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Schäffer A, Groh KJ, Sigmund G, Azoulay D, Backhaus T, Bertram MG, Carney Almroth B, Cousins IT, Ford AT, Grimalt JO, Guida Y, Hansson MC, Jeong Y, Lohmann R, Michaels D, Mueller L, Muncke J, Öberg G, Orellana MA, Sanganyado E, Schäfer RB, Sheriff I, Sullivan RC, Suzuki N, Vandenberg LN, Venier M, Vlahos P, Wagner M, Wang F, Wang M, Soehl A, Ågerstrand M, Diamond ML, Scheringer M. Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19066-19077. [PMID: 37943968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental science-policy bodies on climate change and biodiversity. To ensure the SPP's success, it is imperative to protect it from conflicts of interest (COI). Here, we (i) define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution; (ii) summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests; and (iii) illustrate these with selected examples. This analysis leads to a review of arguments for and against chemical industry representation in the SPP's work. We further (iv) rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the panel's work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel's activities. Finally, (v) we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the SPP. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor's role in the SPP to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the SPP's activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, 210023 Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, 400045 Chongqing, China
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Sigmund
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David Azoulay
- Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Washington, D.C. 20005, United States
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael G Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå 907 36, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 18, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yago Guida
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria C Hansson
- The Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC), Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Division of Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), 30147 Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - David Michaels
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Leonie Mueller
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gunilla Öberg
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcos A Orellana
- Global Toxics and Human Rights Project, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Bernhard Schäfer
- Institute for Environmental Sciences Landau, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ishmail Sheriff
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ryan C Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217, United States
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Marta Venier
- Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mengjiao Wang
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Soehl
- International Panel on Chemical Pollution, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marlene Ågerstrand
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Schreder E, Zheng G, Sathyanarayana S, Gunaje N, Hu M, Salamova A. Brominated flame retardants in breast milk from the United States: First detection of bromophenols in U.S. breast milk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122028. [PMID: 37315884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a class of compounds with many persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative members. BFRs have been widely detected in breast milk, posing health risks for breastfeeding infants. Ten years after the phaseout of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the United States, we analyzed breast milk from 50 U.S. mothers for a suite of BFRs to assess current exposures to BFRs and the impact of changing use patterns on levels of PBDEs and current-use compounds in breast milk. Compounds analyzed included 37 PBDEs, 18 bromophenols, and 11 other BFRs. A total of 25 BFRs were detected, including 9 PBDEs, 8 bromophenols, and 8 other BFRs. PBDEs were found in every sample but at concentrations considerably lower than in previous North American samples, with a median ∑PBDE concentration (sum of 9 detected PBDEs) of 15.0 ng/g lipid (range 1.46-1170 ng/g lipid). Analysis of time trends in PBDE concentrations in North American breast milk indicated a significant decline since 2002, with a halving time for ∑PBDE concentrations of 12.2 years; comparison with previous samples from the northwest U.S region showed a 70% decline in median levels. Bromophenols were detected in 88% of samples with a median ∑12bromophenol concentration (sum of 12 detected bromophenols) of 0.996 ng/g lipid and reaching up to 71.1 ng/g lipid. Other BFRs were infrequently detected but concentrations reached up to 278 ng/g lipid. These results represent the first measurement of bromophenols and other replacement flame retardants in breast milk from U.S. mothers. In addition, these results provide data on current PBDE contamination in human milk, as PBDEs were last measured in U.S. breast milk ten years ago. The presence of phased-out PBDEs, bromophenols, and other current-use flame retardants in breast milk reflects ongoing prenatal exposure and increased risk for adverse impacts on infant development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Guomao Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Navya Gunaje
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Min Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, GA, USA
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Hoyeck MP, Matteo G, MacFarlane EM, Perera I, Bruin JE. Persistent organic pollutants and β-cell toxicity: a comprehensive review. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2022; 322:E383-E413. [PMID: 35156417 PMCID: PMC9394781 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00358.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are a diverse family of contaminants that show widespread global dispersion and bioaccumulation. Humans are continuously exposed to POPs through diet, air particles, and household and commercial products; POPs are consistently detected in human tissues, including the pancreas. Epidemiological studies show a modest but consistent correlation between exposure to POPs and increased diabetes risk. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of epidemiological evidence and an in-depth evaluation of the in vivo and in vitro evidence that POPs cause β-cell toxicity. We review evidence for six classes of POPs: dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), flame retardants, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The available data provide convincing evidence implicating POPs as a contributing factor driving impaired glucose homeostasis, β-cell dysfunction, and altered metabolic and oxidative stress pathways in islets. These findings support epidemiological data showing that POPs increase diabetes risk and emphasize the need to consider the endocrine pancreas in toxicity assessments. Our review also highlights significant gaps in the literature assessing islet-specific endpoints after both in vivo and in vitro POP exposure. In addition, most rodent studies do not consider the impact of biological sex or secondary metabolic stressors in mediating the effects of POPs on glucose homeostasis and β-cell function. We discuss key gaps and limitations that should be assessed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam P Hoyeck
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Geronimo Matteo
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Erin M MacFarlane
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ineli Perera
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer E Bruin
- Department of Biology and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Percy Z, Vuong AM, Xu Y, Xie C, Ospina M, Calafat AM, Lanphear BP, Braun JM, Cecil KM, Dietrich KN, Chen A, Yolton K. Prenatal exposure to a mixture of organophosphate esters and intelligence among 8-year-old children of the HOME Study. Neurotoxicology 2021; 87:149-155. [PMID: 34582899 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Many environmental chemicals are being identified as suspected neurotoxicants based on the findings of both experimental and epidemiological studies. Organophosphate esters (OPEs), which are among the chemicals that have replaced neurotoxic polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) after 2004, have also become an important public health topic as evidence regarding their potential for early-life neurotoxicity is growing. In 233 mother child pairs from Cincinnati, OH, we measured concentrations of the OPE metabolites bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP), bis-2-chloroethyl phosphate (BCEP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), and di-n-butyl phosphate (DNBP) in the urine of pregnant women at 16 and 26 weeks gestation and at delivery. At age 8 years, we assessed children's cognition using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-IV. In models adjusted for maternal race, income, body mass index, and IQ, maternal urinary BCEP was associated with a modest increase in child full-scale IQ (ß: 0.81 per a ln-unit BCEP increase; 95 % CI: 0.00, 1.61) while other OPEs were not associated with changes in full-scale IQ or any IQ subscales. Maternal serum PBDE concentrations did not confound the relationships between urinary OPE metabolites and child IQ. Using Bayesian kernel machine regression, we did not find that concentrations of a mixture of OPE metabolites during gestation was associated with any child cognition measures. The results of this study are not consistent with other published work, and a larger sample size would be beneficial to explore potential associations more fully. Therefore, additional studies are necessary to continue studying prenatal OPE exposure and child neurodevelopment and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zana Percy
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ann M Vuong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, United States
| | - Yingying Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Changchun Xie
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Maria Ospina
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kim M Cecil
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Radiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Kim N Dietrich
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Brominated flame retardants, including polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), are persistent compounds reported to affect sex hormones in animals; less is known about potential effects in humans. An industrial accident in 1973-1974 exposed Michigan residents to PBB through contaminated food. We examined whether this exposure to PBB had long-term effects on menstrual cycle function. METHODS In 2004-2006, we recruited reproductive-aged women in the Michigan PBB Registry who were not pregnant, lactating, or taking hormonal medications. Participants kept daily diaries and provided daily urine samples for up to 6 months. We assayed the urine samples for estrone 3-glucuronide (E13G), pregnanediol 3-glucuronide (Pd3G), and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). We fit linear mixed models among women aged 35-42 years to describe the relation between serum PBB levels and log-transformed, creatinine-adjusted daily endocrine levels among women who were premenarchal during the exposure incident in 1973-1974 (n = 70). RESULTS We observed that high (>3.0 parts per billion [ppb]) and medium (>1.0-3.0 ppb) PBB exposure were associated with lower E13G levels across the menstrual cycle and lower FSH levels during the follicular phase, compared with low PBB exposure (≤1.0 ppb). High PBB exposure was also associated with lower Pd3G levels across the cycle compared with low PBB exposure, whereas Pd3G levels were similar in women with medium and low PBB exposure. CONCLUSION Our results are consistent with a hypothesized effect of exposure to an exogenous estrogen agonist but the modest sample size of the study requires cautious interpretation.
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Li W, Liao D, Hu X, Cheng Z, Xie C. Synergistic improvement of fire retardancy and mechanical properties of ferrocene‐based polymer in intumescent polypropylene composite. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.4687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wen‐Xiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang China
| | - Dui‐Jun Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang China
| | - Xiao‐Ping Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang China
| | - Zhou Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang China
| | - Chang‐Qiong Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environment‐Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials Science and EngineeringSouthwest University of Science and Technology Mianyang China
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Čulin J. Brominated flame retardants: Recommendation for different listing under the Hong Kong Convention. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 636:919-926. [PMID: 29729509 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.04.342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
When the Hong Kong International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, 2009 enters into effect, ships to be sent for recycling will be required to carry an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) on board, which identifies the hazardous materials contained in the ship's structure or equipment. In its current form, IHM covers two classes of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), namely polybrominated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers. Emerging evidence from recent literature suggests that members of all classes of BFRs are present in all environmental compartments and that exposure to them is associated with a wide range of harmful effects in humans and animals, effects that include endocrine disruption. Despite a growing body of research, the necessary data to perform health and environmental risk assessment are still lacking. This paper reviews environmental and human health impacts and discusses some issues of BFR environmental management. It is suggested that based on a precautionary approach, the inclusion of all classes of BFRs in IHM is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Čulin
- University of Zadar, Maritime Department, M. Pavlinovića 1, 23000 Zadar, Croatia.
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Lucas D, Petty SM, Keen O, Luedeka B, Schlummer M, Weber R, Barlaz M, Yazdani R, Riise B, Rhodes J, Nightingale D, Diamond ML, Vijgen J, Lindeman A, Blum A, Koshland CP. Methods of Responsibly Managing End-of-Life Foams and Plastics Containing Flame Retardants: Part I. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE 2018; 35:573-587. [PMID: 29892190 PMCID: PMC5994144 DOI: 10.1089/ees.2017.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardants (FRs) are added to foams and plastics to comply with flammability standards and test requirements in products for household and industrial uses. When these regulations were implemented, potential health and environmental impacts of FR use were not fully recognized or understood. Extensive research in the past decades reveal that exposure to halogenated FRs, such as those used widely in furniture foam, is associated with and/or causally related to numerous health effects in animals and humans. While many of the toxic FRs have been eliminated and replaced by other FRs, existing products containing toxic or potentially toxic chemical FRs will remain in use for decades, and new products containing these and similar chemicals will permeate the environment. When such products reach the end of their useful life, proper disposal methods are needed to avoid health and ecological risks. To minimize continued human and environmental exposures to hazardous FR chemicals from discarded products, waste management technologies and processes must be improved. This review discusses a wide range of issues associated with all aspects of the use and responsible disposal of wastes containing FRs, and identifies basic and applied research needs in the areas of responsible collection, pretreatment, processing, and management of these wastes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald Lucas
- Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California
| | - Sara M. Petty
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California
| | - Olya Keen
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Bob Luedeka
- Polyurethane Foam Association, Inc., Loudon, Tennessee
| | - Martin Schlummer
- Fraunhofer-Institut fur Verfahrenstechnik und Verpackung, Freising, Germany
| | - Roland Weber
- POPs Environmental Consulting, Göppingen, Germany
| | - Morton Barlaz
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Charlotte, North Carolina
| | - Ramin Yazdani
- Yolo County Public Works Department, Planning, Public Works, Environ Services, Woodland, California
| | | | | | | | - Miriam L. Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - John Vijgen
- International HCH and Pesticides Association, Copenhagen Area, Capital Region, Denmark
| | | | - Arlene Blum
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California
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Poma G, Malysheva SV, Goscinny S, Malarvannan G, Voorspoels S, Covaci A, Van Loco J. Occurrence of selected halogenated flame retardants in Belgian foodstuff. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 194:256-265. [PMID: 29216545 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.11.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports on the occurrence of halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), namely PBDEs, HBCDs, TBBPA, brominated phenols (BrPhs), dechlorane plus (DP) and emerging FRs in a variety of Belgian foodstuffs. A total of 183 composite food samples were analyzed by GC-MS and LC-MS/MS techniques for the presence of HFRs. The analyses revealed that 72% of the samples was contaminated with HFRs to some extent. The highest number of contaminated samples was observed within the group 'Potatoes and derived products', 'Fish and fish products' and 'Meat and meat products', while the least contaminated group was 'Food for infants and small children'. The total HFR content ranged from <LOQ to 35.4 ng/g ww with an average content of 1.2 ng/g ww and median of 0.25 ng/g ww. The samples with the highest total HFR levels were canned king crab, fresh mackerel, Emmental cheese, fresh eel and plaice. The most frequently detected HFRs were PBDEs and BrPhs being present in almost all food groups, and among the individual HFRs, the most frequently found compounds were BDE-47 (53%), BDE-209 (46%) and 246-TBP (40%). TBBPA, DPs, TBPH and γ-HBCD occurred with a frequency of less than 5%. TBBPS, 26-DBP, HBB, TBB and BTBPE were not detected in any of the analyzed food samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Poma
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Svetlana V Malysheva
- Food, Medicines and Consumer Safety, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Séverine Goscinny
- Food, Medicines and Consumer Safety, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Govindan Malarvannan
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- Flemish Institute for Technological Research (Vito NV), Boeretang 200, 2400, Mol, Belgium
| | - Adrian Covaci
- Toxicological Centre, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium. adrian.covaci@uantwerpenbe
| | - Joris Van Loco
- Food, Medicines and Consumer Safety, Scientific Institute of Public Health, Juliette Wytsmanstraat 14, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
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Nine MJ, Tran DNH, Tung TT, Kabiri S, Losic D. Graphene-Borate as an Efficient Fire Retardant for Cellulosic Materials with Multiple and Synergetic Modes of Action. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2017; 9:10160-10168. [PMID: 28244736 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.7b00572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
To address high fire risks of flamable cellulosic materials, that can trigger easy combustion, flame propagation, and release of toxic gases, we report a new fire-retardant approach using synergetic actions combining unique properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and hydrated-sodium metaborates (SMB). The single-step treatment of cellulosic materials by a composite suspension of rGO/SMB was developed to create a barrier layer on sawdust surface providing highly effective fire retardant protection with multiple modes of action. These performances are designed considering synergy between properties of hydrated-SMB crystals working as chemical heat-sink to slow down the thermal degradation of the cellulosic particles and gas impermeable rGO layers that prevents access of oxygen and the release of toxic volatiles. The rGO outer layer also creates a thermal and physical barrier by donating carbon between the flame and unburnt wood particles. The fire-retardant performance of developed graphene-borate composite and mechanism of fire protection are demonstrated by testing of different forms of cellulosic materials such as pine sawdust, particle-board, and fiber-based structures. Results revealed their outstanding self-extinguishing behavior with significant resistance to release of toxic and flammable volatiles suggesting rGO/SMB to be suitable alternative to the conventional toxic halogenated flame-retardant materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md J Nine
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Diana N H Tran
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Tran Thanh Tung
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Shervin Kabiri
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Dusan Losic
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Adelaide , Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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Human Excretion of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Flame Retardants: Blood, Urine, and Sweat Study. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3676089. [PMID: 28373979 PMCID: PMC5360950 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3676089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Commonly used as flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are routinely detected in the environment, animals, and humans. Although these persistent organic pollutants are increasingly recognized as having serious health implications, particularly for children, this is the first study, to our knowledge, to investigate an intervention for human elimination of bioaccumulated PBDEs. Objectives. To determine the efficacy of blood, urine, and perspiration as PBDE biomonitoring mediums; assess excretion of five common PBDE congeners (28, 47, 99, 100, and 153) in urine and perspiration; and explore the potential of induced sweating for decreasing bioaccumulated PBDEs. Results. PBDE congeners were not found in urine samples; findings focus on blood and perspiration. 80% of participants tested positive in one or more body fluids for PBDE 28, 100% for PBDE 47, 95% for PBDE 99, and 90% for PBDE 100 and PBDE 153. Induced perspiration facilitated excretion of the five congeners, with different rates of excretion for different congeners. Conclusion. Blood testing provides only a partial understanding of human PBDE bioaccumulation; testing of both blood and perspiration provides a better understanding. This study provides important baseline evidence for regular induced perspiration as a potential means for therapeutic PBDE elimination. Fetotoxic and reproductive effects of PBDE exposure highlight the importance of further detoxification research.
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Norrgran Engdahl J, Bignert A, Jones B, Athanassiadis I, Bergman Å, Weiss JM. Cats' Internal Exposure to Selected Brominated Flame Retardants and Organochlorines Correlated to House Dust and Cat Food. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2017; 51:3012-3020. [PMID: 28192994 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b05025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pet cats may be used as a biomarker for assessing exposures to organohalogen compounds (OHCs) adsorbed to household dust in home environments. This study explores two exposure routes of OHCs, ingestion of OHCs (i) via house dust and (ii) via cat food. House dust from 17 Swedish homes and serum from the participating families' pet cats were collected, and cat food was purchased matching the diet reported. Paired samples of cat serum, house dust, and cat food were analyzed for brominated flame retardants/natural products (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromobiphenyl (BB-209), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP), OH-PBDEs) and organochlorines (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1-bis(4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (4,4'-DDT), 1,1-bis(4,4'-dichlorodiphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (4,4'-DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorophenol (PCP)). Significant correlations were found between serum and dust samples from the living rooms for BDE-47 (p < 0.035), BDE-99 (p < 0.035), and BDE-153 (p < 0.039), from the adult's bedroom for BDE-99 (p < 0.019) and from all rooms for BDE-99 (p < 0.020) and BB-209 (p < 0.048). This is the first time a correlation between cat serum levels and household dust has been established, a finding that supports the hypothesis that dust is a significant exposure route for cats. Serum levels were also significantly correlated with concentrations found in cat food for 6-OH-BDE47 (p < 0.002), 2,4,6-TBP (p < 0.035), and BB-209 (p < 0.007). DBDPE was found in high concentrations in all dust (median 154 pmol/g) and food samples (median 0.7 pmol/g lw) but was below detection in serum samples, suggesting low or no bioavailability for DBDPE in cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Norrgran Engdahl
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Bignert
- Swedish Museum of Natural History , Frescativägen 40, SE-114 18 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Jones
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - I Athanassiadis
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Å Bergman
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
- Swedish Toxicology Sciences Research Centre (Swetox) , Forskargatan 20, SE-151 36 Södertälje, Sweden
| | - J M Weiss
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University , SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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Xu T, Li P, Wu S, Lei L, He D. Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) induce locomotor deficits and dopaminergic degeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2017; 6:63-72. [PMID: 30090477 PMCID: PMC6060632 DOI: 10.1039/c6tx00306k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) are a new class of flame retardants. The health risks of PFRs have received attention recently. However, little is known about the potential toxicity of PFRs on the nervous system. Herein, we evaluated the neurotoxic effects of two typical PFRs, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP), using Caenorhabditis elegans. Median lethal concentrations of chronic exposure (3 d) were 1578 and 857 mg L-1 for TCEP and TCPP, respectively. The sublethal dose of TCEP or TCPP significantly inhibited the body length and reduced the lifespans of nematodes. 500 mg L-1 and above of TCEP/TCPP led to a significant decline in the locomotor frequency of body bending and head thrashing. Furthermore, their exposure reduced the crawling speed and the frequency of bending oscillation of nematodes. This indicates that TCEP/TCPP induces locomotor deficits, along with Parkinsonian-like movement impairment including bradykinesia and hypokinesia. Using transgenic worms, we found that TCEP/TCPP could induce down-expression of P dat-1 and resulted in the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, especially PDE neurons. Moreover, TCEP/TCPP induced over-expression of unc-54, which indicates the aggregation of α-synuclein in the process of degeneration. These findings suggest the neurotoxicity risks of organophosphorus flame retardants, which are associated with the locomotor deficits and dopaminergic degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Xu
- Lab of Toxicology , School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences , East China Normal University , 500# DongChuang RD , Shanghai , 200241 , China . ; Tel: +86 189 1786 4019
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration , East China Normal University , Shanghai , 200241 , China
| | - Ping Li
- Lab of Toxicology , School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences , East China Normal University , 500# DongChuang RD , Shanghai , 200241 , China . ; Tel: +86 189 1786 4019
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration , East China Normal University , Shanghai , 200241 , China
| | - Siyu Wu
- Lab of Toxicology , School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences , East China Normal University , 500# DongChuang RD , Shanghai , 200241 , China . ; Tel: +86 189 1786 4019
| | - Lili Lei
- Lab of Toxicology , School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences , East China Normal University , 500# DongChuang RD , Shanghai , 200241 , China . ; Tel: +86 189 1786 4019
| | - Defu He
- Lab of Toxicology , School of Ecological and Environmental Sciences , East China Normal University , 500# DongChuang RD , Shanghai , 200241 , China . ; Tel: +86 189 1786 4019
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Urban Ecological Processes and Eco-Restoration , East China Normal University , Shanghai , 200241 , China
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Li L, Weber R, Liu J, Hu J. Long-term emissions of hexabromocyclododecane as a chemical of concern in products in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 91:291-300. [PMID: 26999514 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
There has been ever-increasing international interest in investigating the long-term emissions of chemicals in products (CiPs) throughout their entire life cycle in the anthroposphere. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) is a contemporary example of special interest due to the recent listing of this hazardous flame retardant in the Stockholm Convention and the consequent need for parties to take appropriate measures to eliminate this compound. Here, we conducted a scenario-based dynamic substance flow analysis, coupled with interval linear programming, to forecast the future HBCDD emissions in China in order to assist with the implementation of the Stockholm Convention in this current world's predominant HBCDD manufacturing and consuming country. Our results indicate that, under a business-as-usual scenario, the cumulative HBCDD production will amount to 238,000tonnes before its phase-out, 79% of which will be consumed in domestic market, accumulate as stocks in flame-retarded polystyrene insulation boards, and ultimately end up in demolition waste. While the production is scheduled to end in ca. 2021, emissions of HBCDD would continue until after 2100. For the entire simulation period 2000-2100, 44% of total cumulative emissions will arise from the industrial manufacture of HBCDD-associated end-products, whereas 49% will come from the end-of-life disposals of HBCDD-containing waste. The most effective end-of-life disposal option for minimizing emissions we found was, a pre-demolition screening combined with complete incineration. Our study warns of the huge challenges that China would face in its eliminating HBCDD contamination in the following decades, and provides an effective methodology for a wider range of countries to recognize and tackle their long-term emission problems of hazardous CiPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China
| | - Roland Weber
- POPs Environmental Consulting, Lindenfirststr 23, Schwäbisch Gmünd 73527, Germany
| | - Jianguo Liu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China.
| | - Jianxin Hu
- College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China
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Kucharska A, Cequier E, Thomsen C, Becher G, Covaci A, Voorspoels S. Assessment of human hair as an indicator of exposure to organophosphate flame retardants. Case study on a Norwegian mother-child cohort. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 83:50-7. [PMID: 26081984 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
A major challenge of non-invasive human biomonitoring using hair is to assess whether it can be used as an indicator of exposure to Flame Retardants, such as Organophosphate Flame Retardants (PFRs), since the contribution of atmospheric deposition (air and/or dust) cannot be neglected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of using human hair more thoroughly by comparison of (i) levels of PFRs in human hair (from 48 mothers and 54 children), with levels measured in dust and air in their respective households; and (ii) levels of selected PFRs in hair with the levels of corresponding PFR metabolites in matching urine samples collected simultaneously. Most PFRs (tri-n-butyl phosphate (TNBP), 2-ethyl-hexyldiphenyl phosphate (EHDPHP), tri-phenyl phosphate (TPHP), tri-iso-butyl phosphate (TIBP), and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP)) were detected in all human hair samples, tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (TEHP) and tris(1,3-dichloro-iso-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP) in 93%, tri-cresyl-phosphate (TCP) in 69% and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) in 21% of the samples. Levels of individual PFRs ranged between <1 and 3744 ng/g hair and were lower than in indoor dust from the participants' homes. Several statistically significant associations between PFR levels in human hair and PFR levels in house dust and/or air were found, e.g. Spearman correlation (rS = 0.561, p < 0.05) between TBOEP in children's hair and in indoor air. Also, associations were found between TDCIPP in hair and its metabolite bis(1,3-dichloro-iso-propyl) phosphate (BDCIPP) in urine; they were stronger for children (e.g. Pearson correlation rP = 0.475; p = 0.001) than for mothers (rP = 0.395, p = 0.01). Levels of diphenyl phosphate (DPHP) in mothers' and children's urine were slightly correlated (rS = 0.409, p = 0.008), suggesting similar sources of exposure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study with such design and our findings might help to understand human exposure to and body burdens of PFRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Kucharska
- VITO - Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium; University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Enrique Cequier
- NIPH - Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- NIPH - Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Georg Becher
- NIPH - Norwegian Institute of Public Health, P.O. Box 4404, Nydalen, 0403 Oslo, Norway
| | - Adrian Covaci
- University of Antwerp, Toxicological Centre, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefan Voorspoels
- VITO - Flemish Institute for Technological Research, Boeretang 200, 2400 Mol, Belgium.
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17
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Sun Y, Yuan GL, Li J, Li JC, Wang GH. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface soils near the Changwengluozha Glacier of Central Tibetan Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2015; 511:399-406. [PMID: 25569575 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2014.12.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2014] [Revised: 12/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Forty-two congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were detected for each of 27 surface-soil samples collected at an area near the Changwengluozha Glacier in the Central Tibetan Plateau (CTP), a remote background area at altitude from 5080 to 5217 m. The total concentrations of BDEs in soils ranged from 15.3 to 248.0 ng/kg, which were found to be positively correlated with the clay contents in the soil. In addition to adsorption, the clay was found to serve as a catalyst for the debromination of PBDEs in soils. Three pieces of evidence confirmed that the clay was significantly correlated with the debrominating transformation from the higher brominated congeners to the less brominated congeners. The transforming rate was found to be increased 3.5% with a 10% increase in clays. Debromination is an important way for highly brominated congeners to transform into lighter brominated congeners that are more toxic. This study first provided the direct field evidences for clays contributing to the debromination of PBDEs, and elucidated the importance of it in PBDEs' environmental fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guo-Li Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China; School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
| | - Jun Li
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jing-Chao Li
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Gen-Hou Wang
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China
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Wang Z, Cousins IT, Scheringer M, Hungerbuehler K. Hazard assessment of fluorinated alternatives to long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and their precursors: status quo, ongoing challenges and possible solutions. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2015; 75:172-9. [PMID: 25461427 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2014.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 347] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Because of concerns over the impact of long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) on humans and the environment, PFAAs and their precursors are being substituted by alternative substances including fluorinated alternatives that are structurally similar to the substances they replace. Using publicly accessible information, we aimed to identify the status quo of the hazard assessment of identified fluorinated alternatives, to analyze possible systemic shortcomings of the current industrial transition to alternative substances, and to outline possible solutions. Fluorinated alternatives, particularly short-chain PFAAs and perfluoroether carboxylic and sulfonic acids (PFECAs and PFESAs), possess high environmental stability and mobility implying that they have a high global contamination potential. In addition to their potential for causing global exposures, certain fluorinated alternatives have been identified as toxic and are thus likely to pose global risks to humans and the environment. Various factors, particularly the information asymmetry between industry and other stakeholders, have contributed to the current lack of knowledge about the risks posed by fluorinated alternatives. Available cases show that a non-fluorinated substitution strategy (employing either chemical or functionality substitutions) can be a possible long-term, sustainable solution and needs to be further developed and assessed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanyun Wang
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland; Institute of Sustainable and Environmental Chemistry, Leuphana University Lüneburg, D-21335 Lüneburg, Germany
| | - Konrad Hungerbuehler
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, ETH Zurich, CH-8093 Zurich, Switzerland
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Ezechiáš M, Covino S, Cajthaml T. Ecotoxicity and biodegradability of new brominated flame retardants: a review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2014; 110:153-167. [PMID: 25240235 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Revised: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been routinely used as additives in a number of consumer products for several decades in order to reduce the risk of fire accidents. Concerns about the massive use of these substances have increased due to their possible toxicity, endocrine disrupting properties and occurrence in almost all the environmental compartments, including humans and wildlife organisms. Several conventional BFRs (e.g. polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDE)) have been included in the list of Persistent Organic Pollutants and their use has been restricted because of their established toxicity and environmental persistence. Over the past few years, these compounds have been replaced with "new" BFRs (NBFRs). Despite the fact that NBFRs are different chemical molecules than traditional BFRs, most of physical-chemical properties (e.g. aromatic moiety, halogen substitution, lipophilic character) are common to both groups; therefore, their fate in the environment is potentially similar to the banned BFRs. Therefore, this article has been compiled to summarize the published scientific data regarding the biodegradability of the most widely used NBFRs, a key factor in their potential persistency in the environment, and their ecotoxicological effects on humans and test organisms. The data reviewed here document that the mechanisms through NBFRs exibit their ecotoxicity and the processes leading to their biotransformation in the environment are still poorly understood. Thus emphasis is placed on the need for further research in these areas is therefore emphasized, in order to avoid the massive use of further potentially harmful and recalcitrant substances of anthropogenic origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ezechiáš
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - S Covino
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - T Cajthaml
- Laboratory of Environmental Biotechnology, Institute of Microbiology ASCR, v.v.i., Vídeňská 1083, 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; Institute for Environmental Studies, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Albertov 6, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Zhou Y, Feng J, Peng H, Qu H, Hao J. Catalytic pyrolysis and flame retardancy of epoxy resins with solid acid boron phosphate. Polym Degrad Stab 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Meeker JD, Cooper EM, Stapleton HM, Hauser R. Urinary metabolites of organophosphate flame retardants: temporal variability and correlations with house dust concentrations. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2013; 121:580-5. [PMID: 23461877 PMCID: PMC3673195 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1205907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reduction in the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) because of human health concerns may result in an increased use of and human exposure to organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs). Human exposure and health studies of OPFRs are lacking. OBJECTIVES We sought to define the degree of temporal variability in urinary OPFR metabolites in order to inform epidemiologic study design, and to explore a potential primary source of exposure by examining the relationship between OPFRs in house dust and their metabolites in urine. METHODS Nine repeated urine samples were collected from 7 men over the course of 3 months and analyzed for bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) and diphenyl phosphate (DPP), metabolites of the OPFRs tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCPP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPP), respectively. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated to characterize temporal reliability. Paired house dust and urine samples were collected from 45 men. RESULTS BDCPP was detected in 91% of urine samples, and DPP in 96%. Urinary BDCPP showed moderate-to-strong temporal reliability (ICC range, 0.55-0.72). ICCs for DPP were lower, but moderately reliable (range, 0.35-0.51). There was a weak [Spearman r (r(S)) = 0.31] but significant (p = 0.03) correlation between urinary BDCPP and TDCPP concentrations in house dust that strengthened when nondetects (r(S) = 0.47) were excluded. There was no correlation between uncorrected DPP and TPP measured in house dust (r(S) < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS Household dust may be an important source of exposure to TDCPP but not TPP. Urinary concentrations of BDCPP and DPP were moderately to highly reliable within individuals over 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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Johnson PI, Stapleton HM, Mukherjee B, Hauser R, Meeker JD. Associations between brominated flame retardants in house dust and hormone levels in men. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2013; 445-446:177-84. [PMID: 23333513 PMCID: PMC3572297 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2012] [Revised: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/06/2012] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are used in the manufacture of a variety of materials and consumer products in order to meet fire safety standards. BFRs may persist in the environment and have been detected in wildlife, humans and indoor dust and air. Some BFRs have demonstrated endocrine and reproductive effects in animals, but human studies are limited. In this exploratory study, we measured serum hormone levels and flame retardant concentrations [31 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners and 6 alternate flame retardants] in house dust from men recruited through a US infertility clinic. PBDE congeners in dust were grouped by commercial mixtures (i.e. penta-, octa- and deca-BDE). In multivariable linear regression models adjusted by age and body mass index (BMI), significant positive associations were found between house dust concentrations of pentaBDEs and serum levels of free T4, total T3, estradiol, and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), along with an inverse association with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). There were also positive associations of octaBDE concentrations with serum free T4, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone and an inverse association of decaBDE concentrations with testosterone. Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was associated with decreased SHBG and increased free androgen index. Dust concentrations of bis-tribromophenoxyethane (BTBPE) and tetrabromo-diethylhexylphthalate (TBPH) were positively associated with total T3. These findings are consistent with our previous report of associations between PBDEs (BDE 47, 99 and 100) in house dust and hormone levels in men, and further suggest that exposure to contaminants in indoor dust may be leading to endocrine disruption in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula I. Johnson
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Box 90328, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave., Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - John D. Meeker
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Corresponding author. Phone: 734-764-7184; Fax: 734-763-8095;
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Yang X, Sun L, Xiang J, Hu S, Su S. Pyrolysis and dehalogenation of plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE): a review. WASTE MANAGEMENT (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2013; 33:462-473. [PMID: 22951495 DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2012.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2012] [Revised: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 07/24/2012] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Plastics from waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) have been an important environmental problem because these plastics commonly contain toxic halogenated flame retardants which may cause serious environmental pollution, especially the formation of carcinogenic substances polybrominated dibenzo dioxins/furans (PBDD/Fs), during treat process of these plastics. Pyrolysis has been proposed as a viable processing route for recycling the organic compounds in WEEE plastics into fuels and chemical feedstock. However, dehalogenation procedures are also necessary during treat process, because the oils collected in single pyrolysis process may contain numerous halogenated organic compounds, which would detrimentally impact the reuse of these pyrolysis oils. Currently, dehalogenation has become a significant topic in recycling of WEEE plastics by pyrolysis. In order to fulfill the better resource utilization of the WEEE plastics, the compositions, characteristics and dehalogenation methods during the pyrolysis recycling process of WEEE plastics were reviewed in this paper. Dehalogenation and the decomposition or pyrolysis of WEEE plastics can be carried out simultaneously or successively. It could be 'dehalogenating prior to pyrolysing plastics', 'performing dehalogenation and pyrolysis at the same time' or 'pyrolysing plastics first then upgrading pyrolysis oils'. The first strategy essentially is the two-stage pyrolysis with the release of halogen hydrides at low pyrolysis temperature region which is separate from the decomposition of polymer matrixes, thus obtaining halogenated free oil products. The second strategy is the most common method. Zeolite or other type of catalyst can be used in the pyrolysis process for removing organohalogens. The third strategy separate pyrolysis and dehalogenation of WEEE plastics, which can, to some degree, avoid the problem of oil value decline due to the use of catalyst, but obviously, this strategy may increase the cost of whole recycling process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoning Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1037 Luoyu Road, 430074 Wuhan, PR China
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Bergman A, Rydén A, Law RJ, de Boer J, Covaci A, Alaee M, Birnbaum L, Petreas M, Rose M, Sakai S, Van den Eede N, van der Veen I. A novel abbreviation standard for organobromine, organochlorine and organophosphorus flame retardants and some characteristics of the chemicals. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 49:57-82. [PMID: 22982223 PMCID: PMC3483428 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Revised: 07/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Ever since the interest in organic environmental contaminants first emerged 50years ago, there has been a need to present discussion of such chemicals and their transformation products using simple abbreviations so as to avoid the repetitive use of long chemical names. As the number of chemicals of concern has increased, the number of abbreviations has also increased dramatically, sometimes resulting in the use of different abbreviations for the same chemical. In this article, we propose abbreviations for flame retardants (FRs) substituted with bromine or chlorine atoms or including a functional group containing phosphorus, i.e. BFRs, CFRs and PFRs, respectively. Due to the large number of halogenated and organophosphorus FRs, it has become increasingly important to develop a strategy for abbreviating the chemical names of FRs. In this paper, a two step procedure is proposed for deriving practical abbreviations (PRABs) for the chemicals discussed. In the first step, structural abbreviations (STABs) are developed using specific STAB criteria based on the FR structure. However, since several of the derived STABs are complicated and long, we propose instead the use of PRABs. These are, commonly, an extract of the most essential part of the STAB, while also considering abbreviations previously used in the literature. We indicate how these can be used to develop an abbreviation that can be generally accepted by scientists and other professionals involved in FR related work. Tables with PRABs and STABs for BFRs, CFRs and PFRs are presented, including CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) numbers, notes of abbreviations that have been used previously, CA (Chemical Abstract) name, common names and trade names, as well as some fundamental physico-chemical constants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ake Bergman
- Environmental Chemistry Unit, Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Yuan GL, Xie W, Che XC, Han P, Liu C, Wang GH. The fractional patterns of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the soil of the central Tibetan Plateau, China: the influence of soil components. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2012; 170:183-189. [PMID: 22832331 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2012.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Sixteen soil samples were collected from the central Tibetan Plateau (CTP). The soil concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in CTP were analyzed. The detected 42 congeners were divided into light, intermediate and heavy fractions. In addition to the various minerals, other soil properties were also characterized, including the content of soil organic carbon (SOC) and the particle size distribution. The clay content is positively related to the intermediate fraction of the PBDEs and negatively related to the light and heavy fractions. Similar correlations were observed for SOC and the fine-particle fraction (size < 2 μm). The coefficient of determination (r(2)) associated with a linear regression indicated that the clays were more highly correlated with the fractional pattern of the PBDEs than with the other properties, such as SOC and the fine-particle fraction. The values of r(2) between clays and three fractions of PBDEs are 0.70, 0.69 and 0.58.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Li Yuan
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
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27
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Shaw SD, Berger ML, Weijs L, Covaci A. Tissue-specific accumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) including Deca-BDE and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in harbor seals from the northwest Atlantic. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:1-6. [PMID: 22321537 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2011] [Revised: 12/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/03/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are widely used flame retardants that enter coastal waters from multiple sources and biomagnify in marine food webs. PBDEs have been detected at relatively high concentrations in harbor seals, apex predators in the northwest Atlantic. Whereas tri- to hexa-BDEs readily biomagnified from prey fishes to seal blubber, Deca-BDE (BDE-209) did not biomagnify in blubber. To explore tissue-specific differences in the accumulation/biomagnification of BFRs, we analyzed tri- to Deca-BDES in liver of 56 harbor seals (6 adult males, 50 pups), and compared hepatic concentrations and biomagnification potential with those in blubber. HBCDs were analyzed in seal liver and blubber to enable similar comparisons. Hepatic ΣPBDE (tri- to Octa-BDE) concentrations (range 35-19,547ng/glipid weight, lw) were similar to blubber concentrations, while α-HBCD levels in seal liver (range 2-279ng/glw) were significantly higher than levels in blubber. Tissue distribution of PBDEs and α-HBCD varied significantly by age and, surprisingly, by gender among the pups. Biomagnification of α-HBCD from fish to seal liver and blubber was negligible to low, implying that harbor seals can metabolize this persistent isomer. Similar to the patterns in blubber, tri- through hexa-BDEs were highly biomagnified from fish to seal liver. In contrast, BDE-209 concentrations in liver were up to five times higher than those in blubber, which is consistent with observations that BDE-209 migrates to perfused tissues such as the liver in biota. Although detection frequency was low, BDE-209 levels in seal liver were up to ten times higher than those in their prey fish, suggesting that the accumulation/biomagnification of Deca-BDE in marine food webs is tissue-specific. As BDE-209 is the dominant PBDE found in marine sediments, its biomagnification in marine ecosystems is of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Shaw
- Marine Environmental Research Institute, Center for Marine Studies, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA.
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Yuan GL, Han P, Xie W, Che XC, Wang GH. Altitudinal distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the soil along Central Tibetan Plateau, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 433:44-49. [PMID: 22766426 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The distribution of PBDEs in the mountains of the Central Tibetan Plateau (CTP) was determined by sampling soil along an elevation transect. The analysis of soil extracts was performed by gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, through which 42 congeners were detected. The samples were also characterized with respect to the soil organic carbon (SOC) and mineral contents. The logarithmic concentration for three of the fractions and the ΣPBDEs increased significantly and exponentially with altitude. The slope value of the linear regression between the logarithm of the clay-normalized three fractional concentrations and the altitude is in the following order: light>intermediate<heavy. The coefficient of determination between the logarithm of normalized concentration and the altitude indicates that in the CTP, the clay normalization exhibits a better correlation to altitude than does the SOC normalization. The exponential equation between the concentration and altitude was modified by accounting for the localized soil properties. The exponential equation between the concentration and altitude was modified by accounting for the localized soil properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Li Yuan
- School of the Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences, Beijing 100083, China.
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Duderstadt KG. Chemicals in daily life: emerging evidence on the impact on child health. J Pediatr Health Care 2012; 26:155-7. [PMID: 22360935 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2011.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2011] [Accepted: 07/28/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karen G Duderstadt
- Department of Family Health Care, School of Nursing, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143-0606, USA.
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Ma Y, Venier M, Hites RA. 2-Ethylhexyl tetrabromobenzoate and bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate flame retardants in the Great Lakes atmosphere. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:204-8. [PMID: 22128844 DOI: 10.1021/es203251f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Two relatively new flame retardants, 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-tetrabromophthalate (TBPH), were identified and quantitated in gas and particle-phase air samples collected from six sites near the shores of the Great Lakes. TBB and TBPH were detected in more than half of the samples collected from 2008 to 2010. Urban areas, such as Chicago and Cleveland, showed the highest concentrations (0.36-290 pg/m(3)), while remote areas, such as Eagle Harbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes, exhibited the lowest levels (0.050-32 pg/m(3)). The atmospheric concentrations of TBB and TBPH increased rapidly and significantly over this time period, perhaps indicating that these compounds are replacing the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which have been removed or soon will be removed from the marketplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuning Ma
- School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
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Brown P, Cordner A. Lessons learned from flame retardant use and regulation could enhance future control of potentially hazardous chemicals. Health Aff (Millwood) 2011; 30:906-14. [PMID: 21555474 DOI: 10.1377/hlthaff.2010.1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Flame retardant chemicals, used in many furniture and electronic products to slow combustion, are an example of science and policy problems related to chemical usage. Drawing on a literature review and interviews with stakeholders, we argue that early warnings of the health hazards some flame retardants pose were not heeded as their use expanded to different products. Continued use of flame retardants coincides with their increased presence in people and adverse human health effects. We recommend policy changes applicable to oversight of chemicals in general: examining classes of chemicals rather than individual ones, assessing alternative methods and materials, product labeling, and stronger regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Brown
- Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, USA.
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Jung P. Product biomonitoring and responsible reporting. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2011; 119:A58-A59. [PMID: 21288807 PMCID: PMC3040618 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.1003355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
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La Merrill M, Birnbaum LS. Childhood obesity and environmental chemicals. THE MOUNT SINAI JOURNAL OF MEDICINE, NEW YORK 2011; 78:22-48. [PMID: 21259261 PMCID: PMC3076189 DOI: 10.1002/msj.20229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Childhood and adolescent rates of obesity and overweight are continuing to increase in much of the world. Risk factors such as diet composition, excess caloric intake, decreased exercise, genetics, and the built environment are active areas of etiologic research. The obesogen hypothesis, which postulates that prenatal and perinatal chemical exposure can contribute to risk of childhood and adolescent obesity, remains relatively underexamined. This review surveys numerous classes of chemicals for which this hypothesis has been explored. We focus on human data where they exist and also discuss the findings of rodent and cell culture studies. Organochlorine chemicals as well as several classes of chemicals that are peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists are identified as possible risk factors for obesity. Recommendations for future epidemiologic and experimental research on the chemical origins of obesity are also given.
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Is decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) a developmental neurotoxicant? Neurotoxicology 2010; 32:9-24. [PMID: 21182867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2010.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2010] [Revised: 12/13/2010] [Accepted: 12/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants. The relatively higher body burden in toddlers and children has raised concern for their potential developmental neurotoxicity, which has been suggested by animal studies, in vitro experiments, and recent human epidemiological evidence. While lower brominated PBDEs have been banned in several countries, the fully brominated decaBDE (BDE-209) is still utilized, though manufacturers will discontinue production in the U.S.A. in 2013. The recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to base the reference dose (RfD) for BDE-209 on a developmental neurotoxicity study has generated some controversy. Because of its bulky configuration, BDE-209 is poorly absorbed and does not easily penetrate the cell wall. Its acute and chronic toxicities are relatively low, with the liver and the thyroid as the primary targets, though there is some evidence of carcinogenicity. A few animal studies have indicated that BDE-209 may cause developmental neurotoxicity, affecting motor and cognitive domains, as seen for other PBDEs. Limited in vivo and in vitro studies have also evidenced effects of BDE-209 on thyroid hormone homeostasis and direct effects on nervous cells, again similar to what found with other lower brominated PBDEs. In contrast, a recent developmental neurotoxicity study, carried out according to international guidelines, has provided no evidence of adverse effects on neurodevelopment, and this should be considered in a future re-evaluation of BDE-209. While estimated exposure to BDE-209 in children is believed to be several orders of magnitude below the most conservative RfD proposed by the USEPA, questions remain on the extent and relevance of BDE-209 metabolism to lower brominated PBDEs in the environment and in humans.
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