Human exposure to PBDE and critical evaluation of health hazards

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used in large quantities as flame-retardant additives in a number of commercial products. Biomonitoring data show that, in recent years, PBDE concentrations have increased rapidly in the bodies of wildlife and humans. Usually, PBDE levels in North America have been reported to be higher than those in Europe and Asia. Moreover, body burden of PBDEs is three- to ninefold higher in infants and toddlers than in adults, showing these last two age groups the highest levels of these compounds, due to exposure via maternal milk and through dust. Tetra-, Penta-, and Hexa-BDEs are the isomers most commonly found in humans. Based on studies on experimental animals, the toxicological endpoints of exposure to PBDEs are likely to be thyroid homeostasis disruption, neurodevelopmental deficits, reproductive changes, and even cancer. Experimental studies in animals and epidemiological observations in humans suggest that PBDEs may be developmental neurotoxicants. Pre- and/or postnatal exposure to PBDEs may cause long-lasting behavioral abnormalities, particularly on motor activity and cognition. This paper is focused on reviewing the current status of PBDEs in the environment, as well as the critical adverse health effects based on the recent studies on the toxic effects of PBDEs.

Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors and Toxic Metals on The Fetal Epigenome

“…Evidence suggests that there is relatively free transfer of PBDE across the placenta, particularly for low-brominated congeners [73]. Notably, infants and young children have been observed to have higher body burden of PBDE than adults as a result of this placental transfer, as well as breast feeding and exposure to household dust [96]. Research originating from the CHAMA-COS study assayed LINE1 and Alu methylation in DNA derived from cord blood.…”

Prenatal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and child attention problems at 3–7years

“…Based on these findings, in addition to mounting evidence documenting risks for ecotoxicity (Montano et al, 2013) and other adverse health endpoints (Linares et al, 2015), the Stockholm Convention listed 2 (PentaBDE and OctaBDE) of the 3 (DecaBDE) major commercial mixtures as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 2004 (UNEP, 2012). Subsequently, the European Union banned these 2 formulations (Council decision (EC), 2003), which have also been voluntarily phased out of production in the United States (EPA, 2015; G.L.C.…”

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and metabolites – An analytical review on seafood occurrence

“…Moreover, due to their non-polar character, these compounds can easily suffer bioaccumulation and biomagnification, reaching all trophic levels [3e5]. Also, their toxicity in human and wildlife organisms, associated mostly with endocrine disruption [6], raised an increased legal and health concerns worldwide. In fact, many countries (e.g., European Union countries, The United Stated of America, China and Canada) have already some of these PBDEs under strict legislation (including Stockholm Convention) and surveillance in terms of their manufacture and further use in everyday life products [7e13].…”

“…Current understanding assumes that non-occupational human exposure to such persistent organic pollutants relies mainly on a combination of exposure through diet, ingestion/inhalation of indoor dust and inhalation of indoor air [6]. Among these, the dietary route plays a considerable role on the overall human exposure, especially from contaminated seafood consumption [19], but there are no admissible limits for the presence of PBDEs and their metabolites in food so far.…”