Serum Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Levels Are Higher in Children (2–5 Years of Age) than in Infants and Adults

Abstract

BackgroundPolybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in many products and have been detected in human samples worldwide. Limited data show that concentrations are elevated in young children.ObjectivesWe investigated the association between PBDEs and age with an emphasis on young children from Australia in 2006–2007.MethodsWe collected human blood serum samples (n = 2,420), which we stratified by age and sex and pooled for analysis of PBDEs.ResultsThe sum of BDE-47, -99, -100, and -153 concentrations (∑4PBDE) increased from 0–0.5 years (mean ± SD, 14 ± 3.4 ng/g lipid) to peak at 2.6–3 years (51 ± 36 ng/g lipid; p < 0.001) and then decreased until 31–45 years (9.9 ± 1.6 ng/g lipid). We observed no further significant decrease among ages 31–45, 45–60 (p = 0.964), or > 60 years (p = 0.894). The mean ∑4PBDE concentration in cord blood (24 ± 14 ng/g lipid) did not differ significantly from that in adult serum at ages 15–30 (p = 0.198) or 31–45 years (p = 0.140). We found no temporal trend when we compared the present results with Australian PBDE data from 2002–2005. PBDE concentrations were higher in males than in females; however, this difference reached statistical significance only for BDE-153 (p = 0.05).ConclusionsThe observed peak concentration at 2.6–3 years of age is later than the period when breast-feeding is typically ceased. This suggests that in addition to the exposure via human milk, young children have higher exposure to these chemicals and/or a lower capacity to eliminate them.

Indoor Contamination with Hexabromocyclododecanes, Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, and Perfluoroalkyl Compounds: An Important Exposure Pathway for People?

“…This is consistent with Penta-BDE congener concentrations in pooled Norwegian blood serum from 0-4 year-olds exceeding substantially those in adults (79). Likewise, in Australia, PBDE concentrations in pooled blood serum peaked at 2.6-3 years when breastfeeding has typically stopped (80). Similarly, a U.S. study showed higher PFOS and PFOA concentrations in pooled blood serum from 3-5 year olds compared to adults (81).…”

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human semen

“…So, our result on no agedifference in PBDE burden seemed to be also explained by similar PBDE-exposure time. Recently, several studies reported the correlation between PBDE burden and age ( Haraguchi et al, 2009;Toms et al, 2008;Toms et al, 2009). In these literatures, however, the age-difference might suggest that PBDE burden depends heavily on exposure background and metabolism rather than exposure time (Johnson-Restrepo et al, 2005;Kunisue et al, 2007;Sjödin et al, 1999;Sjödin et al, 2000;Zhao et al, 2010).…”

Alterations in retinoid status after long-term exposure to PBDEs in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

“…Higher brominated congeners can undergo debromination to lower brominated congeners (Stapleton et al, 2004;Noyes et al, 2011). Thus, lower brominated congeners continue to be the predominant PBDEs found in samples worldwide (e.g., Lorber, 2008;Chen et al, 2009;Toms et al, 2009). Therefore, the environmental risk of PBDEs is still a matter of great concern.…”