Different levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and chlorinated compounds in breast milk from two U.K. Regions.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners are constituents of flame retardants, and there is growing concern regarding their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. We collected breast milk samples between late 2001 and early 2003 from 54 U.K.-resident mothers. Of these, 27 originated from southeast England (London), and the other 27 originated from northwest England (Lancaster). Analysis of milk-fat extracts by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the levels of 15 PBDE congeners, 15 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and other selected chlorinated compounds. PCB and organochlorine (OC) levels in southeast samples were consistently higher, and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed. Sigma PBDE levels ranged from 0.3 to 69 ng/g lipid (geometric mean, 6.6 ng/g), and PBDE-47 was the most abundant congener. Sigma PCB levels ranged from 26 to 530 ng/g lipid (geometric mean, 150 ng/g) and were composed mainly of PCB-153 (26%), PCB-138 (20%), and PCB-180 (13%). OC levels for 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDT) and its metabolites (Sigma DDX) ranged from 24 to 2,300 ng/g lipid (geometric mean, 160 ng/g);Sigma hexachlorocyclohexane levels ranged from 1.2 to 1,500 ng/g lipid (geometric mean, 16 ng/g). Using nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabonomics, samples (n = 7) containing the highest contaminant levels were compared with samples (n = 7) containing the lowest levels. Excellent separation along the first principal component implied that the chemical constituents of the two groups were significantly different. Although reasons for such differences remain obscure, lifestyle factors associated with a more heterogeneous London cohort could be responsible. Identifying primary routes of contaminant exposures and their biologic effects is of great importance. Key words: breast milk, flame retardants, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, milk-fat extracts, organochlorines, PBDE-47, persistent contaminants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, United Kingdom.
Kalantzi
Olga I
OI
Department of Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom.
Martin
Francis L
FL
Thomas
Gareth O
GO
Alcock
Ruth E
RE
Tang
Huiru R
HR
Drury
Suzanne C
SC
Carmichael
Paul L
PL
Nicholson
Jeremy K
JK
Jones
Kevin C
KC
D000328:Adult; D017606:Chlorine Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004987:Ethers; D005260:Female; D005411:Flame Retardants; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D006113:United Kingdom
D017606:Chlorine Compounds; D004987:Ethers; D005411:Flame Retardants; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls