Hexabromocyclododecane in human breast milk: levels and enantiomeric patterns.
Samples of human breast milk (n=33) from A Coruña (NW of Spain) collected in 2006 and 2007 were analyzed for HBCD diastereoisomers and enantiomers. HBCD was detected in 30 out of 33 human milk samples, at concentration levels ranging between 3 and 188 ng/g lw, with a median value of 27 ng/g lw, showing higher levels than those published for other countries. Diastereoisomeric pattern shows the predominance of the gamma-isomer, with low contribution of the alpha-isomer and the beta-isomer being below the limit of quantification. However, in six samples, there is a dominance of the alpha-isomer versus the gamma-isomer. For the first time, HBCD enantiomeric analysis was carried out in human breast milk samples, showing a selective enantiomeric enrichment in human body. As regards alpha-HBCD, an enrichment of (-)-enantiomer was observed. However, in the case of gamma-HBCD, no clear preference for one or the other enantiomer was found. Finally, and based on the calculated HBCD concentrations in human breast milk from Spain, the daily ingestion rate of HBCD was estimated. The nursing infant dietary intake for HBCD was set at 175 ng (kg of body weight)(-1) day(-1).
Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain. eeeqam@cid.csic.es
Ethel
E
Eljarrat
Paula
P
Guerra
Elena
E
Martínez
Marinella
M
Farré
Juan G
JG
Alvarez
Marisa
M
López-Teijón
Damia
D
Barceló
D000328:Adult; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D005411:Flame Retardants / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated / Q000032:analysis*; D007223:Infant; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000737:chemistry*
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D005411:Flame Retardants; D006842:Hydrocarbons, Brominated; C089796:hexabromocyclododecane