Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Newfoundland seafood and associations with human serum thyroid hormone concentrations

Abstract

OPS 20: Chemicals, biomarkers, omics, Room 110, Floor 1, August 27, 2019, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM The marine ecosystem around the island portion of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador is contaminated with PBDEs from the St Lawrence River and the Labrador Current. Newfoundland has a long history of fishing and of consuming local seafood, therefore exposure to PBDEs through local seafood consumption could present a widespread health issue for the province. The aim of this study was to explore local seafood consumption as a possible PBDE exposure source in Newfoundland. Cod and turbot livers from Newfoundland were tested for PBDEs by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Eighty residents from two communities on the north and south coasts of the island were surveyed for local seafood consumption, and tested for serum PBDE concentrations (GC-MS). ∑PBDE (28, 47, 99, 156, and 209) levels were higher in cod (38.7 ng/g) than in turbot (10.4 ng/g). ∑PBDEs from fish livers from the north (37.36 ng/g) and south (34.27 ng/g) coast of Newfoundland were not significantly different. Newfoundland residents consumed local cod more than any other species, and older participants ate more cod than younger participants (p=0.000). Participant serum concentrations of PBDEs were 0.03 mmol/g (PBDE-28), 1.04 mmol/g (PBDE-47), 0.03 mmol/g (PBDE-99), 0.40 mmol/g (PBDE-100), 2.99 mmol/g (PBDE-153) and 4.78 mmol/g (∑PBDEs). Concentrations of PBDE-153 (p=0.018) and ∑PBDEs (28, 33, 47, 99, 100, and 153; p=0.010) were positively associated with local cod consumption. Residents of the island Newfoundland show evidence pf PBDE exposure, with possible local seafood consumption as a source. Associations between seafood consumption and PBDE levels were found, but associations were congener-specific. Further studies are needed using larger population in other parts of the province, and exploring other possible sources of exposure.