Serum polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine insecticide concentrations in a Faroese birth cohort

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess blood concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and their polychlorobiphenylol (OH-PCB) metabolites in humans with a high seafood intake. Samples were obtained from pregnant women in the Faroe Islands in 1994-1995 and from their children at 7 years of age to examine maternal transfer of the compounds to their child, age-dependent metabolism, and temporal changes. Maternal serum was dominated by 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), while 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-153) prevailed in the children's serum seven years later. DecaBDE was present in both mothers and children up to 3 and 6 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. The ΣPCB concentration in the children averaged about 60% of the concentrations in their mothers, with median levels for both above 1 µg/g lipid weight and with similar PCB congener patterns. ΣOH-PCB serum concentrations from the mothers and their children showed ranges of 1.8-36 ng/g wet weight (w.w.) and 0.49-22 ng/g w.w., respectively, with all OH-PCB congener concentrations being lower in the children, except for 2,3,3',4',5-pentachloro-4-biphenylol (4-OH-CB107). Children at 7 years of age are exposed to PCBs at levels only slightly below those of their mothers, and the increased 4-OH-CB-107 concentrations in children could be due to age-related differences in PCB metabolism. The PBDE concentrations were similar in both mothers and their children. The main persistent organic pollutant concentrations in the children are most probably due to other environmental exposure than maternal transfer.

The epidemiologic evidence linking prenatal and postnatal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals with male reproductive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…First of all, the biological half-lives of many of these compounds are counted in decades (Hagmar et al ., 2006). Moreover, studies in a Faroese birth cohort demonstrated strong intra-individual correlations between persistent chemicals in cord blood and serum concentrations at 7 and 14 years of age, respectively (Barr et al ., 2006). Another study found high correlations of persistent chemical levels in serum samples in adult men obtained up to 10 years apart (Hagmar et al ., 2006).…”

Organochlorine chemicals and neurodegeneration among elderly subjects in Costa Rica

“…The serum fraction was separated and a 1-mL aliquot was taken for analysis. Samples were spiked with isotopically labeled p , p ′–DDT and p , p ′–DDE analogs, homogenized, denatured and extracted in Costa Rica using a slight modification of the method of Barr et al (2006).…”

Biomonitoring of exposure to pesticides

“…Other methods for analysis of serum extracts include mass spectrometry (MS) [50][51][52] and high resolution mass spectrometry with isotope dilution quantification. [53][54][55] These analyses are typically more selective and sensitive than GC-ECD analyses; however, the high cost of instrumentation and isotopically labeled standards and the complex operation and maintenance of these instruments often preclude their routine use in many laboratories.…”

“…One novel method employs an on-line cleanup or supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) and preconcentration followed by separation and analysis using micellar electrokinetic chromatography with UV detection. 65 OC pesticides have been measured in a variety of populations ranging from indigenous or fish eating populations 53,67,68 to the general population. [69][70][71] Concentrations of these pesticides tend to be highest in people who have some continued exposure source such as consumption of foods in which the pesticide has bioaccumulated or in those living in an area endemic to vector-borne disease for which OC pesticides may have been more recently used.…”