Sum Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Research Articles

An exposure study with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in female European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris): Toxicokinetics and reproductive effects

We exposed female European starlings to a pentabromodiphenyl ether (Penta-BDE) mixture through subcutaneous implants, and examined levels and profiles of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) together with reproductive effects. Sum PBDE levels increased significantly in the serum of the exposed females from 218 ± 43 to 23,400 ± 2035 pg/ml. Sum PBDE concentrations in the eggs of the exposed group ranged from 130 ± 12 to 220 ± 37 ng/g wet weight (ww). The profile in serum after egg laying was very similar to that in eggs. There were no detectable levels of HO-PBDEs in both serum and eggs. Fewer females of the exposed group initiated egg laying compared to the control group, although the difference was not significant. In addition, egg weight and volume were significantly higher in the exposed group. These results suggest that, at the investigated exposure levels (150 μg sum PBDEs/bird), PBDEs may have a negative effect on reproductive performance.

Brominated flame retardants and organochlorines in the European environment using great tit eggs as a biomonitoring tool

Large-scale studies are essential to assess the emission patterns and spatial distribution of organohalogenated pollutants (OHPs) in the environment. Bird eggs have several advantages compared to other environmental media which have previously been used to map the distribution of OHPs. In this study, large-scale geographical variation in the occurrence of OHPs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), was investigated throughout Europe using eggs of a terrestrial residential passerine species, the great tit ( Parus major). Great tit eggs from 22 sampling sites, involving urban, rural and remote areas, in 14 European countries were collected and analysed (5–8 eggs per sampling site). The environmentally most important congeners/compounds of the analysed pollutants were detectable in all sampling locations. For PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs, no clear geographical contamination pattern was found. Sum PCB levels ranged from 143 ng/g lipid weight (lw) to 3660 ng/g lw. As expected, PCB concentrations were significantly higher in the sampled urban compared to the remote locations. However, the urban locations did not show significantly higher concentrations compared to the rural locations. Sum PBDEs ranged from 4.0 ng/g lw to 136 ng/g lw. PBDEs were significantly higher in the urbanized sampling locations compared to the other locations. The significant, positive correlation between PCB and PBDE concentrations suggests similar spatial exposure and/or mechanisms of accumulation. Significantly higher levels of OCPs (sum OCPs ranging from 191 ng/g lw to 7830 ng/g lw) were detected in rural sampling locations. Contamination profiles of PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs differed also among the sampling locations, which may be due to local usage and contamination sources. The higher variance among sampling locations for the PCBs and OCPs, suggests that local contamination sources are more important for the PCBs and OCPs compared to the PBDEs. To our knowledge, this is the first study in which bird eggs were used as a monitoring tool for OHPs on such a large geographical scale.

Maternal transfer of organochlorines and brominated flame retardants in blue tits ( Cyanistes caeruleus)

Although eggs have frequently been used as a biomonitoring tool for contamination with organohalogenated pollutants (OHPs), few studies have investigated the processes of maternal transfer in birds. Here, maternal transfer of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was investigated through comparison of the concentrations and profiles between whole homogenised female blue tits ( Cyanistes caeruleus) and their eggs. In addition, we examined if there was an effect of laying order on the concentrations of PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs. PCBs were the most abundant contaminants in female blue tits and their eggs, followed by OCPs and PBDEs. Among the OCPs, p, p′-DDE was the most dominant compound and accounted for more than 80% of the sum OCPs. Egg concentrations decreased significantly in relation to the laying order from 1623 ± 148 ng/g lipid weight (lw) to 1040 ± 47 ng/g lw for the sum PCBs, from 342 ± 24 ng/g lw to 235 ± 17 ng/g lw for the sum OCPs and from 49 ± 5 ng/g lw to 27 ± 5 ng/g lw for the sum PBDEs. When reviewing all studies investigating laying order effects of OHPs in birds, no clear patterns emerged, which may be due to differences in study species and methodology among studies. Despite the fact that there were laying order effects in blue tit clutches, the variance in concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs was larger among clutches than within clutches. Variance in OCP concentrations among clutches was similar to the variance within clutches. These results suggest that one randomly collected blue tit egg from a clutch is useful as biomonitoring tool for PCBs and PBDEs, while for OCPs it is recommended to consistently use the same egg from the laying sequence as a biomonitoring tool. Lipid-normalized concentrations of sum PCBs, sum OCPs and sum PBDEs in female blue tits after clutch completion were comparable to the concentrations in the first-laid eggs. The egg/female lipid concentration ratios for sum PCBs, sum OCPs and sum PBDEs decreased significantly from 1.0 ± 0.09 to 0.7 ± 0.003, 1.1 ± 0.1 to 0.7 ± 0.02 and 1.2 ± 0.14 to 0.8 ± 0.05, respectively, during the course of egg laying. The profiles of the females and eggs differed significantly for the PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs. There was a higher contribution of lower chlorinated PCB congeners (CB 28, CB 52, CB 95, CB 101 and CB 110), BDE 183, p, p′-DDT and other less persistent OCPs in the females compared to their eggs. Maternal transfer in blue tits seemed to be selective for the more bioaccumulative and persistent congeners/compounds.

Hormone Disruption by PBDEs in Adult Male Sport Fish Consumers

BackgroundPersistent pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), affect endocrine function. Human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are similar in structure to PCBs, has increased recently, but health effects have not been well studied.ObjectivesOur goal in this study was to determine whether PBDE body burdens are related to thyroid and steroid hormone levels, thyroid antibodies, and thyroid disease in a cohort of frequent and infrequent adult male sport fish consumers.MethodsWe tested serum from 405 adult males for PBDE congeners, PCB congeners, testosterone, sex-hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), SHBG-bound testosterone, thyroglobulin antibodies, and the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and T4-binding globulin (TBG). We collected data on demographics, fish consumption, medical diseases, and medication use.ResultsThe median sum of PBDEs was 38 ng/g lipid. In 308 men without thyroid disease or diabetes, PBDEs were positively related to measures of T4 and reverse T3 and inversely related to total T3 and TSH. PBDEs were positively related to the percentage of T4 bound to albumin, and inversely related to the percentage of T4 bound to TBG. Associations of BDE congeners with hormones varied. BDE-47 was positively associated with testosterone levels. Participants with PBDEs over the 95th percentile were more likely to have thyroglobulin antibodies, although high PBDE exposure was not associated with thyroid disease. PBDE effects were independent of PCB exposure and sport fish consumption.ConclusionsPBDE exposure, at levels comparable with those of the general U.S. population, was associated with increased thyroglobulin antibodies and increased T4 in adult males.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human liver and adipose tissue samples from Belgium

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in paired human adipose tissue and liver samples ( n = 25) from Belgium. Average concentrations and standard deviation of sum PBDEs (congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) were 5.3 ± 3.0 (range 1.4–13.2) and 3.6 ± 2.1 (range 1.0–10.0) ng g −1 lipid weight (lw) in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. These concentrations were similar to reported PBDE data from Belgium and were at the lower end of the concentration range reported elsewhere in the world. In both tissues under study, BDE 153 and BDE 47 were the most abundant PBDE congeners, contributing approximately 35% and 25% to the total PBDE content. Average concentrations and range of PCBs (sum of 23 congeners) were 490 (range 70–1130) and 380 (range 90–1140) ng g −1 lw in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. No correlation between age and concentrations of PBDEs could be found ( r = 0.04), while PCB concentrations correlated significantly with age ( r = 0.62, p < 0.01, for the sum PCBs; r = 0.64, p < 0.01 for PCB 153 alone). Factors, such as exposure pathways (food, dust and air), rates of bioaccumulation, metabolism and elimination, influence the concentrations of PBDEs differently than those of PCBs in humans.

Dietary exposure to brominated flame retardants correlates with male blood levels in a selected group of Norwegians with a wide range of seafood consumption

This study investigates dietary exposure and serum levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in a group of Norwegians (n = 184) with a wide range of seafood consumption (4-455 g/day). Mean dietary exposure to Sum 5 PBDEs (1.5 ng/kg body weight/day) is among the highest reported. Since concentrations in foods were similar to those found elsewhere in Europe, this may be explained by high seafood consumption among Norwegians. Oily fish was the main dietary contributor both to Sum PBDEs and to the considerably lower HBCD intake (0.3 ng/kg body weight/day). Milk products appeared to contribute most to the BDE-209 intake (1.4 ng/kg body weight/day). BDE-209 and HBCD exposures are based on few food samples and need to be confirmed. Serum levels (mean Sum 7 PBDEs = 5.2 ng/g lipid) and congener patterns (BDE-47 > BDE-153 > BDE-99) were comparable with other European reports. Correlations between individual congeners were higher for the calculated dietary exposure than for serum levels. Further, significant but weak correlations were found between dietary exposure and serum levels for Sum PBDEs, BDE-47, and BDE-28 in males. This indicates that other sources in addition to diet need to be addressed.

Variation, levels and profiles of organochlorines and brominated flame retardants in great tit (Parus major) eggs from different types of sampling locations in Flanders (Belgium)

Small-scale geographical variation in the occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was investigated using the eggs of a terrestrial residential songbird species, the great tit (Parus major). In addition, we investigated the influence of the type of sampling location on the presence of these pollutants. To achieve this, 10 different sampling locations in Flanders (Belgium) were classified into 3 groups based on the extent of urbanisation, industrialisation and agriculture. The higher variance among sampling locations for the levels and profiles of PCBs and OCPs, suggests that local contamination sources are more important for the PCBs and OCPs compared to the PBDEs. Levels of PCBs and PBDEs were significantly higher in the industrialised sampling locations compared to the other locations. Sum PCB and sum PBDE levels reached up to 6050 and 79 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. PCBs and PBDEs were highly positively correlated for all groups, suggesting similar exposure pathways and/or mechanisms of accumulation. Significantly higher levels of OCPs (sum OCPs up to 2683 ng/g lipid weight) were detected in the rural sampling locations situated in a residential area. This suggests that local historical usage of OCPs by inhabitants may be an important source of contamination in Flanders. Contamination profiles differed also among the sampling locations. The rural sampling locations had a higher contribution of lower brominated BDE congeners, whereas the industrialised locations had a higher contribution of higher brominated congeners. The differences in contamination profiles among the sampling locations are probably due to differences in exposure. In conclusion, our results showed that the characteristics of a sampling location influence both the levels and profiles of PCBs, OCPs and PBDEs.

Preliminary analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure, semen quality and genetic polymorphisms

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and are increasing exponentially in human serum samples. Since they share certain properties with polychlorinated biphenyls, including adversely affecting neurodevelopment and thyroid function, we wished to determine their effects on human sperm parameters and to evaluate potential modifying effects of polymorphisms in genes involved in contaminant and sex steroid metabolism. Participants were recruited as part of a couple presenting for fertility work-up at two infertility clinics in Michigan participating in a cross-sectional study on environmental contaminants and male infertility. Participants provided questionnaire data, semen and blood samples. Semen was analyzed according to World Health Organization criteria. Polymorphisms were identified in GSTP1, GSTM1, GSTT1 and CYP1A1 genes from leucocyte DNA samples using polymerase chain reaction amplification. Serum PBDE concentrations were determined by GC-CG. All protocols were approved by the Internal Review Boards of each institution. Of the 198 men tested, 61 had detectable levels of PBDEs, with congeners #47, 153, 99 and 100 being most frequently detected. Mean lipid-adjusted concentration of PBDE 153 was significantly higher in men with the GSTT1 null mutation (P=0.002), and the sum of lipid-adjusted PBDEs was also higher (P=0.069). Heterozygotes for GSTP1 (Ile/Val) had the highest levels of all PBDE congeners, and the sum of PBDEs was also significantly higher in these individualsl (P=0.045). Levels of total lipid-adjusted PBDEs were lower in men with low sperm concentration (<20 million/mil) (P=0.048). When tested for association with low sperm concentration in a logistic regression model, men with detectable PBDEs had significantly lower odds of low concentration (odds ratio (OR)) = 0.34; 95% confidence interval = 0.14, 0.82). Neither GSTT1 nor GSTP1 were significant in the model and did not affect the OR for detectable PBDEs. No other variables (BMI, race, smoking status) were significant. Our results suggest that levels of PBDEs may be modified by certain genetic polymorphisms and that PBDEs may have a protective effect on semen quality.

Plasma Concentrations of Selected Organobromine Compounds and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Postmenopausal Women of Québec, Canada

BackgroundBrominated flame retardants, especially polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been widely used in North America, but little is known about the level of exposure of human populations to these compounds.ObjectivesWe set out to assess the internal exposure of postmenopausal Canadian women to selected organobromine compounds and to investigate factors associated with this exposure.MethodsWe measured concentrations of four PBDEs, one polybrominated biphenyl, and for comparative purposes, 41 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in plasma samples from 110 healthy postmenopausal women who were recruited at a mammography clinic in 2003–2004.ResultsPBDE-47 was the major PBDE congener, with a mean (geometric) concentration of 8.1 ng/g lipids and extreme values reaching 1,780 ng/g. By comparison, the mean concentration of the major PCB congener (PCB-153) was 41.7 ng/g and the highest value was 177 ng/g. PBDEs 47, 99, and 100 were strongly intercorrelated, but weaker correlations were noted with PBDE-153. As the sum of PBDEs (∑PBDEs) increased, the relative contribution of PBDE-47 to the ∑PBDEs increased, whereas that of PBDE-153 decreased. PBDE-153 was the only brominated compound correlated to PCB-153. PBDE levels were not linked to any sociodemographic, anthropometric, reproductive, or lifestyle variables documented in the present study. Age and body mass index gain since the age of 18 years were significant predictors of PCB-153 plasma levels.ConclusionOur results suggest that exposure to PBDE-47 likely occurs through direct contact with the penta-PBDE formulation, whereas exposure to PBDE-153 may originate in part from the food chain.

Flame Retardants in Placenta and Breast Milk and Cryptorchidism in Newborn Boys

BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used in Western countries.ObjectivesBecause the prevalence of cryptorchidism appears to be increasing, we investigated whether exposure to PBDEs was associated with testicular maldescent.MethodsIn a prospective Danish–Finnish study, 1997–2001, all boys were examined for cryptorchidism. We analyzed whole placentas (for 95 cryptorchid/185 healthy boys) and individual breast milk samples (62/68) for 14 PBDEs and infant serum samples for gonadotropins, sex-hormone binding globulin, testosterone, and inhibin B.ResultsIn 86 placenta–milk pairs, placenta PBDE concentrations in fat were lower than in breast milk, and a larger number of congeners were nondetectable. There was no significant difference between boys with and without cryptorchidism for individual congeners, the sum of 5 most prevalent, or all 14 congeners. The concentration of PBDEs in breast milk was significantly higher in boys with cryptorchidism than in controls (sum of BDEs 47, 153, 99, 100, 28, 66, and 154: median, 4.16 vs. 3.16 ng/g fat; p < 0.007). There was a positive correlation between the sum of PBDEs and serum luteinizing hormone (p < 0.033). The sum of PBDEs in breast milk did not differ between Denmark and Finland (median, 3.52 vs. 3.44 ng/g fat), but significant differences in some individual congeners were found.ConclusionsTwo different proxies were used for prenatal PBDE exposure, and levels in breast milk, but not in placenta, showed an association with congenital cryptorchidism. Other environmental factors may contribute to cryptorchidism. Our observations are of concern because human exposure to PBDEs is high in some geographic areas.

Evaluation of the usefulness of bird feathers as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool for organic pollutants: A comparative and meta-analytical approach

In this study, we investigated whether bird feathers can be used as a non-destructive biomonitor for organic pollutants. We analysed the outermost tail feathers of 8 terrestrial and aquatic bird species from Belgium (8 species, n = 108) for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Every compound class could be quantified in one single tail feather of the birds under study (sum PCBs ranging from 5.5 to 510 ng/g feather, sum PBDEs from 0.33 to 53 ng/g feather, sum DDTs from 1.5 to 730 ng/g feather), except for PBDEs in feathers of the common moorhen ( Gallinula chloropus). Further, we calculated Pearson correlations between concentrations of organic pollutants in feathers and concentrations in corresponding muscle or liver tissue from the birds. Correlations were found significant in half of the cases of the terrestrial species, but were found not significant for the aquatic species, with the exception of a significant correlation of sum PCBs in the common moorhen. Only for the common buzzard ( Buteo buteo) ( n = 43) all correlations were found significant (0.32 < r < 0.77). In order to cope for low statistical power, we performed a meta-analysis on all bird species together. This led to significant correlations between levels in feathers and corresponding levels in muscle or liver for all terrestrial birds ( p < 0.05 in all cases, effect size 0.59 ( p, p′-DDE) to 0.71 (Σ PCB) for levels in feather and muscle). When correlations were recalculated excluding the birds that had died due to starvation, correlation coefficients for the terrestrial birds were found even higher (effect size up to 0.83 (Σ PCB)). These results have important implications for non-destructive and retrospective biomonitoring. Although our results suggest that exact concentrations in the body cannot be predicted using feathers, bird feathers can give a good estimate of contamination levels in a population and as such are a potential non-destructive biomonitoring tool for organic pollutants. Outermost tail feathers and muscle tissue were also examined for nitrogen (δ 15N) and carbon (δ 13C) stable isotope content in the different bird species. However, δ 15N/δ 13C signatures in feather or muscle were not significantly correlated with the corresponding levels of organic pollutants in these tissues. Various confounding factors (such as habitat, condition, age, sex) may have masked a relationship between δ 15N values and organic pollutant levels in the birds under study.

Biomagnification of PBDEs in Three Small Terrestrial Food Chains

Eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209) were measured in passerines (great tits--Parus major), wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus), and bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus). These data were combined with previously obtained data on PBDEs in common buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus), and red fox (Vulpes vulpes). This enabled estimation of the biomagnification potential of PBDEs in the following three terrestrial food chains: great tit--sparrowhawk, small rodents--buzzard, and small rodents--fox. Biomagnification of BDE 209 could not be assessed because levels of this congener were below the LOQ in the prey species. All other congeners, except BDE 28, were biomagnified in both predatory bird species. Biomagnification of BDE 28 could not be observed from rodents to buzzard. Biomagnification factors (BMFs) were calculated as the ratio between the lipid-normalized concentrations in the predator and in the prey. BMFs ranged from 2 to 34 for the sum of PBDEs in predatory bird food chain. Although the fox is a top-predator, this is not reflected in the PBDE concentrations that were measured in its tissues. In the small rodent-fox food chain, no biomagnification could be observed. This observation is most likely related to the high metabolic capacity of the fox with regard to organohalogens and should be taken into account when selecting species for environmental monitoring purposes. Not all top-predators will give a representative reflection of the pollution of their habitat, but confounding factors, such as metabolism, can influence the results to a great extent and can therefore lead to misinterpretations.

Perfluorinated chemicals in relation to other persistent organic pollutants in human blood

In order to evaluate blood levels of some perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) and compare them to current levels of classical persistent organic pollutants (POPs) whole blood samples from Sweden were analyzed with respect to 12 PFCs, 37 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p, p′-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), six chlordanes and three polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The median concentration, on whole blood basis, of the sum of PFCs was 20–50 times higher compared to the sum of PCBs and p, p′-DDE, 300–450 times higher than HCB, sum of chlordanes and sum of PBDEs. Estimations of the total body amount of PFCs and lipophilic POPs point at similar body burdens. While levels of for example PCBs and PBDEs are normalized to the lipid content of blood, there is no such general procedure for PFCs in blood. The distributions of a number of perfluorinated compounds between whole blood and plasma were therefore studied. Plasma concentrations were higher than whole blood concentrations for four perfluoroalkylated acids with plasma/whole blood ratios between 1.1 and 1.4, whereas the ratio for perflurooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA) was considerably lower (0.2). This suggests that the comparison of levels of PFCs determined in plasma with levels determined in whole blood should be made with caution. We also conclude that Swedish residents are exposed to a large number of PFCs to the same extent as in USA, Japan, Colombia and the few other countries from which data is available today.

Hair as an Indicator of Endogenous Tissue Levels of Brominated Flame Retardants in Mammals

Few data are available on brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in terrestrial mammalian wildlife. Moreover, the use of hair in nondestructive monitoring of BFRs in mammals or humans has not been investigated. In the present study, concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and brominated biphenyl 153 (BB 153) were analyzed in tissues of the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. Road kills and carcasses from wildlife rescue centers were used to investigate relationships between concentrations of BFRs in hair and internal tissues, BFR tissue distribution (hair, liver, kidney, muscle, and adipose tissue), and PBDE congener tissue pattern dissimilarities. Liver concentrations of PBDEs and BB 153 were in the ranges 1-1178 and 0-2.5 ng/g of liver wet weight, respectively. PBDEs were predominant in adipose tissue and liver, while accumulation of BB 153 was tissue independent. The less persistent compound BDE 99 was more dominant in hair than in internal tissues. We observed positive relationships between BFR levels in hair and internal tissues for sum PBDEs and BDE 47 (0.37 < r < 0.78). The present study demonstrated that hair is a suitable indicator of PBDE exposure in terrestrial mammals which can be used in nondestructive monitoring schemes.

Polybrominated Diphenylethers and Methoxylated Tetrabromodiphenylethers in Cetaceans from the Mediterranean Sea

Eight tetrabrominated to hexabrominated diphenylethers were present at ppb levels in liver from cetaceans found stranded on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea, Italy. The highest concentration was found in striped dolphin (sum polybrominated diphenyl ethers [PBDE] 8133 ng/g l.w.) and the lowest concentration in bottlenose dolphin (sum PBDE 66 ng/g lipid weight [l.w.]). The predominant congener in all samples was 2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (PBDE # 47) followed by, in decreasing order, the pentaPBDE # 99 and 100 and the hexaPBDE # 154 and 153. In 12 of the 14 analyzed samples, 3 different methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDE # 1, 2, and 3) were detected at semiquantitatively calculated concentration ranges of 2 to 14 ng/g l.w.; 5 to 167 ng/g l.w.; and 7 to 628 ng/g l.w., respectively. In addition, several unidentified bromine compounds were seen when screening the samples in negative-chemical ionization (NCI) mode monitoring m/z 79 and 81, which illustrates the importance of running both electron-impact ionization and NCI when analyzing environmental samples. Electron-impact ionization is more specific for monitoring the molecular ion compared with NCI, which might overestimate the concentration of certain PBDE congeners.

Distribution of Organobrominated and Organochlorinated Contaminants in Belgian Human Adipose Tissue

We have measured the levels of flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in 20 recent human adipose tissues from Belgium and compared them to other organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and its metabolite, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE). After Soxhlet extraction and cleanup on acidified silica solid-phase extraction cartridges, analysis was achieved by capillary gas chromatography/electron impact mass spectrometry. The method allowed the determination of 5 PBDE and 35 PCB congeners. Concentrations of PBDEs (sum of congeners IUPAC Nos. 28, 47, 99, 100, and 153) ranged between 2.2 and 11.7 ng/g lipid weight and were on the lower end of reported PBDE concentrations in European countries. The median value for the sum of PCBs (35 congeners) was 841 ng/g lipid weight and ranged from 286 to 1802 ng/g lipid weight. The median value for the sum of DDTs (calculated from p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDT) was 290 ng/g lipid weight and ranged from 47 to 2802 ng/g lipid weight. The sum of PCBs showed a good correlation with the sum of DDTs (r=0.77, P<0.05), while the correlation with the sum of PBDEs was weaker (r=0.56, P<0.05). No age dependency was found for PBDEs (r=0.09), while PCBs and DDTs showed higher correlation coefficients with age (r=0.59 and 0.40, respectively, P<0.05).

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine fish and blue mussels from southern Greenland

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have not previously been reported in Greenland. In this study shorthorn sculpins ( Myoxocephalus scorpius) were sampled at three locations in southern Greenland; Usuk (no population), Igaliko (population 40) and Qaqortoq (population 3200). Furthermore uvak ( Gadus ogac), spotted wolffish ( Anarhichas minor), starry ray ( Raja radiata), and blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis) were collected at Usuk. Pooled samples of fish liver and blue mussel were analysed for lower brominated PBDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100 and BDE-153). The highest PBDE levels were found in Qaqortoq followed by Igaliko and Usuk. The measured sum PBDE concentrations in shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq, Igaliko and Usuk, were 8.2, 3.1 and 2.1 all in units of μg kg −1 wet weight. In female and male uvak collected at Usuk PBDE levels of 7.1 and 12.0 μg kg −1 wet weight were measured, while the concentrations were 1.2 μg kg −1 in spotted wolffish, 1.4 μg kg −1 in starry ray and 0.11 μg kg −1 in blue mussels from the same locality all measured on a wet weight basis. The highest concentrations were measured in uvak, a top-predator on fish indicating that PBDEs are biomagnifying. The level of tetra–hexa BDEs is 15–24 times lower than PCB levels measured in the same samples, except for shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq, where the level of PBDEs was 40 times lower than the level of PCBs. The high concentration of PCBs relative to PBDEs in shorthorn sculpin collected at Qaqortoq signifies a local emission of PCBs, which is higher than the local emission of PBDEs.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Swedish human liver and adipose tissue.

Paired samples of human liver and adipose tissue were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) containing 3-6 bromine atoms. The samples were obtained at autopsy from one woman and four men at the age of 47 and 66-83 years, respectively. PBDEs were found in all samples. The sum of nine PBDE congeners ranged 5-18 ng/g lipids and 4-8 ng/g lipids in liver and adipose tissue, respectively. In three paired samples the concentrations were similar in liver and adipose tissue, while in two of the pairs the concentrations were higher in liver than in adipose tissue. The PBDE congeners 2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexaBDE (BDE-153) occurred at highest levels and constituted together 87-96% and 84-94% of the total sum of PBDEs in liver and adipose tissue, respectively. The levels of PBDEs were compared to those of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB).