1
|
Sharkey M, Wang S, Harrad S, Stubbings WA, Healy MG, Jin J, Coggins M. Legacy and emerging flame retardants in sediments and wastewater treatment plant-derived biosolids. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 954:176582. [PMID: 39353490 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Revised: 09/16/2024] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
A baseline assessment of legacy and emerging flame retardant chemicals was performed in inland and transitional sediments as well as biosolids emanating from a selection of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Ireland. A selection of 24 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and chlorinated organophosphate esters (Cl-OPEs) were quantified in: 81 inland and transitional sediment samples collected during 2023; 39 transitional sediments collected between 2018 and 2022; and 21 biosolid samples collected from 7 WWTPs over 4-month intervals in January, May, and September 2023. Highest concentrations of BDE-209 and several Cl-OPEs were detected in both sediment and biosolid samples, while most PCBs and penta-/octa-BDEs were comparatively low. Moderate levels of PBDEs and Cl-OPEs were detected in Irish sediments compared to similar studies conducted internationally. In biosolid samples, levels of BDE-209 were on the higher end of figured reported worldwide while levels of Σ8Cl-OPEs were the highest relative to comparable international studies. PCBs meanwhile are on the lower end of international levels for both biosolids and sediments. Based on available predicted no-effect concentrations (PNECs), the majority of compounds assessed were found to be of low-risk based on their levels in sediments with the exception of TCIPP (Risk Quotient - RQ = 1.354 ≥ high risk) as well as EHDPP, TEHP, PCB-118, and PCB-52 (RQ = 0.948, 0.576, 0.446, and 0.257 respectively ≥ moderate risk). Similar risk assessment could not be performed on contaminants in biosolids, though levels of BDE-209 were on the higher end of figured reported worldwide (avg = 3155 ng/g) while levels of Σ8Cl-OPEs were the highest relative to comparable international studies (avg8 = 3290 ng/g). As the legacy PBDEs and PCBs have been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and replacement flame retardants such as Cl-OPEs have been flagged by programmes such as human biomonitoring for EU (HBM4EU) and the NORMAN Network as chemicals of emerging concern, continued monitoring of these moderate and high-risk contaminants in sediments, as well as an investigation of potential contamination of the food chain through land-spreading of biosolids on agricultural lands, would be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sharkey
- Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway City H91 CF50, Ireland.
| | - Shijie Wang
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom.
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mark G Healy
- Civil Engineering, College of Science and Engineering, University of Galway, Galway City H91 HX31, Ireland
| | - Jingxi Jin
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Coggins
- Physics, School of Natural Sciences, University of Galway, Galway City H91 CF50, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jagić K, Dvoršćak M, Tariba Lovaković B, Klinčić D. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in paired dust-breast milk samples: Levels, predictors of contamination, and health risk assessment for infants and mothers. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 111:104547. [PMID: 39218329 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
An integrated study on the levels of 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in house dust and breast milk samples from women (N = 30) living in these households was conducted. ∑PBDEs ranged from
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karla Jagić
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, Zagreb 10001, Croatia
| | - Marija Dvoršćak
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, Zagreb 10001, Croatia
| | - Blanka Tariba Lovaković
- Division of Toxicology, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, Zagreb 10001, Croatia
| | - Darija Klinčić
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, Zagreb 10001, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marchi MD, Moggio EL, Luz JZD, Brito PM, Sandri S, Farsky SHP, Biscaia SMP, Filipak Neto F, Oliveira Ribeiro CAD. BDE-209 exposure in murine melanoma (B16-F1) cells modulates tumor malignancy and progression in vivo. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 184:114350. [PMID: 38097007 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.114350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer considered aggressive due to its high metastatic ability and rapid progression to other tissues and organs. BDE-209 (2,2',3,3',4,4',5,5',6,6'-decabromodiphenyl ether) is an additive used as a flame retardant and classified as a persistent organic pollutant that has a high bioaccumulation capacity due to its lipophilic nature. This substance has already been detected in rivers, air, soil, plants and even in different human biological samples, such as plasma, umbilical cord blood and breast milk, revealing a great concern to human populations. Thus, in the current study we investigated whether prior exposure of murine melanoma B16-F1 cells to BDE-209 modulates in vivo progression and malignancy of melanoma. B16-F1 cells were cultured and exposed in vitro to BDE-209 (0.01, 0.1 e 1 nM) for 15 days and then inoculated, via caudal vein, in C57BL/6 mice for experimental metastasis analysis after 20 days. Inoculation of BDE-209-exposed cells resulted in 82% increase of metastasis colonized area in the lungs of mice, downregulation of tumor suppressors genes, such as Timp3 and Reck, decrease of lipid peroxidation and increase of systemic and local inflammatory response. These findings are related to melanoma progression. Additionally, the histopathological analysis revealed greater number of focal points of metastases in the lungs and invasiveness of metastases to the mice brain (89%). The results showed that exposure to BDE-209 may alter the phenotype of B16-F1 cells, worsening their metastatic profile. Current data showed that BDE-209 may interfere with the prognosis of melanoma by modulating cells with less invasiveness capacity to a more aggressive profile.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Micheli de Marchi
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Erick Laurent Moggio
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Jessica Zablocki da Luz
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | - Silvana Sandri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, CEP 05.508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sandra Helena Poliselli Farsky
- Department of Clinical Chemistry & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, CEP 05.508-900, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stellee Marcela Petris Biscaia
- Laboratory of Sulfated Polysaccharides Investigation, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Francisco Filipak Neto
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Ciro Alberto de Oliveira Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Cell Toxicology, Department of Cell Biology, Federal University of Paraná, CEP 81.531-990, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dvoršćak M, Jagić K, Jakovljević I, Smoljo I, Klinčić D. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Milk of Croatian First-Time Mothers: 2010 Versus 2020. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2024; 86:101-111. [PMID: 38244036 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-023-01048-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
The presence of selected polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, and -183) was investigated in human milk samples collected from first-time mothers living in Zagreb, capital of Croatia. Samples from 2020 and 2010 were analyzed, and the first temporal comparison between the profiles and levels of these compounds in this area was obtained. A statistically significant difference between mass fractions depending on the sampling year was observed only for BDE-99, with values in 2020 higher than in 2010. BDE-153, whose median value (0.25 and 0.26 ng g-1 lipid weight (l.w.) in 2010 and 2020, respectively) did not decrease in the 10-year period, was the most frequently detected congener in samples from both years. ΣPBDEs ranged from < LOD to 3.53 ng g-1 l.w. (median 0.25 ng g-1 l.w.), and from 0.14 to 6.75 ng g-1 l.w. (median 0.55 ng g-1 l.w.) in 2010 and 2020, respectively. Maternal age and reported fish consumption had no effect on observed PBDE mass fractions, while for BDE-153, positive significant correlation (p > 0.05) was observed of its detected mass fraction with mother's body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and after childbirth. Infants median estimated daily intake (EDI) via milk ingestion for ΣPBDE was higher in 2020 (3.221 ng kg-1 bw day-1) compared to 2010 (1.429 ng kg-1 bw day-1), but both values were well below threshold value, indicating that human milk consumption in this specific case is unlikely to raise health risks to infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marija Dvoršćak
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Karla Jagić
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivana Jakovljević
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Iva Smoljo
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darija Klinčić
- Division of Environmental Hygiene, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10001, Zagreb, Croatia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Miranda RG, Guarache GC, Leão AHFF, Pereira GJ, Dorta DJ. BDE-47-mediated cytotoxicity via autophagy blockade in 3D HepaRG spheroids cultured in alginate microcapsules. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 388:110831. [PMID: 38101597 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) are a major class of brominated flame retardants, and their widespread use has led them to be considered contaminants with emerging concern. PBDEs have been detected in the indoor air, house dust, food, and all environmental compartments. The congener BDE-47 (2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether) is the most prevalent, and hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, immunological changes, endocrine disruption, and genotoxic potential have been related to its exposure. Although the BDE-47 molecular toxicity pathway is directly related to intrinsic apoptotic cell death, the role of autophagy in BDE-47 toxicity remains unclear. In this context, three-dimensional cell culture has emerged as a good strategy for the replacement of animals in toxicological testing. Here, we used HepaRG spheroids cultured in alginate microcapsules to investigate the role of autophagy in BDE-47-mediated hepatotoxicity. We developed mature and functional HepaRG spheroids by culturing them in alginate microcapsules. Histological analysis revealed that HepaRG spheroids formed an extracellular matrix and stored glycogen. No apoptotic and/or necrotic cores were observed. BDE-47 showed concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity in HepaRG spheroids. In the early exposure period, BDE-47 initially disrupted mitochondrial activity and increased the formation of acid compartments that promoted the increase in autophagic activity; however, this autophagy was blocked, and long-term exposure to BDE-47 promoted efficient apoptotic cell death through autophagy blockade, as evidenced by an increased number of fragmented/condensed nuclei. Therefore, for the first time, we demonstrated BDE-47 toxicity and its cell pathway induces cell death using a three-dimensional liver cell culture, the HepaRG cell line.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raul Ghiraldelli Miranda
- Univesity of São Paulo (USP), School of Phamaceutical Science of Ribeirão Preto, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil; Department of Life Science of the University of Coimbra, 3000, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Gabriel Cicolin Guarache
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Anderson Henrique F F Leão
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo José Pereira
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Daniel Junqueira Dorta
- Universidade de São Paulo (USP), Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Departamento de Química, Ribeirão Preto, SP, 14040-903, Brazil; National Institute for Alternative Technologies of Detection, Toxicological Evaluation and Removal of Micropollutants and Radioactivies (INCT-DATREM), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Institute os Chemistry, Araraquara, SP, 14800-060, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, (Ron) Hoogenboom L, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Schwerdtle T, Wallace H, Benford D, Fürst P, Hart A, Rose M, Schroeder H, Vrijheid M, Ioannidou S, Nikolič M, Bordajandi LR, Vleminckx C. Update of the risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food. EFSA J 2024; 22:e8497. [PMID: 38269035 PMCID: PMC10807361 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food, focusing on 10 congeners: BDE-28, -47, -49, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183 and ‑209. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour and reproductive/developmental effects are the critical effects in rodent studies. For four congeners (BDE-47, -99, -153, -209) the Panel derived Reference Points, i.e. benchmark doses and corresponding lower 95% confidence limits (BMDLs), for endpoint-specific benchmark responses. Since repeated exposure to PBDEs results in accumulation of these chemicals in the body, the Panel estimated the body burden at the BMDL in rodents, and the chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans. For the remaining six congeners no studies were available to identify Reference Points. The Panel concluded that there is scientific basis for inclusion of all 10 congeners in a common assessment group and performed a combined risk assessment. The Panel concluded that the combined margin of exposure (MOET) approach was the most appropriate risk metric and applied a tiered approach to the risk characterisation. Over 84,000 analytical results for the 10 congeners in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary Lower Bound exposure to PBDEs were meat and meat products and fish and seafood. Taking into account the uncertainties affecting the assessment, the Panel concluded that it is likely that current dietary exposure to PBDEs in the European population raises a health concern.
Collapse
|
7
|
van der Schyff V, Kalina J, Abballe A, Iamiceli AL, Govarts E, Melymuk L. Has Regulatory Action Reduced Human Exposure to Flame Retardants? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19106-19124. [PMID: 37992205 PMCID: PMC10702444 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Flame retardant (FR) exposure has been linked to several environmental and human health effects. Because of this, the production and use of several FRs are regulated globally. We reviewed the available records of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in human breast milk from literature to evaluate the efficacy of regulation to reduce the exposure of FRs to humans. Two-hundred and seven studies were used for analyses to determine the spatial and temporal trends of FR exposure. North America consistently had the highest concentrations of PBDEs, while Asia and Oceania dominated HBCDD exposure. BDE-49 and -99 indicated decreasing temporal trends in most regions. BDE-153, with a longer half-life than the aforementioned isomers, typically exhibited a plateau in breast milk levels. No conclusive trend could be established for HBCDD, and insufficient information was available to determine a temporal trend for BDE-209. Breakpoint analyses indicated a significant decrease in BDE-47 and -99 in Europe around the time that regulation has been implemented, suggesting a positive effect of regulation on FR exposure. However, very few studies have been conducted globally (specifically in North America) after 2013, during the time when the most recent regulations have been implemented. This meta-analysis provides insight into global trends in human exposure to PBDEs and HBCDD, but the remaining uncertainty highlights the need for ongoing evaluation and monitoring, even after a compound group is regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiří Kalina
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech
Republic
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Department
of Environment and Health, Italian National
Institute for Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Laura Iamiceli
- Department
of Environment and Health, Italian National
Institute for Health, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Govarts
- VITO
Health, Flemish Institute for Technological
Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa Melymuk
- RECETOX,
Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlarska 2, 61137 Brno, Czech
Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schreder E, Zheng G, Sathyanarayana S, Gunaje N, Hu M, Salamova A. Brominated flame retardants in breast milk from the United States: First detection of bromophenols in U.S. breast milk. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 334:122028. [PMID: 37315884 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a class of compounds with many persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative members. BFRs have been widely detected in breast milk, posing health risks for breastfeeding infants. Ten years after the phaseout of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the United States, we analyzed breast milk from 50 U.S. mothers for a suite of BFRs to assess current exposures to BFRs and the impact of changing use patterns on levels of PBDEs and current-use compounds in breast milk. Compounds analyzed included 37 PBDEs, 18 bromophenols, and 11 other BFRs. A total of 25 BFRs were detected, including 9 PBDEs, 8 bromophenols, and 8 other BFRs. PBDEs were found in every sample but at concentrations considerably lower than in previous North American samples, with a median ∑PBDE concentration (sum of 9 detected PBDEs) of 15.0 ng/g lipid (range 1.46-1170 ng/g lipid). Analysis of time trends in PBDE concentrations in North American breast milk indicated a significant decline since 2002, with a halving time for ∑PBDE concentrations of 12.2 years; comparison with previous samples from the northwest U.S region showed a 70% decline in median levels. Bromophenols were detected in 88% of samples with a median ∑12bromophenol concentration (sum of 12 detected bromophenols) of 0.996 ng/g lipid and reaching up to 71.1 ng/g lipid. Other BFRs were infrequently detected but concentrations reached up to 278 ng/g lipid. These results represent the first measurement of bromophenols and other replacement flame retardants in breast milk from U.S. mothers. In addition, these results provide data on current PBDE contamination in human milk, as PBDEs were last measured in U.S. breast milk ten years ago. The presence of phased-out PBDEs, bromophenols, and other current-use flame retardants in breast milk reflects ongoing prenatal exposure and increased risk for adverse impacts on infant development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Guomao Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA; Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Navya Gunaje
- Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, 98101, USA
| | - Min Hu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Amina Salamova
- Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, 30322, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Parizek O, Gramblicka T, Parizkova D, Polachova A, Bechynska K, Dvorakova D, Stupak M, Dusek J, Pavlikova J, Topinka J, Sram RJ, Pulkrabova J. Assessment of organohalogenated pollutants in breast milk from the Czech Republic. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 871:161938. [PMID: 36740074 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This biomonitoring survey brings new information on the occurrence of a total of 94 organohalogenated pollutants in 231 human breast milk samples collected in 2019 and 2021 from women living in two regions of the Czech Republic (Karvina and Ceske Budejovice). This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of 6 indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 10 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 34 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), 29 perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and 15 polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). PCBs, OCPs, most of HFRs and PCNs were identified/quantified by gas chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry (GC-MS(/MS)), while PFAS, hexabromocyclododecane isomers (HBCD), brominated phenols, and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The mean value of the sum of the 6 indicator PCBs was 123.12 nanogram per gram of lipid weight (ng g-1 lw). Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were the most abundant OCPs, detected in 100 % (mean 11.8 ng g-1 lw), 94.8 % (mean 6.1 ng g-1 lw) and 100 % (mean 101.5 ng g-1 lw) of samples, respectively. PCN congeners 20, 52 and 66 were detected in <1 % of the samples. The HFRs concentrations were relatively low compared to the levels of OCP; The detection rate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, # 47, 99 and 153) ranged 21-68 % with a mean concentrations of 0.34 ng g-1 lw - 0.42 ng g-1 lw. PFAS concentrations were also low, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) dominant in this group (means of 22 pg ml-1 and 21 pg ml-1, respectively). Our results confirmed the long-term trend of declining levels of banned POPs in Czech mothers. The amounts of PCBs and OCPs were higher in older breastfeeding primiparous women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Parizek
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Gramblicka
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Denisa Parizkova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Polachova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kamila Bechynska
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Dvorakova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Stupak
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Dusek
- Hospital Ceske Budejovice, a.s., 370 01 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Pavlikova
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Topinka
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Radim J Sram
- Institute of Experimental Medicine AS CR, Department of Genetic Toxicology and Epigenetics, Videnska 1083, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Pulkrabova
- University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Faculty of Food and Biochemical Technology, Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition, Technicka 3, 166 28 Prague 6, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ma Y, Stubbings WA, Abdallah MAE, Cline-Cole R, Harrad S. Temporal trends in concentrations of brominated flame retardants in UK foodstuffs suggest active impacts of global phase-out of PBDEs and HBCDD. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160956. [PMID: 36528953 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Global restrictions on use of legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) have generated demand for novel BFRs (NBFRs) as substitutes. Our research group has previously reported decreased concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDD and increased concentrations of NBFRs in UK indoor environments, suggesting that restrictions on PBDEs and HBCDD are exerting an impact. In this study, we analysed UK foodstuffs collected in 2020-21 and compared the BFR concentrations found with those found in similar samples collected in 2015 to investigate whether similar trends in BFR concentrations would be observed. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDD isomers detected in our samples had declined by 78-92 % and 59-97 % since the 2015 study, respectively. Moreover, concentrations of NBFRs (dominated by 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE or TBE), and bis(2-ethyl hexyl) tetrabromophthalate (BEH-TEBP or TBPH)) in UK foodstuffs increased significantly (28-1400 %) between 2015 and 2020-21. Combined, these findings suggest that restrictions on use of PBDEs and HBCDD have had a discernible impact on concentrations of these legacy BFRs and their NBFR replacements in UK foodstuffs. Interestingly, given recent reports of a significant increase in concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in UK house dust between 2014 and 2019, a significant decline (70-84 %) in concentrations of DBDPE was observed in UK foodstuffs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Ma
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - William A Stubbings
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Reginald Cline-Cole
- Department of African Studies & Anthropology, School of History and Cultures, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhang Z, Hu M, Xuan D, Wu L, Zhang Y, He G, Zhou Y. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling of BDE-209 following oral exposure in Chinese population. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 169:113416. [PMID: 36096292 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The wide usage of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) as additive brominated flame retardant has caused its widespread occurrence in the environment and high exposure risk in humans. Estimating its internal exposure dose and reconstruction of external exposure dose using physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling approach is a key step in the risk assessment of BDE-209. However, the PBPK model for BDE-209 is currently unavailable. This study has established two oral permeability-limited PBPK models of BDE-209 without enterohepatic recirculation (EHR) (model 1) and with EHR (model 2) for Chinese population. Using the in vitro experiments, the average binding of BDE-209 to human plasma protein (99.64% ± 2.97%) was obtained. Moreover, blood sample analysis and systematic literature review were performed to obtain internal and external exposure data of BDE-209 used for model calibration and validation. The predictions of both models were within 2-fold of the observed, and a longer half-life of serum BDE-209 was observed in model 2 than model 1. Based on the models, a human biomonitoring guidance value (HBM-GV) of 93.61 μg/g lw was derived for BDE-209, and there is no health risk found for Chinese population currently. This study provides new quantitative assessment tools for health risk assessment of BDE-209.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhichun Zhang
- Centers for Water and Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the Peoples' republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, 200136, China
| | - Man Hu
- Centers for Water and Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the Peoples' republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, 200136, China
| | - Dongliang Xuan
- Jiading District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 201899, China
| | - Linying Wu
- Jiading District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shanghai, 201899, China
| | - Yanfei Zhang
- Centers for Water and Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the Peoples' republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, 200136, China
| | - Gengsheng He
- Centers for Water and Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the Peoples' republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Centers for Water and Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission of the Peoples' republic of China, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Pudong New Area Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Fudan University Pudong Institute of Preventive Medicine, Shanghai, 200136, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Souza MCO, Devóz PP, Ximenez JPB, Bocato MZ, Rocha BA, Barbosa F. Potential Health Risk to Brazilian Infants by Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Exposure via Breast Milk Intake. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711138. [PMID: 36078850 PMCID: PMC9517810 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous flame retardants and are environmentally persistent. PBDEs show endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, and lower birth weight in infants, and their human body burden has become a public health concern. The infants' exposure begins in the prenatal period and continues via breast milk ingestion, although, little is known about the factors that may influence this exposure. In this study, PBDE levels in Brazilian breast milk were assessed in 200 lactating women. The risk assessment of infants' exposure to PBDE was performed through the estimated daily intake (EDI) calculation. The geometric mean (GM) of ∑PBDEs levels was 2.33 (0.14-6.05) ng/g wet weight. At least one PBDE congener was detected in the samples, and the 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) showed a 100% of detection rate (GM of 1.05 ng/g). Location of residence, maternal level education, monthly salary, and race were positively associated with PBDE levels (p < 0.05). The EDI of BDE-47 was higher in Belo Horizonte (8.29 ng/kg/day) than in Viçosa (6.36 ng/kg/day), as well as for the ∑PBDEs (19.77 versus 12.78 ng/kg/day) (p < 0.05). Taking the high detection rate of PBDEs in breast milk and their toxicity, continuous studies on infant exposure, fetal growth, and child neurodevelopment are requested.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dvoršćak M, Jagić K, Besednik L, Šimić I, Klinčić D. First application of microwave-assisted extraction in the analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human milk. Microchem J 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2022.107447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
14
|
Fromme H, Fuchs V, Albrecht M, Aschenbrenner B, Röhl C, Janitzki N, Herber-Jonat S, Wöckner M, Völkel W, Flemmer AW, Schober W. Polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), polybrominated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in German breast milk samples (LUPE 8). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154066. [PMID: 35217048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Most organic pollutants (POP) are persistent in the environment, accumulate in fatty tissues, and so a transfer through the food chain is probably, thereby causing various health effects. We quantified PCDD/F, PBDD/F, PCB, PBDE, perfluorinated substances, and ADONA in breast milk samples collected in two German federal states and breast milk and blood samples from subjects additionally exposed to PFOA. The median (95th percentile) concentrations were 2.43 (6.58) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for PCDD/F, 2.45 (4.82) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for dioxin-like PCB (dl-PCB), and 0.62 (2.69) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for PBDD/F. The relative contributions of the median values of PCDD/F, dl-PCB, and PBDD/F to the total-TEQ were approximately 41%, 42%, and 11%, respectively. Nondioxin-like PCB (ndl-PCB) concentrations were clearly dominated by the higher chlorinated PCB congeners, with medians of 23.2 ng/g l.w. for PCB 153, 13.9 ng/g l.w. for PCB 138, and 13.0 ng/g l.w. for PCB 180. The sum of the 3 congeners (PCB 138, 153, and 180) were multiplied with 1.64 (total PCB) and showed a median of 82.16 ng/g l.w. and a 95th percentile of 173.3 ng/g l.w. Only PFOA and PFOS could be quantified in 29% and 17% of in total 180 samples with 95th percentiles of 53 ng/l and 33 ng/l, respectively. Milk samples (n = 13) from subjects living on PFOA contaminated sites showed higher levels between 33 and 854 ng/l PFOA (mean: 199 ng/l), whilst PFOS could be quantified only in three samples. The sum of 17 PBDE congeners showed medians (95th percentile) of 1737 pg/g l.w. (22,806 pg/g l.w.), with the highest medians of 422 pg/g l.w. for BDE 209 and 378 pg/g l.w. for BDE 153. Overall, our study confirms the declining contamination level in breast milk during the last decade, but points out the need to further reduce the environmental contamination with persistent substances and subsequently the exposure in childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Fromme
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Veronika Fuchs
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Albrecht
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Dioxins, Irradiation, Nitrosamines, Radioactivity, Veterinaerstrasse 2, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Aschenbrenner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Röhl
- Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Social Services, Department of Environmental Health Protection, Gartenstrasse 24, D-24534 Neumünster, Germany
| | - Nora Janitzki
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Herber-Jonat
- Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Dr. V. Hauner and Perinatal Center, LMU Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich D-81377, Germany
| | - Mandy Wöckner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Völkel
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas W Flemmer
- Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Dr. V. Hauner and Perinatal Center, LMU Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich D-81377, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schober
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zhai J, Geng W, Zhang T, Wei Y, He H, Chen W. BDE-209 induce spermatocytes arrest at early-pachytene stage during meiotic prophase I in mice. Toxicology 2022; 467:153061. [PMID: 34936917 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Deca-brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209) is a common flame retardant utilized in electronic products, textiles, furniture, and upholstery materials. Environmental BDE-209 exposure results in spermatogenesis disorder, because of the characteristics of bioaccumulation, persistence, and probably toxicity. Meiotic prophase I is a crucial phase during spermatogenesis which is a key influential factor of normal sperm production. However, the effects of BDE-209 on meiotic prophase I during spermatogenesis are poorly understood. The present study aimed to evaluate whether BDE-209 exposure impairs meiotic prophase I during spermatogenesis of spermatocytes. We validated the effects of BDE-209 on alternations of meiotic prophase I in Balb/c male mice. Firstly, we analyzed sperm quality in cauda epididymis with decreasing sperm count, increasing abnormal sperm, and male reproductive dysfunction after exposure to BDE-209. Then, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in testis and GC-2spd cells were significant increased after treated with BDE-209. Furthermore, we found that meiotic prophase I arrest at early-pachytene stage during spermatogenesis with increasing of DSBs damage and trimethylated histone H3 at lysine-4 (H3K4me3) in spermatocytes exposed to BDE-209. Finally, we conducted homologous recombination (HR) analyses to identify the progression of meiosis. The recombination markers, including DMC1 and RAD51, and crossover marker MLH1 were decreased during spermatogenesis after exposure to BDE-209. Collectively, our data indicated that BDE-209 has detrimental impacts on meiotic prophase I of spermatocytes in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinxia Zhai
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Wenfeng Geng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Taifa Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Yu Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Huan He
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| | - Wenjing Chen
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Meishan Rd 81, Hefei, 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Critical review of analytical methods for the determination of flame retardants in human matrices. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1193:338828. [PMID: 35058002 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2021.338828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Human biomonitoring is a powerful approach in assessing exposure to environmental pollutants. Flame retardants (FRs) are of particular concern due to their wide distribution in the environment and adverse health effects. This article reviews studies published in 2009-2020 on the chemical analysis of FRs in a variety of human samples and discusses the characteristics of the analytical methods applied to different FR biomarkers of exposure, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), novel halogenated flame retardants (NHFRs), bromophenols, incl. tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and organophosphorous flame retardants (PFRs). Among the extraction techniques, liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and solid phase extraction (SPE) were used most frequently due to the good efficiencies in the isolation of the majority of the FR biomarkers, but with challenges for highly lipophilic FRs. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is mainly applied in the instrumental analysis of PBDEs and most NHFRs, with recent inclusions of GC-MS/MS and high resolution MS techniques. Liquid chromatography-MS/MS is mainly applied to HBCD, bromophenols, incl. TBBPA, and PFRs (including metabolites), however, GC-based analysis following derivatization has also been used for phenolic compounds and PFR metabolites. Developments are noticed towards more universal analytical methods, which enable widening method scopes in the human biomonitoring of FRs. Challenges exist with regard to sensitivity required for the low concentrations of FRs in the general population and limited sample material for some human matrices. A strong focus on quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures is required in the analysis of FR biomarkers in human samples, related to their variety of physical-chemical properties, low levels in most human samples and the risk of contamination.
Collapse
|
17
|
|
18
|
Zhao X, Shi Z. Legacy brominated flame retardants in human milk from the general population in Beijing, China: Biomonitoring, temporal trends from 2011 to 2018, and nursing infant's exposure assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 285:131533. [PMID: 34273701 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.131533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Three kinds of legacy brominated flame retardants (BFRs), including eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and three hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) isomers, were analyzed in 105 human milk samples collected in 2018 from Beijing, China. The tested BFRs all showed high detection frequencies, and HBCDD was the most abundant BFR, with a median level of 7.64 × 103 pg/g lipid, followed by BDE-153 (389 pg/g lipid), BDE-209 (283 pg/g lipid), and TBBPA (271 pg/g lipid). By comparing the results of the present study with those of our previous Beijing human milk surveys conducted in 2014 and 2011, the contamination of TBBPA and HBCDD increased steadily from 2011 to 2018, whereas that of PBDEs decreased sharply during this period. Our results suggested that the production and consumption of BFRs in China have shifted from PBDEs to other FRs. Education level and the consumption of animal-derived foods such as eggs and meat were identified as major influencing factors for some BFRs. For nursing infants, the median levels of lower bound BFR daily intake via human milk ingestion ranged from 4.62 × 10-2 ng/kg bw/day for BDE-154 to 30.6 ng/kg bw/day for HBCDD. The daily intake of most BFRs by breastfeeding is unlikely to pose significant health risks for Beijing nursing infants. However, the minimum margin of exposure (MOE) of HBCDD was below its threshold value, which indicated that its daily intake might raise health concerns for some breastfed infants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuezhen Zhao
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhixiong Shi
- School of Public Health and Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Schwerdtle T, Wallace H, Benford D, Fürst P, Rose M, Ioannidou S, Nikolič M, Bordajandi LR, Vleminckx C. Update of the risk assessment of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in food. EFSA J 2021; 19:e06421. [PMID: 33732387 PMCID: PMC7938899 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2021.6421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA to update its 2011 risk assessment on hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) in food. HBCDDs, predominantly mixtures of the stereoisomers α-, β- and γ-HBCDD, were widely used additive flame retardants. Concern has been raised because of the occurrence of HBCDDs in the environment, food and in humans. Main targets for toxicity are neurodevelopment, the liver, thyroid hormone homeostasis and the reproductive and immune systems. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the neurodevelopmental effects on behaviour in mice can be considered the critical effects. Based on effects on spontaneous behaviour in mice, the Panel identified a lowest observed adverse effect level (LOAEL) of 0.9 mg/kg body weight (bw) as the Reference Point, corresponding to a body burden of 0.75 mg/kg bw. The chronic intake that would lead to the same body burden in humans was calculated to be 2.35 μg/kg bw per day. The derivation of a health-based guidance value (HBGV) was not considered appropriate. Instead, the margin of exposure (MOE) approach was applied to assess possible health concerns. Over 6,000 analytical results for HBCDDs in food were used to estimate the exposure across dietary surveys and age groups of the European population. The most important contributors to the chronic dietary LB exposure to HBCDDs were fish meat, eggs, livestock meat and poultry. The CONTAM Panel concluded that the resulting MOE values support the conclusion that current dietary exposure to HBCDDs across European countries does not raise a health concern. An exception is breastfed infants with high milk consumption, for which the lowest MOE values may raise a health concern.
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhou D, Zheng X, Liu X, Huang Y, Su W, Tan H, Wang Y, Chen D. Photodegradation of 1,3,5-Tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione and decabromodiphenyl ethane flame retardants: Kinetics, Main products, and environmental implications. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 398:122983. [PMID: 32473325 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Photodegradation has been demonstrated as one of the important environmental factors affecting the fate of contaminants such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs). However, a number of emerging BFRs, particularly those with high bromine substitution, have rarely been investigated for their photodegradation kinetics. Our study evaluated photodegradation of two highly brominated FRs, 1,3,5-tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione (TDBP-TAZTO) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), under various conditions. The results indicated that the degradation kinetics was affected by UV irradiation wavelength, intensity, solvent type, as well as the structural characteristics. TDBP-TAZTO exhibited degradation half-lives (t1/2) of 23.5-6931 min under various UV irradiation conditions and 91.2 days under natural sunlight. Its degradation was much slower than that of DBDPE which exhibited t1/2 of 0.8-101.9 min under UV and 41.3 min under natural sunlight. A variety of degradation products were detected as a result of different breakdown pathways. This indicated that photodegradation could substantially influence the fate of these highly brominated FRs, resulting in a cocktail of degradation products as environmentally occurring contaminants. This could also complicate the evaluation of the ecological risks of these target flame retardants, given that degradation products generally possess physicochemical properties and biological effects different from their parent chemicals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daming Zhou
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoshi Zheng
- Research Center of Harmful Algae and Marine Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaotu Liu
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yichao Huang
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Weijie Su
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Hongli Tan
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Research Center of Harmful Algae and Marine Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sharkey M, Harrad S, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M, Drage DS, Berresheim H. Phasing-out of legacy brominated flame retardants: The UNEP Stockholm Convention and other legislative action worldwide. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 144:106041. [PMID: 32822924 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2020.106041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Due to their toxicity and persistence, several families of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention, a multilateral treaty overseen by the United Nations Environment Programme. This treaty mandates that parties who have signed must take administrative and legislative actions to prevent the environmental impacts that POPs pose, both within their jurisdictions and in the global environment. The specific BFRs listed in the Stockholm Convention are Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs), Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and Hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), chemicals which must therefore be heavily restricted within the jurisdictions of the signatories. As an example, within the EU, hexabromobiphenyl (HBB), the PBDE commercial mixtures, and HBCDD are almost entirely prohibited in terms of both production and use in commercial goods. Waste articles containing excess concentrations of these BFRs are similarly restricted and must be disposed of in a manner that destroys or irreversible transforms the BFR in question. In some cases, specific exemptions for these limits are defined by the Convention for certain parties: for example, Penta- and Octa-BDE can be present in waste materials for recycling until 2030, while Deca-BDE can be applied to some aviation and automotive applications until 2036. However, in such cases, very specific criteria and guidelines apply for their use and/or production. Worldwide, China, Japan, India, and the United States of America have made significant advances in the regulation of POPs, in line with the provisions of the Stockholm Convention. China has established concentration limits for Penta- and Octa-BDEs in electronic goods. It is also currently availing of an exemption to allow for the use of HBCDD and has not yet ratified the Convention with regards to Deca-BDE. Japan meanwhile has classified HBB and Penta-/Octa-BDE compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances which virtually prohibits the manufacture, import, and use of these chemicals in all applications. India has banned the manufacture, trade, import, and use of HBB, HBCDD and some PBDEs, and has established concentration limits for all PBDEs in certain electrical goods. Finally, the United States has no federal mandate for the restriction of POPs and has not ratified the annexes to the Convention requiring them to do so. However, thirteen states have implemented their own state-wide concentration limits on a variety of flame retarding chemicals in various commercial applications. Though these limits worldwide are a very positive step for the removal of POP-BFRs from the environment, the increased use of replacement flame retardants renders such legislation only partially effective. The lack of effective screening mechanisms in waste management facilities means that BFR-treated plastics can be inadvertently recycled and remain in circulation. The rise in the use of novel BFRs (NBFRs) can furthermore hinder screening methods currently being developed and the additives themselves may pose similar issues to their predecessors owing to their similar chemical properties. Thus, restrictions on current BFRs will result in the use of new flame retardants, which may in turn be banned and replaced once again. Further research into and development of methods to screen for hazardous chemicals in end of life materials is therefore of the utmost importance. This must be coupled with pro-active legislation that eliminates the need for using such persistent and potentially harmful chemicals in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Sharkey
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland.
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Mohamed Abou-Elwafa Abdallah
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Assuit University, 72516 Assuit, Egypt
| | - Daniel S Drage
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Harald Berresheim
- School of Physics, National University of Ireland Galway, University Road, Galway H91 CF50, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Baby A, Tretsiakova-McNally S, Arun M, Joseph P, Zhang J. Reactive and Additive Modifications of Styrenic Polymers with Phosphorus-Containing Compounds and Their Effects on Fire Retardance. Molecules 2020; 25:E3779. [PMID: 32825185 PMCID: PMC7504409 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25173779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Polystyrene, despite its high flammability, is widely used as a thermal insulation material for buildings, for food packaging, in electrical and automotive industries, etc. A number of modification routes have been explored to improve the fire retardance and boost the thermal stability of commercially important styrene-based polymeric products. The earlier strategies mostly involved the use of halogenated fire retardants. Nowadays, these compounds are considered to be persistent pollutants that are hazardous to public and environmental health. Many well-known halogen-based fire retardants, regardless of their chemical structures and modes of action, have been withdrawn from built environments in the European Union, USA, and Canada. This had triggered a growing research interest in, and an industrial demand for, halogen-free alternatives, which not only will reduce the flammability but also address toxicity and bioaccumulation issues. Among the possible options, phosphorus-containing compounds have received greater attention due to their excellent fire-retarding efficiencies and environmentally friendly attributes. Numerous reports were also published on reactive and additive modifications of polystyrene in different forms, particularly in the last decade; hence, the current article aims to provide a critical review of these publications. The authors mainly intend to focus on the chemistries of phosphorous compounds, with the P atom being in different chemical environments, used either as reactive, or additive, fire retardants in styrene-based materials. The chemical pathways and possible mechanisms behind the fire retardance are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aloshy Baby
- Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK; (A.B.); (J.Z.)
| | - Svetlana Tretsiakova-McNally
- Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK; (A.B.); (J.Z.)
| | - Malavika Arun
- Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Victoria, Australia; (M.A.); (P.J.)
| | - Paul Joseph
- Institute of Sustainable Industries and Liveable Cities, Victoria University, PO Box 14428, Melbourne 8001, Victoria, Australia; (M.A.); (P.J.)
| | - Jianping Zhang
- Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UK; (A.B.); (J.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abdallah MAE, Wemken N, Drage DS, Tlustos C, Cellarius C, Cleere K, Morrison JJ, Daly S, Coggins MA, Harrad S. Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances in human milk from Ireland: Implications for adult and nursing infant exposure. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 246:125724. [PMID: 31887492 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of 10 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in 16 pools of human milk from Ireland. Only four PFASs were detected (PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS), with concentrations dominated by PFOA which was detected in all samples at a median of 0.10 ng/mL. Concentrations and the relative abundance of PFASs in human milk from Ireland are within the range reported for other countries. Estimated exposures for nursing infants to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) do not suggest a health concern. A one compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to predict the intakes of PFOS and PFOA required to support the observed concentrations in human milk. This suggests current adult exposure in Ireland to PFOS is below the provisional tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by EFSA. In contrast, the model predicts that the maximum concentration detected in human milk in this study, implies a level of adult exposure that would exceed EFSA's provisional TWI for PFOA. As exposure of the Irish population to PFASs via drinking water, indoor air and dust is well-characterised, current understanding suggests that the major contributor to overall exposure of the Irish population is via the diet and/or less well-studied pathways like dermal uptake from PFAS-containing fabrics and cosmetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nina Wemken
- School of Physics and the Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Daniel Simon Drage
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | | | - Claire Cellarius
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, H91 YR71, Ireland
| | - Kathy Cleere
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, D08 XW7X, Ireland
| | - John J Morrison
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University Hospital Galway, Galway, H91 YR71, Ireland
| | - Sean Daly
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital, Dublin, D08 XW7X, Ireland
| | - Marie Ann Coggins
- School of Physics and the Ryan Institute, National University of Ireland, Galway, H91TK33, Ireland
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|