Levels Of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Research Articles

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, decabromodiphenyl ethane and dechlorane plus in aquatic products from the Yellow River Delta, China

Aquatic biota including fish, shrimp and bivalves were collected from the Yellow River Delta (YRD), China to investigate the levels, composition profile and dietary exposure of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and dechlorane plus (DP). The concentrations of PBDEs, DBDPE and DP in the organisms ranged from 5.3 to 149, not detected (nd) - 49, and 0.5–29 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Higher levels of PBDEs and DP were found in mullet (Liza haematocheila).PBDEs were the major pollutants and BDE 209 was the predominant congener of PBDEs suggesting the great production and application of deca-BDE in YRD. The average fanti values for different species were similar to or a little lower than that of the commercial DP, suggesting syn-DP might be selectively accumulated by the organisms. The estimated daily intake values of HFRs suggested consuming fish was the main pathway for the exposure of halogenated flame retardants.

Concentration profile, spatial distributions and temporal trends of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediments across China: Implications for risk assessment

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediments of China have been extensively investigated; however, most studies conducted to date have focused on specific locations, and the pollution and risk posed by these chemicals in sediments at the national scale remain unknown. Therefore, we analyzed the concentrations and risks of PBDEs in sediments in China and their spatiotemporal variations based on available literature. Overall, the sediments across China contain moderate to high levels of PBDEs, with BDE-209 being the dominant congener, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. The sediment concentrations of PBDEs were highest in southern China and lowest in northeastern China. Additionally, based on their PBDE concentrations, 18.4%, 30.0%, and 11.9% of sediment samples from rivers, lakes, and coastal waters, respectively, posed low to moderate eco-toxicological risks, but 6.90% of river sediments posed high risks. Between 2001 and 2017, the concentrations and risks of PBDEs in the sediments from rivers and coastal waters tended to decrease gradually. Additionally, there were low to moderate risks from PBDEs in lake sediments, and the risks in 2012–2017 were 3.30 times higher than those in 2006–2011. However, more studies about the spatial and temporal trends in PBDEs in sediment across China and their impacts on aquatic organisms are needed because there is still a general lack of relevant information.

Effects of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers on the Human Body Exposure in E-Waste Dismantling Region.

Objective To discuss the effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers （PBDEs） exposure in e-waste dismantling region on the human body and provide data support for the identification of environmental health damage to residents in the e-waste dismantling region. Methods Adults in an e-waste dismantling region （exposed group, 54 participants） and a control region （control group, 58 participants） were selected, questionnaires were carried out and blood and urine samples were collected. Blood PBDEs, blood lipids, blood routine, blood lead, urine cadmium, urine chromium and urine nickel were detected. T-test was utilized to compare the differences of PBDEs between the two groups. Multivariate analysis were utilized to compare the differences between the two groups in blood routine indexes. Linear regression was used to analyze the relationship between PBDEs and blood routine. Results Exposure levels of PBDEs were significantly higher in the exposed group （240.00 ng/g, adjusted mass fraction of blood lipids, thereafter） than in the control group （93.00 ng/g, P<0.05）. There was no statistical significance in the differences in most blood routine indexes of the two groups （ P>0.05）, and their reference values were all within normal ranges. Mean platelet volume, plateletcrit, basophils percentage, absolute value of basophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were higher in the exposed group than in the control group （P<0.05）. Platelet distribution widths were lower in the exposed group than in the control group and below the normal reference range （P<0.05）. Conclusion PBDEs exposure in e-waste dismantling region tend to change platelet morphology, the number of basophils, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and may pose potential health hazards to local residents.

Racial/ethnic and geographic differences in polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels across maternal, placental, and fetal tissues during mid-gestation

Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures are a public health concern due to their persistence and potential for reproductive and developmental harm. However, we have little information about the extent of fetal exposures during critical developmental periods and the variation in exposures for groups that may be more highly exposed, such as communities of color and lower socioeconomic status (SES). To characterize maternal–fetal PBDE exposures among potentially vulnerable groups, PBDE levels were examined in the largest sample of matched maternal serum, placenta, and fetal liver tissues during mid-gestation among a geographically, racially/ethnically, and socially diverse population of pregnant women from Northern California and the Central Valley (n = 180; 2014–16). Maternal–fetal PBDE levels were compared to population characteristics using censored Kendall’s tau correlation and linear regression. PBDEs were commonly detected in all biomatrices. Before lipid adjustment, wet-weight levels of all four PBDE congeners were highest in the fetal liver (p < 0.001), whereas median PBDE levels were significantly higher in maternal serum than in the fetal liver or placenta after lipid-adjustment (p < 0.001). We also found evidence of racial/ethnic disparities in PBDE exposures (Non-Hispanic Black > Latina/Hispanic > Non-Hispanic White > Asian/Pacific Islander/Other; p < 0.01), with higher levels of BDE-100 and BDE-153 among non-Hispanic Black women compared to the referent group (Latina/Hispanic women). In addition, participants living in Fresno/South Central Valley had 34% (95% CI: − 2.4 to 84%, p = 0.07) higher wet-weight levels of BDE-47 than residents living in the San Francisco Bay Area. PBDEs are widely detected and differentially distributed in maternal–fetal compartments. Non-Hispanic Black pregnant women and women from Southern Central Valley geographical populations may be more highly exposed to PBDEs. Further research is needed to identify sources that may be contributing to differential exposures and associated health risks among these vulnerable populations.

High spatial resolution analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) using transplanted lichen Evernia prunastri: A case study in central Italy

The ability of transplanted lichen Evernia (E.) prunastri (L.) to act as a high spatial biomonitoring tool for 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was evaluated at 23 monitoring sites in a very polluted area in central Italy. The selected area is characterized by the presence of numerous emission sources, such as waste-to-energy plant, steel plant, vehicular traffic, and domestic heating. Transplanted E. prunastri proved to be a useful tool to biomonitor PBDEs, due to its ability to bioaccumulate individual congeners in varying concentrations in relation to the strength of the emission sources present over the territory. PBDEs levels widely ranged from 132 to 24,237 ng kg−1 dry weight, according to the sources of emission located around the monitoring sites. The highest concentrations were detected at the sites close to the municipal solid waste incinerator, steel plant, and high busy roads, confirming their important role as PBDEs emissions sources.

Spatial and seasonal occurrence of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in fish influenced by snowmelt and municipal effluent discharge

In the present study we examined spatial and seasonal trends in the levels of a wide suite of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in brown trout (Salmo trutta) and mottled sculpin (Cottus bairdii) in East Canyon Creek, Utah, USA, an effluent-dominated stream during summer months. Fish samples were collected from four sampling sites, including one reference site upstream, and three sites at incremental distances downstream of the effluent discharge over multiple seasons. The samples were analyzed for 218 lipophilic contaminants, including pesticides and their metabolites, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other flame retardants. Some PAHs, pesticides and their metabolites, PCBs, PBDEs and other flame retardants were measured in mottled sculpin (11 analytes) and brown trout (17 analytes). Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p′-DDE, BDE-47 and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) were the most frequently detected contaminants in mottled sculpin and brown trout, while BDE-47 and p,p′-DDE were measured at the highest concentrations, reaching up to 73 and 19 ng/g wet weight, respectively. Our results indicated that snowmelt did not alter accumulation of the examined lipophilic contaminants, and no consistent seasonal differences were observed in their accumulation. A spatial pattern was observed for PBDE congeners, where lowest levels were measured in fish tissues from a reference site, and highest concentrations were measured in fish collected downstream of the effluent discharge, indicating that municipal effluent discharge contributes to the elevated PBDE levels in fish residing in this effluent-dominated stream. We further calculated screening level consumption risks following United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) methods, and identified the importance of considering discharge gradients in effluent-dominated systems during bioaccumulation assessments.

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in indoor dusts in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analysed in dust samples collected from 10 homes, 10 cars, 10 offices and 10 schools in 2 different cities, Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria. The daily dust ingestion was calculated for all the indoor microenvironment studied. Extraction of PBDEs was by ultrasonication and was analysed on a gas chromatography microelectron capture detector. This represents the first PBDE study in school dust on the African continent and also first PBDE study in Ibadan. Lagos is Africa’s most populated city and Ibadan is the third largest city in West Africa and of historical significance. The concentrations of ΣPBDEs (BDE 28, 47, 99,100,153,154,183 and 209) in homes, cars, offices and schools was 2.24–11500 ng/g; 1.20–258 ng/g; 3.76–687 ng/g and 0–471 ng/g, respectively. Generally, dust samples from Lagos had higher median concentration as compared to Ibadan. BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-183 were the most prominent congeners recorded. Interestingly, BDE-209 which is prevalent in dust samples in temperate region had a low concentration in this study (especially in car dust). This may be attributed to the photodegradation of BDE-209 due to Nigeria being a tropical country. samples in Lagos, very high median concentration levels of PBDE was present in-house dusts, with slightly lower PBDE levels recorded in office dust. BDE-100 and BDE-183 were the most prevalent congeners in school dust samples. The median concentration obtained was lower when compared to Australian schools. The concentrations of PBDE in house and office dusts in Nigeria was less than studies in the UK and US but similar to values from South Africa and Egypt. The daily intake of PBDEs from all indoor dust samples were below USEPA reference dose (RfD) for oral exposure for all BDE congeners. For all indoor dust categories, toddlers had the possibility for the highest ingestion rate, and this is of serious concern. Lastly, the method scaled analytical Eco-Scale evaluation and Green Analytical Chemical Procedure Index as “an acceptable green analysis method”.

Association of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels with biomarkers of placental development and disease during mid-gestation

BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposures have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A hypothesized mechanism is via alterations in placental development and function. However, we lack biomarkers that can be used as early indicators of maternal/fetal response to PBDE exposures and/or perturbations in placental development or function.MethodsTo evaluate the relationship between PBDE levels and placental biomarkers during mid-gestation of human pregnancy (n = 62), we immunolocalized three molecules that play key roles in cytotrophoblast (CTB) differentiation and interstitial/endovascular uterine invasion—integrin alpha-1 (ITGA1), vascular endothelial-cadherin (CDH5), and metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1)–and assessed three morphological parameters as potential indicators of pathological alterations using H&E-stained tissues–leukocyte infiltration, fibrinoid deposition, and CTB endovascular invasion. We evaluated associations between placental PBDE levels and of biomarkers of placental development and disease using censored Kendall’s tau correlation and linear regression methods.ResultsPBDEs were detected in all placental samples. We observed substantial variation in antigen expression and morphological endpoints across placental regions. We observed an association between PBDE concentrations and immunoreactivity of endovascular CTB staining with anti-ITGA1 (inverse) or interstitial CTBs staining with anti-CDH5 (positive).ConclusionsWe found several molecular markers that may be sensitive placental indicators of PBDE exposure. Further, this indicates that placental biomarkers of development and disease could be useful barometers of exposure to PBDEs, a paradigm that could be extended to other environmental chemicals and placental stage-specific antigens.

SAT-723 Effects of Organohalogenated Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Cell Proliferation and Gene Expression in GH3 Somatolactotropes

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are substances that have been increasingly implicated in many serious pathologies, such as tumor formation, metabolic, growth and reproductive disorders. The economic and health burden of exposure to these compounds has an annual predicted cost in excess of €150 billion, across the EU regions alone. Of the growing list of compounds that act as EDCs, the organohalogenated compounds (OHCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been associated with an increased risk of pituitary disease. We have previously reported that feline patients with hypersomatotropism (acromegaly) are exposed to elevated levels of PBDEs and PCBs in their environment. However, the mechanisms by which these compounds might directly influence somatotroph function have yet to be established. In this study, we use the GH3 rat somatolactotrope cell line to investigate how two PCB congeners - 138 and 153 - influence cell proliferation (using a Crystal Violet assay) and somatotrope gene expression (using a multiplex RT-qPCR approach to examine expression of Esr1, Esr2, Sstr1, Sstr2, Sstr3, Sstr4, Sstr5, Insr, Tshr, Pou1f1, Ghrhr2, Gh). GH3 cells were treated with Phenol Red-free media in the absence or presence of either PCB138 or 153 (-10 to -6 M), or in combination (-10 to -6M) for up to 72h. Treatment with either PCB alone, or in combination, caused significant concentration-dependent, biphasic changes in cell proliferation at each time point, but with a different profile of response on each day (significantly increased at high pM/low nM concentrations); there was no evidence of toxicity at maximum concentrations (-6M). Gene expression changes were determined in GH3 cells treated in the absence or presence of either -8M or -6M PCB138 or 153 for 24h. Differential effects of these compounds were seen on the expression of Sstr3, Sstr4, Sstr5 and Insr; all other gene transcripts were unaffected. These findings reveal that GH3 cells exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of PCB138 and 153, alone or in combination, show concentration-dependent increases in cell proliferation; furthermore, the expression of genes associated with therapeutic targets for the treatment of acromegaly (i.e. SSTRs) are differentially affected by exposure to PCB138 and 153. Our data indicate a potential mechanism for EDCs in the onset of acromegaly, that require further, in vivo, investigations.

Association between fetal growth restriction and maternal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers.

Humans are exposed to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) via ingestion of food, dust inhalation, and dermal absorption. Exposure to PBDEs via the placenta and breast milk is a special and important pathway in infants. This nested case-control study aimed to investigate the levels of PBDEs in maternal serum and colostrum, and to assess the association between the occurrence of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and prenatal exposure to PBDEs. We recruited 293 mother-newborn pairs, including 98 FGR cases and 195 healthy controls in Wenzhou, China. Maternal serum and colostrum samples were collected during pregnancy and after delivery, respectively, and the levels of PBDEs were measured by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The total levels of PBDEs in maternal serum and colostrum were found to be in equilibrium, but congener profiles of PBDEs in these matrices were different. Increased BDE-207, BDE-209, ∑BDE196-209 and ∑PBDEs levels in maternal serum and BDE-99, ∑BDE17-154 and ∑PBDEs levels in colostrum were correlated with decreased birth weight Z score. Increased concentrations of higher brominated BDEs in maternal serum (odds ratio (OR)=1.010, 95%CI=1.003-1.018) and low-to moderately brominated BDEs in colostrum (OR=1.004, 95%CI=1.000-1.009) were associated with increased risk of FGR, which showed an exposure-response relationship. In addition, infants with FGR were more exposed to PBDEs in colostrum after birth than healthy infants. Longitudinal birth cohort studies are needed to determine the prolonged effect of PBDEs exposure on the growth of FGR infants in the future.

Spatial distribution, source analysis, and ecological risk assessment of PBDEs in river sediment around Taihu Lake, China.

The distribution and composition of organic pollutants in sediment are affected by the source and regional environment. To understand the characteristics and risk of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the area around Taihu Lake, composite sediment samples (n = 41) were collected in rivers around Taihu Lake to explore the level, spatial distribution, and source of PBDEs. The results showed that the most abundant BDE congener in river sediment was BDE209, followed by BDE99 and BDE47, with median values of 48.7, 2.17, and 1.52ngg-1, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs in sediments from northern rivers were significantly higher than those from other areas, but the overall risk was at a moderate-lower level compared with research results in other references. Results of principle component analysis (PCA) and source characteristics analysis revealed that most of PBDEs in river sediments around Taihu Lake were mixture of multiple sources, which mainly originated from atmospheric deposition, industrial wastewater, and municipal sewage. TOC showed good correlations with most PBDEs, which implied that PBDE components were influenced by sediment organic matter. Meanwhile, the risk of PBDEs in river sediments in this study area is a moderate-lower level.

Dietary exposure assessment of a nursing mother-infant cohort to legacy and novel brominated flame retardants: Results of a 3-day duplicate diet study in Beijing, China

In a 3-day duplicate diet study of a nursing mother-infant cohort (n = 20), the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and 5 novel brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were measured in 60 24-h duplicate diet samples and 20 breast milk samples provided by the mothers. The dietary BFR intake and related health risks of the mothers and their babies due to food consumption or human milk ingestion were subsequently assessed. At median concentrations of 284, 264 and 177 pg/g wet weight (ww) in the diet, decabrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-209), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) and HBCDD were predominant among the total BFRs. In human milk, HBCDD was the most abundant BFR, followed by BDE-209 and DBDPE, which indicates that BDE-209 and HBCDD have remained ubiquitous in the environment because of their continuous production and use in China. Meanwhile, concentrations of DBDPE were comparative to those of PBDEs and HBCDD in both diet and human milk, and DBDPE also had much higher concentrations than any other NBFRs, which indicates that the BFR consumption pattern in China is shifting from legacy BFRs to NBFRs. The median estimated dietary intakes (EDIs) of BDE-209, HBCDD and DBDPE for the mothers were 6.83, 3.73 and 5.44 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, and EDIs for their nursing babies were 24.7, 41.9 and 7.83 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The nursing infants showed higher BFR body burden than the mothers. However, the EDIs obtained for both mothers and their babies discloses a low health risk to this mother-infant cohort.

Occurrence and distribution of organophosphate esters in the air and soils of Ny-Ålesund and London Island, Svalbard, Arctic

The levels of eight organophosphate esters (OPEs) were analyzed in air and soil samples collected at Ny-Ålesund and London Island, Svalbard during the Chinese Scientific Research Expedition to the Arctic during 2014–2015. The concentrations of total OPEs (∑OPEs) ranged from 357 pg/m3 to 852 pg/m3 in the air and from 1.33 ng/g to 17.5 ng/g dry weight (dw) in the soils. Non-Cl OPEs accounted for 56 ± 13% and 62 ± 16% of ∑OPEs for the air and soil, respectively. Tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) was the dominant compound in the air, with an average concentration of 180 ± 122 pg/m3. Triphenyl phosphate, tri(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, and TCEP were the most abundant OPEs in the soils, with mean values of 1.77, 2.13, and 1.02 ng/g dw, respectively. Compared with the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers found in Arctic regions in previous studies, OPEs showed significantly higher concentrations, thereby indicating the large production and wide usage of OPEs globally. In addition, the fugacity fraction results indicated that net deposition from air to soil was dominated in the area. Overall, the occurrence and distribution of OPEs in the air and soils in the Arctic region indicated that OPEs can undergo long-range atmospheric transport and accumulate in remote regions.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in surface water and fish tissues from Sundays and Swartkops Estuaries, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa: Levels, spatial distribution, seasonal variation and health implications

This study investigates the levels, composition profile and potential sources of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in surface water and fish tissues from Sundays (SDE) and Swartkops Estuaries (SWE). The concentration of Ʃ ∑6PBDEs ranged from 2.5 to 39.1 ng/L for SDE and 2.5 to 168.8 ng/L for SWE. BDE-17, BDE-47, and BDE-100 were the predominant congeners in the sample matrices from both estuaries. In all the ten sampling sites studied, samples from the Motherwell Canal recorded the highest mean concentration as indicated by the hierarchical cluster analysis. Seasonal variations of the contaminants showed a high level of PBDEs in autumn for SDE, while for SWE samples collected in the summer recorded the highest concentration. The Ʃ ∑6PBDEs in muscles of twenty-two specimens of Mugil cephalus collected from SDE ranged from 1.3 to 9.1​ ng/g ww, while the concentration in twenty specimens of Pomadasys commersonnii from SWE ranged from 0.41 to 76.3 ng/g ww. The polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) levels were higher in the gills of both fish species compared to their muscles. Hence, this study ascertains that the consumption of these fish species does not pose a non-cancer health risk. This paper suggests that long-term exposure and bioaccumulation of PBDEs as well as other organic contaminants should be investigated in various environmental matrices in other estuaries in South Africa.

Heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants contamination in river, estuary, and marine sediments from Atlantic Coast of Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The pollution assessment and the evaluation of potential risks in the Atlantic Coastal Region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are still very limited. Consequently, the present study investigates for the first time the concentrations of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)) in river, estuary, and marine sediments from this area. The results highlighted high concentrations of Cr, Zn, As, and Pb exceeding the probable effect level (PEL) on aquatic life. Zn was the most dominant element detected at a range of 180-480mgkg-1 in marine sediment, 132-382mgkg-1 in estuary sediment, and 121-687mgkg-1 in river sediment. Total PCBs (∑7 × 4.3) ranged from 1995 to 20,156μgkg-1, 2013-12,058μgkg-1, and 1861-36,417μgkg-1 in marine, estuary, and river sediments, respectively. Total PCBs (∑7 × 4.3) were above PEL for all sediments, suggesting potential adverse effects on benthic organisms. The OCP, PBDE, and PAH levels were low to moderate for all sediments. Taking into consideration, the concentrations of Zn, Pb, PCBs, and DDTs, probable environmental risks, are present.

Estimating polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) exposure through seafood consumption in Switzerland using international food trade data

Seafood is a major source of human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The intake of these globally distributed and bioaccumulative contaminants depends on both consumption patterns (which seafoods are consumed) and on their origins. Here, we investigate exposure to PBDEs through seafood consumption as a function of species, origins and consumption levels. We estimate the contribution of seafood consumption to PBDE exposures in the Swiss population using two approaches. The first approach estimates exposures by estimating the composition of the Swiss seafood diet using trade data and national statistics on total seafood consumption. This naïve approach could be used for any country for which no individually reported consumption data are available for a population. The second approach uses dietary survey data provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office as part of the menuCH study for exposure estimates. To support region- and species-specific estimates of exposures for both approaches, we built a database of PBDE concentrations in seafood by analysis of published PBDE levels in fish from food markets or freshwater resources from various countries. We find estimated PBDE exposures ranging from 0.15 to 0.65 ng/kg bw/day for the trade data-based diet. These were close to the median exposures of 0.68 ng/kg bw/day for the Swiss population based on the menuCH survey, indicating that the composition and consumption rate derived from trade data are appropriate for calculating exposures in the average adult population. However, it could not account for PBDE exposures of more vulnerable (high seafood consuming) populations captured only by the survey data. All estimates were lower than the PBDE Chronic Oral Reference Doses (RfD’s) suggested by the EPA, but could increase substantially to a value of 7 ng/kg bw/day if fish are sourced from the most contaminated origins, as in the case of Vietnamese shrimp/prawn, Norwegian salmon, and Swiss whitefish. Exposures as high as 8.50 ng/kg bw/day are estimated for the survey-based diet, which better captures the variability in consumption by individuals, including extreme high and low values. In general, the most frequently consumed species reported by Swiss consumers are consistent with those predicted using trade data.

Association between exposure to persistent organic pollutants and mercury, and glucose metabolism in two Canadian Indigenous populations

BackgroundThe body burden of metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is particularly high in populations that rely on fish and other marine species for sustenance. This exposure has been associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but results remain contrasted. ObjectiveWe studied this association in two Indigenous populations of northern Québec (Canada) with markedly different prevalences of diabetes and levels of exposure to POPs and mercury. MethodsAs part of health surveys conducted in 2004–2009, diabetes prevalence and glucose metabolism (glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HOMA-B) in non-diabetic fasting adults were assessed using similar protocols in two populations: Inuit from Nunavik (n = 877) and Cree from Eeyou Istchee territory (n = 780). Blood mercury, plasma polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine (OC) pesticides/metabolites and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) levels were measured in samples collected at the time of examination. Logistic and linear regressions and restricted cubic splines analyses were conducted adjusting for sex, age, waist circumference, smoking and omega-3 fatty acid content in plasma phospholipids. ResultsDiabetes prevalence was higher in Cree (20%) than in Inuit (7%), whereas environmental exposure was 2 to 3-fold greater in Inuit than in Cree participants. In the range of exposure common to the two populations, we observed similar linear increases in the risk of diabetes with increasing contaminant exposure. Among Cree participants, fasting glucose was positively associated with plasma PBDE level, and HOMA-B negatively associated with concentrations of ∑PCBs, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, PBDEs and ∑OC pesticides. Among Inuit participants, a trend towards reduced insulin secretion was observed in association with most contaminants, but the relation was nonlinear (greater reduction at intermediate levels of exposure). A significant increase in fasting glucose levels was observed at elevated blood mercury levels (>16 μg/L). ConclusionThe observed association between POPs exposure and diabetes risk in the two populations studied should be confirmed using prospective design. Our results suggest the need for additional research on the physiopathological process through which POPs exposure may induce type 2 diabetes in these Indigenous populations.

Serum Levels of Commonly Detected Persistent Organic Pollutants and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) and Mammographic Density in Postmenopausal Women.

There are little epidemiological data on the impact of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine disruptors on mammographic density (MD), a strong predictor of breast cancer. We assessed MD in 116 non-Hispanic white post-menopausal women for whom serum concentrations of 23 commonly detected chemicals including 3 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 8 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and 12 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) had been measured. Linear regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders were used to examine the associations between the levels of the chemical compounds, modeled as continuous and dichotomized (above/below median) variables, and square-root-transformed MD. None of the associations were statistically significant after correcting for multiple testing. Prior to correction for multiple testing, all chemicals with un-corrected p-values < 0.05 had regression coefficients less than zero, suggesting inverse associations between increased levels and MD, if any. The smallest p-value was observed for PCB-153 (regression coefficient for above-median vs. below-median levels: −0.87, un-corrected p = 0.008). Neither parity nor body mass index modified the associations. Our results do not support an association between higher MD and serum levels of PBDEs, PCBs, or PFASs commonly detected in postmenopausal women.

Prenatal exposure levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in mother-infant pairs and their transplacental transfer characteristics in Uganda (East Africa)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants with adverse effects on the foetus and infants. This study aimed at assessing in utero exposure levels and transplacental transfer (TPT) characteristics of BDE congeners in primiparous mothers from Kampala, the capital city of Uganda. Paired human samples (30 placenta and 30 cord blood samples) were collected between April and June 2018; and analysed for a suite of 24 tri-to deca-BDE congeners. Extraction was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction and sonication for cord blood and placenta samples, respectively. Clean-up was done on a solid phase (SPE) column and analysis was performed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Total (∑) PBDEs were 0.25–30.9 ng/g lipid weight (lw) (median; 7.11 ng/g lw) in placental tissues and 1.65–34.5 ng/g lw (median; 11.9 ng/g lw) in cord blood serum, with a mean difference of 1.26 ng/g lw between the compartments. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between the levels of PBDEs in cord blood and placenta samples (Wilcoxon signed rank test, p = 0.665), possibly because foetus and neonates have poorly developed systems to metabolise the pollutants from the mothers. BDE-209 was the dominant congener in both matrices (contributed 40.5% and 51.2% to ∑PBDEs in placenta and cord blood, respectively), suggesting recent and on-going maternal exposure to deca-BDE formulation. Non-significant associations were observed between ∑PBDEs in maternal placenta and maternal age, household income, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), and beef/fish consumption. This suggested on-going exposure to PBDEs through multiple sources such as dust from indoor/outdoor environments and, ingestion of other foods. Based on absolute concentrations, the extent of transplacental transport was greater for higher congeners (BDE-209, -206 and −207) than for lower ones (such as BDE-47), suggesting alternative TPT mechanisms besides passive diffusion. More studies with bigger sample sizes are required to confirm these findings.

Occurrence of organic pollutants in plastics on beach: Stranded foams can be sources of pollutants in islands

Increasing amount of plastic debris stranded on beach can introduce many foreign substances, including organic pollutants into island ecosystems. In the present study, stranded foams were collected from an island located in South China Sea, to investigate the levels and profiles of several flame retardants (FRs) and plasticizers, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), emerging brominated FRs, and dechlorane plus (DP). The concentrations of PBDEs and OPEs in plastic debris ranged from not detected (ND, <0.60 ng/g) to 0.46 mg/g and from ND (<0.70 ng/g) to 17.3 mg/g, respectively. The high levels of PBDEs and OPEs were expected as the fact that PBDEs and OPEs were incorporated additives in plastics. OPEs were the main chemicals in most of foams. Brominated FRs dominated in some samples. Core and surface parts in foams had similar composition profiles of pollutants. Significantly higher concentrations of tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) were observed in surface samples than core samples (p < .05). TCEP and TPHP in foam surface seem to be from both incorporated additives and adsorbed chemicals from environmental matrices. The density of pollutants introduced by stranded foams in sampling area was estimated in comparison with air deposition of pollutants. The high loading of pollutants in stranded foams indicates that foams can be potential sources for organic pollutants, especially incorporated plastic additives, in islands.