Brominated Flame Retardants Exposure Research Articles

The impact of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) on pulmonary function in US adults: a cross-sectional study based on NHANES (2007–2012)

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a group of chemicals widely used in various applications to prevent or slow down the spread of fire. However, they have adverse effects on human health. There is a relative scarcity of population-based studies regarding BFRs, particularly their impact on the respiratory system. This study aimed to investigate the influence of BFRs on pulmonary function using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The study found that elevated serum concentrations of certain BFRs were associated with pulmonary ventilatory dysfunction. Adjusted analyses revealed positive correlations between PBDE47, PBDE183, and PBDE209 concentrations and ventilatory dysfunction. The analysis of mixed BFRs showed a positive relationship with pulmonary ventilation dysfunction, with PBDE47 making the most significant contribution. Our study demonstrates that both individual and combined BFRs exposure can lead to impaired pulmonary ventilation function. These findings provide evidence of the adverse effects of BFRs on lung function, emphasizing the importance of further investigating the potential health consequences of these compounds. Further large-scale longitudinal studies are needed to investigate this relationship in the future.

The association between brominated flame retardants exposure with bone mineral density in US adults: A cross-sectional study of the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2005–2014

Background and aimsExposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) has been widely confirmed to impair the normal functioning of the human body system. However, there is a paucity of study on the effects of serum BFRs on bone mineral density (BMD). This study aims to investigate the relationship between exposure to BFRs and BMD in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. Methods3079 participants aged between 20 and 80 years with complete data were included in the study. Serum levels of BFRs were measured using automated liquid-liquid extraction and subsequent sample clean-up. The BMD of all participants were assessed by DXA examinations. Generalize linear model, Restricted cubic spline (RCS), subgroup, weighted quantile sum (WQS) and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to estimate the association between serum BFRs and BMD. ResultsMultivariate linear regression analyses revealed that, after adjusting for covariates, PBB153 was significantly associated with TF-BMD (β = 0.0177, 95%CI: 0.0103–0.0252), FN-BMD (β = 0.009, 95%CI: 0.0036–0.0145), TS-BMD (β = 0.0081, 95%CI: 0.0013–0.015) and L1-BMD (β = 0.0144, 95%CI: 0.0075–0.0213). However, the associations lose their statistical significance after further adjustment for sex. BFRs exhibited S-shaped or line-plateau dose-response curves with BMD. In subgroup analyses, BFRs were significantly associated with BMD in participants who were younger than 55 years, female, overweight (BMI >25 kg/m2), and less alcohol consumption. In WQS and BKMR analyses, the effects of BFRs mixtures on BMD differed by sex, and PBDE153, PBDE209 and PBB153 had the highest weights in the WQS regression model. ConclusionThis study showed that serum BFRs negatively predicted BMD in men, but not in women or the general population. PBDE153, PBDE209, and PBB153 were significant BMD factors, especially in younger, overweight, and less alcohol consumption individuals.

Effect of brominated flame retardants exposure on liver function and the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the US population

BackgroundThe relationship between brominated flame retardants (BFRs) exposure and the human liver was still not well understood. MethodsA total of 3108 participants (age > 12) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database spanning from 2005 to 2016 were included as the study population, with nine BFRs exhibiting a detection rate of over 70% serving as the exposure factor. The singular effects and combined effects of BFRs exposure on liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and advanced hepatic fibrosis (AHF) were evaluated separately. Finally, COX regression was employed to explore the hazard ratios associated with individual BFRs. ResultsIn our analysis of individual exposures, we found significant positive association of PBB153 with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), PBB153 with aspartate aminotransferase (AST), PBDE47, PBDE85, PBDE99, PBDE100, and PBDE154 with alkaline phosphatase (ALP), PBDE28 and PBB153 with gamma-glutamyl transaminase (GGT), PBB153 with the risk of NAFLD and AHF; and significant negative association of PBB153 with ALP, PBDE28, PBDE47, PBDE99, PBDE100, PBDE85, PBDE209, and PBDE154 with albumin (ALB), PBB153 with AST/ALT. The nonlinear analysis results from Restricted Cubic Spline (RCS) further validated these associations (all P<0.05). In the mixed analysis combining Weighted Quantile Sum (WQS) regression and Quantile G-computation (QGC) analysis, BFRs were positively associated with ALT (β>0, P<0.001), GGT (β>0, P<0.001), and the risk of NAFLD (OR>1, P=0.007). Conversely, BFRs exhibited significant negative correlations with ALP (β<0, P<0.001), ALB (β<0, P<0.001), and AST/ALT (β<0, P<0.001). Furthermore, the COX regression analysis revealed that PBB153 had the highest hazard ratio among the BFRs. ConclusionsBFR exposure may increase the risk of liver injury and NAFLD, with no significant association with AHF risk. The impact of BFR exposure on liver health should not be overlooked, especially in individuals residing in impoverished areas.

Association between brominated flame retardants and risk of endocrine-related cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe incidence of endocrine-related cancer, which includes tumors in major endocrine glands such as the breast, thyroid, pituitary, and prostate, has been increasing year by year. Various studies have indicated that brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are neurotoxic, endocrine-toxic, reproductive-toxic, and even carcinogenic. However, the epidemiological relationship between BFR exposure and endocrine-related cancer risk remains unclear. MethodsWe searched the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases for articles evaluating the association between BFR exposure and endocrine-related cancer risk. The odds ratio (OR) and its corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were used to assess the association. Statistical heterogeneity among studies was assessed with the Q-test and I2 statistics. Begg’s test was performed to evaluate the publication bias. ResultsWe collected 15 studies, including 6 nested case-control and 9 case-control studies, with 3468 cases and 4187 controls. These studies assessed the risk of breast cancer, thyroid cancer, and endocrine-related cancers in relation to BFR levels. Our findings indicate a significant association between BFR exposure in adipose tissue and an increased risk of breast cancer. However, this association was not observed for thyroid cancer. Generally, BFR exposure appears to elevate the risk of endocrine-related cancers, with a notable increase in risk linked to higher levels of BDE-28, a specific polybrominated diphenyl ether congener. ConclusionsIn conclusion, although this meta-analysis has several limitations, our results suggest that BFR exposure is a significant risk factor for breast cancer, and low-brominated BDE-28 exposure could significantly increase the risk of endocrine-related cancers. Further research is essential to clarify the potential causal relationships between BFRs and endocrine-related cancers, and their carcinogenic mechanisms.

Association between brominated flame retardants exposure and markers of oxidative stress in US adults: An analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2016

We aimed to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress indicators and brominated flame retardant (BFR) levels in US adults. Using data from the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) from 2007 to 2016, 8028 participants aged 18 and over were enrolled in this study. PBDE28, PBDE47, PBDE85, PBDE99, PBDE100, PBDE153, PBDE154, PBDE209, and PBB153, with over 75 % detection rates, were extracted in this study. Survey-weighted linear regression model, weighted quantile sum (WQS) model, and quantile-based g calculation (QGC) model were used to assess the correlation between serum BFRs levels and oxidative stress indicators (serum bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]). Besides, the nonlinear association was explored using restricted cubic splines (RCS). Each of the BFRs was confirmed by the survey-weighted linear regression model to be positively associated with GGT after controlling for variables, and BFRs except for PBDE153 were positively associated with serum bilirubin. Except for PBDE153, serum bilirubin in the highest quartile of BFRs was significantly higher than in the lowest high quartile. Additionally, except for PBDE85, serum GGT in the highest quartile of BFRs was higher than in the lowest high quartile. A significant nonlinear association between all BFRs with bilirubin and the PBDE153, PBDE209, and PBB153 with GGT was identified by RCS analysis. By WQS analysis, combined BFR exposure was associated with serum GGT (β: 0.093; 95 % CI = 0.066–0.121; P < 0.0001) and bilirubin (β: 0.090; 95 % CI = 0.068–0.113; P < 0.0001). QGC analysis found a similar correlation between BFR mixtures with serum GGT (β: 0.098; 95 % CI = 0.075–0.120; P < 0.0001) and bilirubin (β: 0.073; 95 % CI = 0.048–0.097; P < 0.0001). Exposure to BFRs is positively associated with markers of oxidative stress (serum bilirubin and GGT) in US adults, which needs further exploration by a large-scale cohort study.

Associations of brominated flame retardants exposure with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A US population-based cross-sectional analysis.

Whether there existed an association between brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) prevalence in humans is still a mystery. To investigate the association between serum single or mixture BFRs and COPD prevalence. Data of 7,591 participants from NHANES 2007-2016 was utilized. Serum BFRs, including PBDE-28, PBDE-47, PBDE-85, PBDE-99, PBDE-100, PBDE-154, PBDE-183, PBDE-209, and PBB-153 were enrolled. The survey-weighted generalized logistic regression model, restricted cubic splines (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, and quantile-based g-computation (QGC) analysis were performed. After adjustment for all confounding factors, log-transformed continuous serum PBDE-28 (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.10-1.85; P = 0.01), PBDE-47 (OR: 1.39; 95% CI: 1.11-1.75; P = 0.005), PBDE-85 (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.09-1.57; P = 0.005), PBDE-99 (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.05-1.54; P = 0.02), PBDE-100 (OR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.08-1.66; P = 0.01), PBDE-154 (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.07-1.55; P = 0.01), PBDE-183 (OR: 1.31; 95% CI: 1.04-1.66; P = 0.02), and PBB-153 (OR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.03-1.53; P = 0.03) were positively correlated with the prevalence of COPD. Restricted cubic splines curves displayed that PBDE-209 was significantly associated with CPOD in an inverted U-shape (P = 0.03). A significant interaction between being male and a high prevalence of COPD was observed for PBDE-28 (P for interaction <0.05), PBDE-47 (P for interaction <0.05), PBDE-85 (P for interaction <0.05), PBDE-99 (P for interaction <0.05), PBDE-100 (P for interaction <0.05), and PBB-153 (P for interaction < 0.05). Mixture BFRs exposure was positively associated with COPD prevalence in WQS regression (OR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.14-1.72, P = 0.002) and in QGC analysis (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.27-1.74, P < 0.001). Our study confirms that individual and mixture BFRs had positive associations with COPD, and further studies are required in larger-scale populations.

Associations between exposure to brominated flame retardants and metabolic syndrome and its components in U.S. adults

BackgroundHumans are simultaneously exposed to numerous of environmental brominated flame retardants (BFRs). We aim to explore the overall associations of BFRs mixture on metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components and further identify significant chemicals. MethodsThis study included 4641 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in 2007–2016. The weighted logistic regression was conducted to estimate the association of a single BFR exposure with MetS and its components. Meanwhile, the weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were adopted to evaluate the overall associations of BFRs mixture on MetS and its components, and to identify significant chemicals. We also evaluated potential associations modified by sex. ResultsIn the weighted logistic regression model, PBB153 were positively associated with MetS in a dose-dependent manner (Ptrend < 0.05). For its components, increasing quartiles of most BFRs were positively associated with abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL. However, we found no statistically significant associations between BFRs and hypertension and hyperglycemia. WQS analyses found that BFRs mixture was positively associated with MetS (OR: 1.30; 95%CI:1.14, 1.46), abdominal obesity (OR: 1.15; 95%CI:1.03, 1.27), hypertriglyceridemia (OR:1.43; 95%CI:1.19, 1.67), and low HDL (OR: 1.15; 95%CI:1.01, 1.29). BKMR showed associations in a similar direction as WQS for BFRs mixture. For MetS, hypertriglyceridemia and Low HDL, PBB153, PBDE28 and PBDE209 were the most heavily weighting chemicals and had the highest the posterior inclusion probabilities in the WQS and BKMR, respectively. BFRs showed stronger associations of MetS and its components in males than in females. ConclusionsThe present study suggested exposure to BFRs mixture was positively associated with MetS and its components in adults, and PBB153, PBDE28 and PBDE209 were the significant chemicals. However, prospective cohort studies are still needed to confirm the causal effect between BFRs mixture and MetS.

Distribution characteristics and risks assessment of brominated flame retardants in surface soil from both a legacy and a new e-waste dismantling site

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are widely used in diverse industries, resulting in extensive environmental contamination. Although many legacy BFRs have been banned and replaced with novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), these NBFRs have also been found to exhibit toxicity and persistence. In this study, 55 soil samples were collected from areas surrounding an abandoned (FJ) and a newly built (TZ) e-waste dismantling zone which represent the traditional and modern e-waste dismantling practice in China, respectively, to examine and compare the occurrence of BFRs and their potential ecological and health risks. The concentrations of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) ranged from 10.0 to 2,390 ng/g dw, and those of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) ranged from 78.0 to 13,300 ng/g dw. Decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) to BDE-209 ratios were greater than one in 6.8% and 25% of samples in FJ and TZ, respectively. BFRs concentrations in FJ soils significantly decreased with increasing distance to the center of FJ, indicating that the soil in the FJ region was strongly affected by the e-waste dismantling activities in FJ. For TZ, only DBDPE exhibited similar regulation, indicating that the newly built e-waste dismantling zone has already impacted on the surrounding environment. The Mann–Whitney test showed that the concentrations of most PBDE congeners were higher in FJ (P < 0.01/0.05) than those in TZ, while there was no significant difference in the concentrations of most NBFRs between FJ and TZ. A low abundance of BDE-209 in soils suggests that its degradation process and DBDPE was the predominant NBFRs in soils from both FJ and TZ. It was found that low-brominated PBDE congeners posed high ecological risks to terrestrial animals, which the ecological risks may increase in the future due to the debromination process of high PBDE congeners. The health hazard of BFRs via soil exposure in FJ was generally higher than in TZ, although both were acceptable. Despite much greater average daily doses for BDE-209 and DBDPE, the oral hazard quotients of BDE-47 and BDE-99 were much higher. Toddlers were found to face a higher health risk due to soil exposure than teenagers and children. The carcinogenic effect of BDE-209 was also acceptable in FJ and TZ. With the continuous operation of the TZ site, the further accumulation of BFRs in soils and health hazard via BFRs exposure are expected, and the results suggest that ongoing monitoring and further research is necessary. We believe that our work could help researchers investigate and reveal the harmful impacts of NBFRs and PBDEs.

Brominated flame retardants effect in MCF-7 cells: Impact on vitamin D pathway

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are persistent environmental pollutants, allowing a constant human exposure which carries several health risks, including the occurrence of breast cancer and vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D inhibits cell growth and is negatively associated with breast cancer risk. The effect of BFRs in breast cancer and vitamin D pathway is still poorly understood. MCF-7 cells were treated with hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), hexabromobenzene (HBB) and pentabromotoluene (PBT) using short and long-term exposure protocols. Viability, proliferation, migration, cell cycle and gene expression were assessed. Gene expression of hVDBP and hCYP2R1 was also evaluated in hepatocytes. Long-term exposure of MCF-7 cells to HBB increased cell proliferation and migration, consequently increasing MMP-9 expression. The vitamin D pathway was also altered by BFRs: cells appeared less prepared to activate and transport vitamin D and the signaling, action and inactivation mechanisms were diminished in the presence of BFRs. Untreated MCF-7 cells showed cell cycle arrest in phase G0/G1 in the presence of activated vitamin D. However, when MCF-7 cells were exposed to BFRs, cell cycle was arrested in phase G2/M, possibly due to DNA damage. Nonetheless, calcitriol seems to be able to mitigate the effect of some BFRs exposure, e.g. PBT.

Reduced mitochondrial DNA copy number in occupational workers from brominated flame retardants manufacturing plants

Decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) and its substitute decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) are two flame retardants that have similar structure and are widely used in various industrial products. The accumulation and potential toxicity of them to human health have already aroused attention, and some research showed that they may affect mitochondrial function. Therefore, this study focused on the population with high exposure to brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and the related changes in mtDNA copy number (mtDNAcn) in whole blood. 334 blood samples were collected from three groups of people in Shandong Province, including 42 BDE-209 occupational exposure workers from the BDE-209 manufacturing plant, 131 DBDPE occupational exposure workers from the DBDPE manufacturing plant, and 161 non-BFRs occupational exposure residents from the BFRs contaminated area. We measured the levels of BDE-209, DBDPE in serum sample, and the mtDNAcn in whole blood sample and analyzed these data by multiple linear regression. The average concentrations of BDE-209, DBDPE and ∑(BDE-209 + DBDPE) in BDE-209 occupational workers were 3510, 639 and 4600 ng/g lw, respectively; the average concentrations of BDE-209, DBDPE and ∑(BDE-209 + DBDPE) in DBDPE occupational workers were 229, 4040 and 4470 ng/g lw, respectively; the average concentrations of BDE-209, DBDPE and ∑(BDE-209 + DBDPE) in non-BFRs occupational exposure residents were 66.3, 45.7 and 137 ng/g lw, respectively. The relative mtDNAcn was 0.823 in BDE-209 occupational workers, 0.845 in DBDPE occupational workers and 0.989 in non-BFRs occupational exposure residents. A 10-fold increase in BDE-209, DBDPE concentrations was separately associated with a 0.068 and 0.063 decrease in mtDNAcn. Therefore, our study implied that BFRs may affect mitochondrial function. As increasing BFRs exposure has emerged in recent years, the relationship between BFRs exposure and mitochondrial function needs further study.

Contamination status, emission sources, and human health risk of brominated flame retardants in urban indoor dust from Hanoi, Vietnam: the replacement of legacy polybrominated diphenyl ether mixtures by alternative formulations.

This study investigated the occurrence, distribution of several additive brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and some novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in urban indoor dust collected from ten inner districts of Hanoi, Vietnam to assess the contamination status, emission sources, as well as their associated human exposure through indoor dust ingestion and health risks. Total concentrations of PBDEs and NBFRs in indoor dust samples ranged from 43 to 480 ng g-1 (median 170 ng g-1) and from 56 to 2200 ng g-1 (median 180 ng g-1), respectively. The most abundant PBDE congener in these dust samples was BDE-209 with concentrations ranging from 29 to 360 ng g-1, accounting for 62.6-86.5% of total PBDE levels. Among the NBFRs analyzed, decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was the predominant compound with a mean contribution of 98.6% total NBFR amounts. Significant concentrations of DBDPE were detected in all dust samples (median 180 ng g-1, range 54-2200 ng g-1), due to DBDPE as a substitute for deca-BDE. Other NBFRs such as 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153) were found at very low levels. Based on the measured BFR concentrations, daily intake doses (IDs) of PBDEs and NBFRs via dust ingestion at exposure scenarios using the median and 95th percentile levels for both adults and children were calculated for risk assessment. The results showed that the daily exposure doses via dust ingestion of all compounds, even in the high-exposure scenarios were also lower than their reference dose (RfD) values. The lifetime cancer risks (LTCR) were much lower than the threshold level (10-6), which indicated the acceptable health risks resulting from indoor BFRs exposure for urban residents in Hanoi.

Assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and emerging brominated flame retardants in Pheretima (a Traditional Chinese Medicine): Occurrence, residue profiles, and potential health risks.

China produces and consumes large quantities of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) as well as several other unregulated electronic waste recycling activities, causing high BFR concentrations in the natural environment. Thus, Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) may be contaminated by legacy BFRs (e.g. polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)) and emerging BFRs (eBFRs, such as decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)) during growth, processing, packaging, and transportation. Pheretima, which is a typical animal drug recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia, was used as an example to evaluate human exposure to BFRs through TCM intake. This study is the first to determine 25 PBDEs and 5 eBFRs in Pheretima and estimate the daily BFR intake via Pheretima-containing TCMs. Twenty-seven Shanghai Pheretima and fifty-one Guang Pheretima samples were collected between March and June 2019 in southeast China. High BFR detection frequencies were found in Pheretima, of which BDE-209 and DBDPE were the most predominant analytes. The total PBDE contents ranged from 73pg/g to 8,725pg/g, while that of the eBFRs varied between 115pg/g and 2,824pg/g. The profiles and abundances were found to be species- and origin-dependent. However, the traditional processing of Pheretima may reduce BFR residues. Based on the usual clinical doses of Pheretima and the available chronic oral reference doses of BDE-47, 99, 153, and 209, the mean (95th percentile) of the total hazard quotient was estimated to be 9.1×10-5 (2.7×10-4). Therefore, there is little risk related to BFR exposure for patients taking formulated Pheretima-containing TCMs. However, it is necessary to establish routine monitoring programs for the co-existence of pollutants in TCMs to perform a systematic and comprehensive risk assessment.

Interspecies comparisons of brominated flame retardants in relation to foraging ecology and behaviour of gulls frequenting a UK landfill

This study quantifies and compares concentrations and profiles of legacy and alternative (alt-) brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the eggs of three gull (Laridae) species of international/UK conservation concern – great black-backed gulls (Larus marinus; n = 7), European herring gulls (L. argentatus; n = 16) and lesser black-backed gulls (L. fuscus; n = 11) in relation to their foraging ecology and behaviour in order to investigate potential exposure pathways at a remote landfill in western Scotland, UK. Egg concentrations of sum (∑) polybrominated diphenyl ethers (∑8PBDEs) in all three species exceeded those for most reported avian species using landfill, except for those in North America. Despite relatively high detection frequencies of ∑hexabromocyclododecanes (∑3HBCDDs) (94–100%), concentrations of ∑8PBDEs exceeded ∑3HBCDDs and ∑5alt-BFRs, with ∑8PBDE levels similar in all three species. Egg carbon isotopic (δ13C) values highlighted a greater marine dietary input in great black-backed gulls that was consistent with their higher BDE-47 levels; otherwise, dietary tracers were minimally correlated with measured BFRs. ∑3HBCDD egg concentrations of herring gulls markedly exceeded those reported elsewhere in Europe. Decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) was the only alt-BFR detected (6–14% detection rate), in a single egg of each species. The great black-backed gull egg contained the highest concentration of DBDPE measured in biota to date globally and provides strong evidence for its emerging environmental presence as a BDE-209 replacement in UK wildlife. Correlations between δ13C (dietary source) and some measured BFRs in eggs suggest multiple routes of BFR exposure for gulls frequenting landfill through their diet, behaviour, preening, dermal exposure and likely inhalation. The frequent use of landfill by herring gulls and their increased egg BFR burdens suggest that this species may be an important bioindicator of BFR emissions from such sites.

Children's exposure to hazardous brominated flame retardants in plastic toys

We report concentrations of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in 23 plastic samples from 20 new and second-hand children's toys sourced from the UK that had been previously shown to be Br-positive by XRF. The results reinforce existing evidence that the recycling of BFR-treated electronic plastics has led to the unintentional BFR contamination of articles not required to be flame-retarded. The principal BFRs detected were PBDEs (and in particular BDE-209), HBCDD and TBBP-A. PBDEs were detected in all samples with a maximum concentration of BDE-209 of 2500 mg/kg, and while TBBP-A was detected in 11 samples with a maximum concentration of 3100 mg/kg. HBCDD was detected in 14 cases and was present in four toys at concentrations (139–840 mg/kg) that would currently prevent their sale on the EU market. While estimated exposures to PBDEs via accidental ingestion of toy plastic fell well below USEPA reference doses, a child weighing 8.67 kg and ingesting 8 mg/day of a toy (the default assumption of the European Commission's Toy Safety Directive for scraped-off toy material) contaminated at our arithmetic mean concentration would be exposed to 0.2 ng/kg bw/day BDE-99. This compares closely to a health-based limit value (HBLV) proposed in The Netherlands of 0.23–0.30 ng/kg bw/day BDE-99. Of greater concern, the same child playing with a toy contaminated at the maximum concentration in this study would be exposed to 1.4 ng/kg bw/day BDE-99, thereby exceeding the HBLV. This paper is the first to consider BFR exposure via incidental ingestion of plastic from both contemporary and historical toys, revealing it to be considerable and for some children their most significant pathway of exposure.

Knowledge and attitudes regarding exposure to brominated flame retardants: a survey of Croatian health care providers.

The exposure of pregnant and lactating women and their children to environmental contaminants such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs) is a subject of international concern, but the perception of these contaminants by health providers has not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to assess Croatian health care providers' knowledge of exposure to BFRs and their attitudes towards the responsibility to inform the public about the possible negative effects on human health. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2017 to November 2018 with a sample of 400 health care providers. The instrument was a questionnaire consisting of sociodemographic questions, a BFR knowledge test and a BFR attitude assessment. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed with the STATISTICA 13 software. The results of our study indicate that health providers' knowledge of BFR exposure is lacking, as evidenced by the high frequency of incorrect responses, irrespective of the field of medicine or profession. Neither age nor interest in the topic was significantly correlated with the correctness of answers. Participants expressed a moderate interest in the topic, regardless of the profession or field of medicine. Therefore, we suggest including additional information for health providers about the health effects of BFRs in continuing education programmes organized by Croatian medical associations, nurse associations and other professional bodies as well as in existing high school and university education programmes for health professionals.

Organophosphate and novel brominated flame retardants exposure in childbearing women via house dust

PDS 62: Chemicals and metals: exposure and biomarkers, Johan Friso Foyer, Floor 1, August 28, 2019, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Background: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, suspected endocrine disruptors, have been replaced by organophosphate (OPFR) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFR). OPFRs and NBFRs readily migrate from consumer products, including furniture and electronics, into dust where humans are exposed via accidental ingestion and inhalation. Toxicological studies have found potential carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and neurobehavioral alterations from these alternative flame retardants. However, no comprehensive assessments of exposure to OPFRs and NBFRs have been completed in a longitudinal cohort. Methods: We quantified concentrations of OPFRs and NBFRs in house dust samples (n=317) collected from pregnant women (~20 weeks) enrolled in the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study in Cincinnati, Ohio (2003-2006). We used multiple regression modeling to identify personal characteristics that were associated with concentrations of individual chemicals and summary concentrations for each class. Finally, we estimated personal daily dust exposure for each participant based on dust concentration and cross-sectional weight data. Results: Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TCIPP) (median: 1860 ng/g, range: 70.1-166,000 ng/g), tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (TDCIPP) (median: 1860 ng/g, range: 55.2-228,000 ng/g), triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) (median: 995 ng/g, range: 34.1-62,100 ng/g), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) (median: 45.8 ng/g, range: 2.82-7,800 ng/g), and bis(2-ethylhexyl)tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP) (median: 115 ng/g, range 2.17-13,600 ng/g) were all detected in over 90% of dust samples; tris(2-chloroethyl)phosphate (TCEP) (median: 759.4 ng/g, range: 56.8-160,000 ng/g) was detected in 80.1% of samples. Concentrations of individual chemicals, ∑OPFRs, and ∑NBFRs were associated with the number of people living in the home, race, education, floor type, and visible cleanliness of the room. Daily exposure to ∑OPFRs from dust was 2.1 ng/kg/day based on average dust ingestion and 6.3 ng/kg/day among women in the 95th percentile of dust ingestion. Conclusions: This study shows that OPFRs and NBFRs are ubiquitous in childbearing women’s house dust, and justifies more research on the consequences of exposure in these concentration ranges.

The association of brominated flame retardant exposure and semen parameters among men at a fertility clinic

The association of brominated flame retardant exposure and semen parameters among men at a fertility clinic

Exposure to Environmental Contaminants and Lung Function in Adolescents-Is There a Link?

Dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF)), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and brominated flame retardants (BDEs) are well known toxic environmental contaminants. Their possible role in the incidence of respiratory disease is not yet well understood. Previous studies showed a negative effect on lung function in relation to prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure in pre-pubertal children. Effects of BDE exposure on the lung function have not previously been evaluated. As part of a longitudinal cohort study, the effects of perinatal dioxin (PCDD/F) exposure and serum PCDD/F, dl-PCB, and BDE levels on lung function in adolescents were assessed using spirometry, a body box, and diffusion measurements. Thirty-three children (born between 1986 and 1991) consented to the current follow-up study. Prenatal, lactational, and current dioxin, PCB, and BDE concentrations were determined using GC-MS. No relationship was seen between prenatal and lactational dioxin exposure, nor with current PCB body burden, and lung function. Indications of increasing airway obstruction were seen in relation to increasing current BDE exposure. This is a novel finding and certainly warrants further research.

Human exposure to brominated flame retardants through dust in different indoor environments: Identifying the sources of concentration differences in hair from men and women

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) can accumulate in humans and are associated with adverse health effects. The study was conducted to determine the differences in Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and alternative brominated flame retardant (Alt-BFR) concentrations between men and women. We analyzed hair samples from 14 male and 20 female university students, paired dust samples from their dormitories (10 for males and 8 for females), and six dust samples from university teaching buildings. The total PBDE concentrations in hair from females were significantly (three times) higher (p = 0.012) than that from males (means 372 and 109 ng/g, respectively). The mean total PBDE concentrations in classroom and dormitory dust were 36100 and 2012 ng/g, respectively. The PBDE patterns were different in the male and female hair samples, as were the patterns in the classroom and dormitory dust. There are no reports concerning human exposure to BFRs through dust that was assessed considering academic and residential environments simultaneously. The differences between BFR exposure for males and females and the differences between BFR concentrations in hair samples from males and females were consistent for 71.4% of the compounds. However, using only dormitory dust in the calculations gave consistent differences only for 28.6% of the compounds, suggesting that the BFR concentration differences in hair were mainly because females spent much more time than males in classrooms.

Disruption of thyroid hormone sulfotransferase activity by brominated flame retardant chemicals in the human choriocarcinoma placenta cell line, BeWo

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been shown to disrupt thyroid hormone (TH) homeostasis through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of enzymes that regulate intracellular levels of THs, such as sulfotransferases (SULTs). The placenta plays a critical role in helping to maintain TH levels during fetal development and expresses SULTs. This is concerning given that disruption of TH regulation within the placenta could potentially harm the developing fetus. In this study, we investigated the effects of two polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), two hydroxylated PBDEs, and 2,4,6-tribromophenol (2,4,6-TBP) on TH SULT activity in a choriocarcinoma placenta cell line (BeWo). BeWo cells were exposed to BFR concentrations up to 1 μM for 1–24 h to investigate changes in basal SULT activity and in mRNA expression of several TH regulating genes. 2,4,6-TBP was the most potent inhibitor of basal 3,3′-T2 SULT activity at all exposure durations, decreasing activity by as much as 86% after 24 h of exposure. BDE-99, 3-OH BDE-47, and 6-OH BDE-47 also decreased 3,3′-T2 SULT activity by 23–42% at concentrations of 0.5 μM and 1.0 μM following 24 h exposures. BDE-47 had no effect on SULT activity, and there was no observed effect of any BFR exposure on expression of SULT1A1, or thyroid nuclear receptors alpha or beta. This research demonstrates that total TH SULT activity in placental cells are sensitive to BFR exposure; however, the mechanisms and consequences have yet to be fully elucidated.