Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and Hexabromocyclodecane (HBCD) in Composite U.S. Food Samples

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was designed to update previous U.S. market basket surveys of levels and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) dietary intake calculations. This study also quantifies hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) levels in U.S.-purchased foods for the first time and estimates U.S. dietary intake of HBCD. This is part of a larger market basket study reported in two companion articles, of current levels of certain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) PBDEs, HBCD, perfluorinated compounds, polychlorinated biphenyls, and pesticides in composite food samples collected in 2008–2009.MethodsIn this study, we measured concentrations of 24 PBDE congeners and total HBCD in composite samples of 31 food types (310 samples). U.S. dietary intake of PBDEs and HBCD was estimated referencing the most current U.S. Department of Agriculture loss-adjusted food availability report.ResultsTotal PBDE concentrations in food varied by food type, ranging from 12 pg/g wet weight (ww) in whole milk to 1,545 pg/g ww in canned sardines and 6,211 pg/g ww in butter. Total HBCD concentrations also varied substantially within and among food groups, ranging from 23 pg/g in canned beef chili to 593 pg/g in canned sardines. HBCD was not detected in any dairy samples. Dietary intake of all PBDE congeners measured was estimated to be 50 ng/day, mostly from dairy consumption but also from meat and fish. HBCD intake was estimated at 16 ng/day, primarily from meat consumption.ConclusionPBDEs and HBCDs currently contaminate some food purchased in the United States, although PBDE intake estimated in this study is lower than reported in our previous market basket surveys. HBCD is in food at higher levels than expected based on previously reported levels in milk and blood compared with PBDE levels and is comparable to European levels.

Bromine content and brominated flame retardants in food and animal feed from the UK

“…Similarly, the widest range of PBDE congeners in animal feeds, was observed in samples of fish feed. As observed in other studies (Tlustos et al, 2008;Fernandes et al, 2009aFernandes et al, , 2014Schecter et al, 2010) the most abundant and frequently occurring congeners were BDE 47, BDE 99, BDE 100, BDE 209, and to a lesser extent BDE 49, BDE 153 and BDE 154. The occurrence in animal feed is similar, although BDE 209 is the most abundant congener with near-universal occurrence.…”

Occurrence of halogenated flame retardants in commercial seafood species available in European markets

“…Hence, Penta-andOcta-BDE in 2004, andDeca-BDE in 2008, were banned in the European Union (EU). In 2011, Penta-and Octa-BDE were included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (Convention, 2008), with exceptions for certain purposes, and their presence in formulations was reducedalso in North America-with the commitment to stop their production by the end of 2013 (Schecter et al, 2010, United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2014. The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty to protect human health and the environment from chemicals that remain intact in the environment for long periods, become widely distributed geographically, accumulate in the fatty tissue of humans and wildlife, and have harmful impacts on human health or on the environment.…”

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): A Primer for Practicing Clinicians

“…The general population is exposed through ingestion of foods; PBDEs having bioaccumulated in animals higher on the food chain [50], or in produce exposed to pesticides. In recent years, ingestion and inhalation of dust has become an increasing source of exposure, either on par or surpassing exposure through foodstuffs [51][52][53].…”