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 219:209-216. [PMID: 30543955 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were widely used as flame retardants in consumer products including electronic devices. Important routes of human exposure are contaminated food and contact with dust. In this study, we measured twelve PBDEs in household/workplace dust and blood plasma samples provided by 113 volunteers living in the Puget Sound region, WA and working at electronic waste (E-waste) recycling sites (n = 29) or non-specific indoor (n = 57) or outdoor occupations (n = 27). The volunteers in the outdoor group were also selected because of a history of high seafood consumption habits. Results indicated the sum PBDE levels varied between <2.5 and up to 310 ng g-1 lipid. E-waste recyclers were predominantly men, generally consumed low amounts of seafood, and had PBDE blood levels (geometric mean, GM = 26.56 ng g-1 lipid) that were similar to indoor workers (GM = 27.17 ng g-1 lipid). The sum PBDE levels were highest in the outdoor group (GM = 50.63 ng g-1 lipid). Dust samples from E-waste sites were highly enriched with BDE-209 and BDE-153 relative to non-E-waste businesses and homes. The concentrations of these BDE congeners in dust at E-waste sites were ∼32-39 times higher than in dust from other sites. However, the detection rate of BDE-209 in plasma was low across all groups (13%) and no statistical comparisons were made. Our results suggest that E-waste recyclers in this study population did not have elevated PBDE levels in comparison to volunteers working in other types of occupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jung Kuo
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine Sciences Laboratory, 1529 W Sequim Bay Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA.
| | - Sara E Cade
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine Sciences Laboratory, 1529 W Sequim Bay Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
| | - Valerie Cullinan
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine Sciences Laboratory, 1529 W Sequim Bay Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA
| | - Irvin R Schultz
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Marine Sciences Laboratory, 1529 W Sequim Bay Rd, Sequim, WA 98382, USA; NOAA - National Marine Fisheries Service, Lynker Tech & NW Fisheries Science Center, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA.
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Sugeng EJ, de Cock M, Leonards PEG, van de Bor M. Electronics, interior decoration and cleaning patterns affect flame retardant levels in the dust from Dutch residences. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 645:1144-1152. [PMID: 30248839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Consumer products such as furniture foam and electronic device casings are treated with flame retardant chemicals (FRs) to prevent the spread of fire. Many FRs are able to leach out of a product and end up in house dust. FRs in house dust can be taken up by humans through inhalation, ingestion or dermal adsorption. This study aims to identify factors in the home environment that are associated with FR levels in house dust. House dust and a wide range of data on characteristics of electronics, including age and use, interior decoration, domestic house and cleaning patterns, were collected from 50 households in the Netherlands. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE209) and several organophosphate flame retardants were measured in dust at detection percentages ranging from 58 to 94%, with median concentrations ranging from 32 ng/g (resorcinol-bis(diphenyl)phosphate (PBDPP)) to 825 ng/g (tris(chloropropyl)phosphate (TCIPP)). For the first time, age, hours of operation and use of the standby function of electronic devices were found to affect FR levels in dust. We found that if the total number of electronic devices purchased before 2008 increased by 1 device, BDE209 levels in house dust significantly increased by 66%. In addition, house dust from homes with carpeted floors was significantly associated with a 70-80% lower concentration of several FRs compared to homes with smooth floors (e.g., laminate). Less frequent vacuum cleaning and dusting were significantly associated with 41 to 88% higher concentrations of several FRs in dust. These associations suggest that actions such as frequent vacuum cleaning and dusting as well as different FR regulations for electronic devices affect indoor exposure levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva J Sugeng
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, O|2 Building, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Marijke de Cock
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, O|2 Building, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pim E G Leonards
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, O|2 Building, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Margot van de Bor
- Department of Environment and Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, O|2 Building, De Boelelaan 1108, 1081 HZ Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Phillips AL, Hammel SC, Hoffman K, Lorenzo AM, Chen A, Webster TF, Stapleton HM. Children's residential exposure to organophosphate ester flame retardants and plasticizers: Investigating exposure pathways in the TESIE study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 116:176-185. [PMID: 29689464 PMCID: PMC5980657 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the phase-out of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs) have been increasingly used in consumer products and building materials for their flame retardant and plasticizing properties. As a result, human exposure to these chemicals is widespread as evidenced by common detection of their metabolites in urine. However, little is known about the major exposure pathways, or factors that influence children's exposure to OPEs. Furthermore, little data is available on exposure to the novel aryl OPEs. OBJECTIVES To examine predictors of children's internal exposure, we assessed relationships between OPEs in house dust and on hand wipes and levels of their corresponding metabolites in paired urine samples (n = 181). We also examined associations between urinary metabolites and potential covariates, including child's age and sex, mother's educational attainment and race, and average outdoor air temperature. METHODS Children aged 3 to 6 years provided urine and hand wipe samples. Mothers or legal guardians completed questionnaires, and a house dust sample was taken from the main living area during home visits. Alkyl chlorinated and aryl OPEs were measured in dust and hand wipes, and composite urine samples were analyzed for several metabolites. RESULTS Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), 2-ethylhexyl diphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP), and 2-isopropylphenyl diphenyl phosphate (2IPPDPP) were detected frequently in hand wipes and dust (>80%), indicating that these compounds were near-ubiquitous in indoor environments. Additionally, bis(1-chloro-2-propyl) 1-hydroxy-2-propyl phosphate (BCIPHIPP), bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), mono-isopropyl phenyl phenyl phosphate (ip-PPP), and mono-tert-butyl phenyl phenyl phosphate (tb-PPP) were detected in >94% of tested urine samples, signifying that TESIE participants were widely exposed to OPEs. Contrary to PBDEs, house dust OPE concentrations were generally not correlated with urinary OPE metabolite levels; however, hand wipe levels of OPEs were associated with internal dose. For example, children with the highest mass of TDCIPP on hand wipes had BDCIPP levels that were 2.73 times those of participants with the lowest levels (95% CI: 1.67, 4.48, p < 0.0001). Of the variables examined, hand wipe level was the most consistent and strongest predictor of OPE urinary metabolite concentrations. Outdoor air temperature was also a significant predictor of urinary BDCIPP concentrations, with a 1 °C increase in temperature corresponding to a 4% increase in urinary BDCIPP (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS OPE exposures are highly prevalent, and data provided herein further substantiate hand-to-mouth contact and dermal absorption as important pathways of OPE exposure, especially for young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Stephanie C Hammel
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Amelia M Lorenzo
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Albert Chen
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
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Nkabinde SN, Okonkwo JO, Olukunle OI, Daso AP. Determination of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in dust from end of life office equipment and furniture from Pretoria, South Africa. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 622-623:275-281. [PMID: 29216468 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.11.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Indoor dust is known to be a source of human exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and these consists of the legacy polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), total hexabromocyclododecane (T-HBCDD) and the "Novel or alternate" Brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). In this study, x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser was employed to measure elemental bromine contents in office furniture and electronics as the first indication of the possible presence of BFRs. To investigate the possible BFRs present, a total of 21 dust samples were collected from surfaces of electronic equipment and office furniture and were analysed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The concentrations of ∑7 BDE- congeners ranged from 50 to 3346ngng-1. Of the ∑7 BDE congeners analysed, BDE-209, -183 and -99 were the most dominant congeners. The concentrations observed ranged from <LOD - 1758, <LOD - 401 and <LOD-543ngg-1, for BDE-209, -183 and -99, respectively. T-HBCDD and 2-ethyl-1-hexyl-2.3.4.5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) were detected in 57 and 67% of the total dust samples analysed with concentrations ranging from <LOD - 673 and <LOD - 385ngg-1, respectively. However, Bis (2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) was only detected in 24% of the 21 samples exhibiting a concentration range of <LOD - 63ngg-1. The detection frequency of 1,2 Bis (2.4.6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE) was 81% with concentrations of <LOD-1402ngg-1. Alongside the legacy BFRs, NBFRs were the most detected indicating probably increased usage as replacements for the banned commercial PBDEs products namely, penta-, octa-, and deca-BDE mixtures. No correlation was observed between the bromine levels obtained using portable XRF and the BFRs detected using GC-MS (r=0.0073, p=0.076). The observed trend may be attributed to various factors including the sample matrix analysed and the number of BFRs analysed. The observed trend is consistent with those reported from other studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia N Nkabinde
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | - Jonathan O Okonkwo
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria 0001, South Africa.
| | - Olubiyi I Olukunle
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, 702N Walnut Grove Avenue, Bloomington, 47405, IN, USA
| | - Adegbenro P Daso
- Environmental Chemistry Research Group, Department of Environmental, Water and Earth Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, 175 Nelson Mandela Drive, Arcadia, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
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McGrath TJ, Morrison PD, Ball AS, Clarke BO. Concentrations of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in indoor dust in Melbourne, Australia: An assessment of human exposure. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 113:191-201. [PMID: 29428609 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Revised: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFR) have been used in a range of polymers to inhibit the spread of fires but also have a propensity to migrate out of consumer materials and contaminate indoor dust. In this study, a total of 57 dust samples were collected from 12 homes, eight offices and eight vehicles in Melbourne, Australia and analysed for eight PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and seven NBFRs (PBT, PBEB, HBB, EH-TBB, BEH-TEBP, BTBPE and DBDPE) to determine human exposure risks from dust ingestion. Samples were analysed using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Legacy and replacement flame retardants were detected in all samples with overall ∑PBDE concentrations ranging from 120 to 1700,000 ng/g (median 2100 ng/g) and ∑NBFRs ranging from 1.1 to 10,000 ng/g (median 1800 ng/g). BDE-209 and DBDPE were the dominant compounds in dust samples, followed by congeners associated with commercial Penta-BDE formulations (-47, -99, -100, -153 and -154) and then EH-TBB of the FireMaster 550 and BZ-54 products. ∑Penta-BDE concentrations were elevated in office samples compared with homes and vehicles, while EH-TBB and BDE-209 measured higher concentrations in vehicles compared with their respective levels in homes and offices. Risk assessment estimates revealed the majority of exposure to occur in the home for both adults and toddlers in the City of Melbourne. Generally, body weight adjusted exposure to PBDEs and NBFRs was predicted to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher for toddlers than adults. Estimated rates of BDE-47, -99, -153 and -209 ingestion were each 2 orders of magnitude or more below the USEPA's prescribed oral reference dose values (RfDs) for typical exposure scenarios. However, exposure rates for BDE-47 and -99 reached as high as 52 and 95% of RfDs, respectively, for adults and 4.4 and 7.4%, respectively, for toddlers in high exposure scenarios. This study provides the first wide-ranging survey of NBFRs in indoor dust from homes, offices and vehicles in Australia and offers further evidence of human exposure to legacy and novel brominated flame retardants via dust ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J McGrath
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Paul D Morrison
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia; Australian Centre for Research on Separation Science (ACROSS), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Andrew S Ball
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRe), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria 3001, Australia.
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Orta-García ST, Ochoa-Martínez ÁC, Varela-Silva JA, Pérez-Maldonado IN. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) levels in blood samples from children living in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:90-101. [PMID: 29376401 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2018.1429578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) exposure assessment using blood samples collected from children living in the metropolitan area of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico (GDL). Five congeners of PBDEs were analyzed using a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique. The blood concentrations of total PBDEs ranged from 5.50 to 169 ng/g lipid (42.0 ± 18.0 ng/g lipid; mean ± standard deviation). Regarding BDE congeners, the main congener (highest blood levels) was BDE99 (14.5 ± 5.50 ng/g lipid), followed by BDE100 (9.80 ± 3.40 ng/g lipid) and BDE154 (9.80 ± 5.90 ng/g lipid), and finally BDE153 (5.80 ± 2.30 ng/g lipid) and BDE47 (2.20 ± 1.20 ng/g lipid). In conclusion, blood PBDEs concentrations of concern were detected in this study, as blood levels were similar to the ones found in North America (the highest worldwide).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra T Orta-García
- a Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT) , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
- b Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
| | - Ángeles C Ochoa-Martínez
- a Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT) , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
- b Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
| | - José A Varela-Silva
- a Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT) , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
- c Facultad de Enfermería , Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas , Zacatecas , México
| | - Iván N Pérez-Maldonado
- a Laboratorio de Toxicología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Aplicada en Ambiente y Salud (CIAAS), Coordinación para la Innovación y Aplicación de la Ciencia y la Tecnología (CIACYT) , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
- b Facultad de Medicina , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . San Luis Potosí , México
- d Unidad Académica Multidisciplinaria Zona Media , Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí . Rioverde San Luis Potosí , México
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