Children's exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers.
BACKGROUND
Polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs), a class of brominated flame retardants, are frequently used in consumer products. PBDEs levels in environmental and human samples have increased in recent decades. Children are exposed to PBDEs through diet, mainly through fish, meat and milk. Total dietary exposure of children in Europe was calculated to be 2-3 ng/kg b.w./day. For nursing infants the main source of PBDE exposure is breast milk; exposure levels are around 15 ng/kg b.w./day. PBDE exposure levels in North America are 10 to a 100 times higher. Because of their persistence and their similarity to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), concern has been raised about the effects of PBDEs on human health. Exposure to penta- and octa-BDE led to learning impairment and impaired motor behaviour in rodents. Exposure to penta-, octa- and also deca-BDE caused effects on thyroid homeostasis in animals.


CONCLUSIONS
The EU has banned the production and use of penta- and octa-BDE since 2004; however, exposure will continue during the coming decades. Based upon current toxicological evidence, human exposure to deca-BDEs is not expected to lead to health effects, but data on exposure to deca-BDE and data on toxicity of deca-BDE are scarce. Therefore, monitoring studies and toxicity studies on deca-BDEs and other BDEs should continue.
Zuurbier
Moniek
M
Public Health Services Gelderland Midden, Arnhem, The Netherlands. moniek.zuurbier@hvdgm.nl
Leijs
Marike
M
Schoeters
Greet
G
ten Tusscher
Gavin
G
Koppe
Janna G
JG
D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D004391:Dust; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D004782:Environmental Health / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019055:No-Observed-Adverse-Effect Level; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls / Q000633:toxicity*
D004391:Dust; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls