Individual Characteristics Associated with PBDE Levels in U.S. Human Milk Samples

Abstract

BackgroundReported polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in human samples in the United States have been higher than in Europe and Asia. Little is known about factors that contribute to individual variability in body burden.ObjectiveIn this large study we measured PBDE concentrations in human milk from the United States during 2004–2006. We assessed characteristics associated with concentrations in milk and change in milk concentration between 3 and 12 months postpartum.MethodsWe analyzed 303 milk samples obtained 3 months postpartum for PBDEs. A second sample was analyzed for 83 women still lactating 12 months postpartum. PBDE concentrations in milk and variability by individual characteristics such as age, parity, and prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) were evaluated using generalized linear models.ResultsPBDE congeners BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, and 153 were detected in > 70% of samples. BDE-47 concentrations were the highest, ranging from below the limit of detection to 1,430 ng/g lipid, with a median of 28 ng/g lipid. Concentrations of most individual PBDE congeners and the sum of BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, and 153 (∑PBDE) were lower among mothers > 34 years of age compared with those 25–29 years of age and higher among mothers with high compared with normal BMI, after adjustment for other covariates. Parity was not associated with PBDE concentration. The change in ∑PBDE concentration in milk between 3 and 12 months postpartum was highly variable (median increase, 14%; interquartile range, −26% to 50%).ConclusionsPBDEs were detected in nearly all human milk samples, varying by maternal weight and age and over the course of breast-feeding.

Polybrominated biphenyl ethers in breast milk and infant formula from Shanghai, China: Temporal trends, daily intake, and risk assessment

“…However, we found that higher PBDE concentrations were generally detected in mothers with medium prepregnant BMI. This was not consistent with the result reported by Daniels et al (2010), who observed that higher PBDE concentrations in breast milk were found in obese women compared to those with normal BMI. The result in the present study might be attributed to lipophilicity of PBDEs and the distribution of PBDEs among lipid, blood, and breast milk (Berghe et al, 2012).…”

“…Similar results were observed in the literature. As reported by Daniels et al (2010), the mean concentrations of PBDEs were lower in women at the ages of N34 years compared with those at the ages of 25-29 years. Higher PBDE concentrations in younger mothers suggested that younger generations are exposed to higher levels of PBDEs than older ones (Daniels et al, 2010).…”

Adipose Tissue as a Site of Toxin Accumulation

“…These results indicate that potential associations between BFRs and obesity in adults may be complicated by nonmonotonic dose response curves. Additionally, a second study in pregnant women found that milk levels of PBDEs were associated with the mom’s BMI (91). Therefore, not only were PBDE levels associated with maternal BMI, but these levels in milk also represent a source of early life exposure to BFRs in offspring, which represents a potential factor in health outcomes later in life.…”

Gestational Weight Gain and Exposure of Newborns to Persistent Organic Pollutants

“…Some of them found significant negative associations for PCBs, PBDEs, HCB, and 4,4´-DDT (Bradman et al 2007; Glynn et al 2007; Herbstman et al 2007a; Lignell et al 2011), whereas others found no association for PCBs, PBDEs, 4,4´-DDE, or β-HCH (Bradman et al 2007; Castorina et al 2011; Daniels et al 2010; Glynn et al 2007; Herbstman et al 2007a). None of these previous studies considered the IOM GWG recommendations, and only two reported unadjusted relationships between PCBs, PBDEs (Herbstman et al 2007a), and OCs (Bradman et al 2007) and GWG categories different from the IOM recommendations.…”