上海市某医院产妇乳汁中多溴联苯醚暴露水平

目的 通过对上海市某医院产妇乳汁中多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)含量的测定和分析,了解该地区人群中PBDEs的暴露水平及其相关影响因素.方法 于2006年9月至2007年4月在上海市某医院对48名产妇进行问卷调查,并采集其乳汁样本,产妇均为单胎妊娠,排除高血压、糖尿病、HIV感染和不良用药史.采用气相色谱-负化学电离源-质谱法测定乳汁中7种PBDE同族体[溴代联苯醚(BDE)-28,BDE-47,BDE-100,BDE-99,BDE-154,BDE-153和BDE-183]的含量,并分析其影响因素.结果 产妇乳汁中7种PBDEs(∑,PBDEs)浓度中位数为8.81 ng/g脂重(lipid weight,1w),浓度范围为1.92-41.55 ng/g 1w.BDE-28、BDE-47、BDE-100、BDE-99、BDE-154、BDE-153、BDE-183检出率分别为98%(47/48)、96%(46/48)、86%(41/48)、90%(43/48)、83%(40/48)、98%(47/48)、90%(43/48);浓度中位数分别为0.88、0.99、0.97、1.39、1.14、2.17、1.41 ng/g 1w.不同学历产妇乳汁中PBDEs水平(logΣ7PBDEs)分别为:初中及以下为(0.89±0.24)、高中为(1.02±0.17)、大专及以上为(1.08±0.28);不同月收入水平产妇乳汁中PBDEs水平(log∑7PBDEs)分别为:＜1000元为(0.89±0.12)、1000-3000元为(1.01±0.24)、＞3000元为(1.13±0.21).相关分析发现母亲受教育水平(r=0.322,P＜0.05)和收入水平(r=0.388,P＜0.05)与母乳PBDEs暴露水平呈正相关.结论 产妇乳汁中普遍含有PBDEs,母亲受教育水平和收入水平可能影响母乳中PBDEs水平.

Abstract：

Objective To measure the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)in human breast milk from a hospital in Shanghai and analyze the influencing factors.Methods Forty-eight puerperas from a hospital in Shanghai were selected to answer a questionnaire.and their breast milk samples were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the puerperas were singleton pregnancies.excluding high blood pressure.diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Seven congenera(BDE-28,BDE47,BDE-100,BDE-99,BDE-154,BDE-153 and BDE-183)were measured by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry and the influencing factors were analyzed.Results The median of total PBDEs concentration in breast milk was 8.81 ng/g lipid weight(1w),and the range was 1.92-41.55,,g/g 1W. The detection rates of seven congeners(BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-100,BDE-99,BDE-154,BDE-153,BDE-183)were 98%(47/48),96%(46/48),86%(41/48),90%(43/48),83%(40/48),98%(47/48),90%(43/48),and the median of them was,0.88,0.99,0.97,1.39,1.14,2.17,1.41 ng/g 1w,respectively.LogΣ7PBDEs in breast milk from mothers with different education levels were divided into junior high school or lower(0.89 ±0.24),senior high school(1.02±0.17),junior college or higher(1.08±0.28).LogΣ7PBDEs in breast milk from mothers with different income levels were divided as ＜1000 yuan(0.89±0.12),1000-3000 yuan(1.01±0.24),＞3000 yuan(1.13±0.21).Correlation analysis showed that both the mothers'education level(r=0.322.P＜0.05)and income level(r=0.388.P＜0.05)have a positive correlation to PBDEs levels in breast milk. Conclusion It is very common to detect PBDEs in human breast-milk.however,the education and income levels of the mothers my be the influencing factors.     

上海市某医院产妇乳汁中多溴联苯醚暴露水平

Objective To measure the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)in human breast milk from a hospital in Shanghai and analyze the influencing factors.Methods Forty-eight puerperas from a hospital in Shanghai were selected to answer a questionnaire.and their breast milk samples were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the puerperas were singleton pregnancies.excluding high blood pressure.diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Seven congenera(BDE-28,BDE47,BDE-100,BDE-99,BDE-154,BDE-153 and BDE-183)were measured by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry and the influencing factors were analyzed.Results The median of total PBDEs concentration in breast milk was 8.81 ng/g lipid weight(1w),and the range was 1.92-41.55,,g/g 1W. The detection rates of seven congeners(BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-100,BDE-99,BDE-154,BDE-153,BDE-183)were 98%(47/48),96%(46/48),86%(41/48),90%(43/48),83%(40/48),98%(47/48),90%(43/48),and the median of them was,0.88,0.99,0.97,1.39,1.14,2.17,1.41 ng/g 1w,respectively.LogΣ7PBDEs in breast milk from mothers with different education levels were divided into junior high school or lower(0.89 ±0.24),senior high school(1.02±0.17),junior college or higher(1.08±0.28).LogΣ7PBDEs in breast milk from mothers with different income levels were divided as ＜1000 yuan(0.89±0.12),1000-3000 yuan(1.01±0.24),＞3000 yuan(1.13±0.21).Correlation analysis showed that both the mothers'education level(r=0.322.P＜0.05)and income level(r=0.388.P＜0.05)have a positive correlation to PBDEs levels in breast milk. Conclusion It is very common to detect PBDEs in human breast-milk.however,the education and income levels of the mothers my be the influencing factors.     

上海市某医院新生儿脐带血中多溴联苯醚水平及其对出生结局的影响

目的 调查上海市某医院新生儿脐带血中多溴联苯醚(polybrominated diphenyl ethers,PBDEs)浓度水平,并分析胎儿期PBDEs暴露对新生儿出生结局的影响.方法 于2006年9月至2007年4月,对上海市某医院50名入院分娩的孕妇进行问卷调查,孕妇均为单胎妊娠,排除高血压、糖尿病、HIV感染和不良药物史.收集新生儿脐带血样本,使用气相色谱-负化学电离源-质谱法检测脐带血中7种PBDEs[溴代联苯醚(BDE)-28、BDE-47、BDE-99、BDE-100、BDE-153、BDE-154、BDE-183]浓度,计算PBDEs总浓度(∑,PBDEs),并进一步分析脐带血中PBDEs浓度水平对新生儿出生结局的影响.结果 上海市某医院新生儿身长为(50.15±0.75)cm,体重为(3.49±0.42)kg,胸围为(34.76±1.51)cm,头围为(35.03±1.40)cm,体质指数为(13.76±1.36)kg/m2.新生儿脐带血中∑,PBDEs中位数浓度(范围)为14.06(1.03～379.73)ng/g脂重(lipid weight,1w).BDE-28、BDE-47、BDE-99、BDE-100、BDE-153、BDE-154、BDE-183检出率分别为22%(11/50)、22%(11/50)、98%(49/50)、72%(36/50)、76%(38/50)、90%(45/50)、14%(7/50).各同族体中位数浓度(范围)分别为:BDE-28为<检测限(LOD)(＜LOD～137.20 ng/g 1w),BDE-47为＜LOD(＜LOD-33.17 ng/g 1w),BDE-99为7.54(＜LOD-94.01)ng/g 1w,BDE-100为1.57(＜LOD-46.95)ng/g 1w,BDE-153为0.63(＜LOD-79.08)ng/g 1w,BDE-154为0.63(＜LOD-22.30)ng/g 1w,BDE-183为＜LOD(＜LOD-21.63 ng/g 1w).新生儿体质指数与BDE-99(r=-0.347,P＜0.05)和BDE-154(r=-0.292,P＜0.05)浓度呈负相关.将出生结局按照累计频率25%分为低(≤25%)、高(＞25%)两组,BDE-99在低身长组(≤50 cm)和高身长组(＜50 cm)的几何均数分别为10.59 ng/g 1w和3.60 ng/g 1w,二者差异有统计学意义(t=2.32,P=0.03).结论 上海市某医院新生儿脐带血中普遍存在PBDEs,胎儿期PBDEs暴露可影响新生儿出生结局.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)in umbilical cord serum and analyze the influence of exposure to PBDEs during fetal stage on newborn birth outcomes in Shanghai.Methods Fifty delivery women in a Shanghai hospital were surveyed by questionnaire.and the umbilical cord serum were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the delivery women were singleton pregnancies,excluding hish blood pressure,diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Seven congeners(BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154 and BDE-183) were measured by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry and the influencing factors were anatyzed. Results Newborns'length.weight,chest circumference,head circumference and body mass index(BMI)were(50.15±0.75)cm,(3.49±0.42)kg,(34.76±1.51)cm,(35.03 ±1.40)cm,(13.76±1.36)kg/m2,respectively.The median of ∑7 PBDEs concentration in umbilical cord serum was 14.06(1.03-379.73)ng/g lipid weight(1w).The detection rate of BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154 and BDE-183 were 22%(11/50),22%(11/50),98%(49/50).72%(36/50),76%(38/50),90%(45/50)and 14%(7/50),respectively.The median(range)of PBDEs (BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154,BDE-183)congeners were ＜LOD (＜LOD-137.20 ng/g 1w),＜LOD(＜LOD-33.17 ng/g 1w),7.54.ng/g 1w(＜LOD-94.01 ng/g 1w),1.57 ng/g 1w(＜LOD-46.95 ng/g 1w),0.63.ng/g 1w(＜LOD-79.08 ng/g 1w),0.63 ng/g 1w(＜LOD-22.30 ng/g 1w)and＜LOD(＜LOD-21.63 ng/g 1w),respectiveIy.The newborns'BMI showed a negative correlation with BDE-99(r=-0.347.P＜0.05)and BDE.154(r=-0.292.P＜0.05).BDE-99in low-length group(≤50 cm,10.59 ng/g 1w) was significantly higher(t=2.32,P=0.03)than that in high-length group(＞50 cm,3.60 ng/g 1w).Conclusion PBDEs were commonly detected in newborns'umbilical cord serum in this study.Our findings indicated that exposure to PBDEs adversely affected the development of the newborns.     

上海市某医院新生儿脐带血中多溴联苯醚水平及其对出生结局的影响

Objective To explore the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs)in umbilical cord serum and analyze the influence of exposure to PBDEs during fetal stage on newborn birth outcomes in Shanghai.Methods Fifty delivery women in a Shanghai hospital were surveyed by questionnaire.and the umbilical cord serum were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the delivery women were singleton pregnancies,excluding hish blood pressure,diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Seven congeners(BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154 and BDE-183) were measured by gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry and the influencing factors were anatyzed. Results Newborns'length.weight,chest circumference,head circumference and body mass index(BMI)were(50.15±0.75)cm,(3.49±0.42)kg,(34.76±1.51)cm,(35.03 ±1.40)cm,(13.76±1.36)kg/m2,respectively.The median of ∑7 PBDEs concentration in umbilical cord serum was 14.06(1.03-379.73)ng/g lipid weight(1w).The detection rate of BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154 and BDE-183 were 22%(11/50),22%(11/50),98%(49/50).72%(36/50),76%(38/50),90%(45/50)and 14%(7/50),respectively.The median(range)of PBDEs (BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154,BDE-183)congeners were ＜LOD (＜LOD-137.20 ng/g 1w),＜LOD(＜LOD-33.17 ng/g 1w),7.54.ng/g 1w(＜LOD-94.01 ng/g 1w),1.57 ng/g 1w(＜LOD-46.95 ng/g 1w),0.63.ng/g 1w(＜LOD-79.08 ng/g 1w),0.63 ng/g 1w(＜LOD-22.30 ng/g 1w)and＜LOD(＜LOD-21.63 ng/g 1w),respectiveIy.The newborns'BMI showed a negative correlation with BDE-99(r=-0.347.P＜0.05)and BDE.154(r=-0.292.P＜0.05).BDE-99in low-length group(≤50 cm,10.59 ng/g 1w) was significantly higher(t=2.32,P=0.03)than that in high-length group(＞50 cm,3.60 ng/g 1w).Conclusion PBDEs were commonly detected in newborns'umbilical cord serum in this study.Our findings indicated that exposure to PBDEs adversely affected the development of the newborns.     

人体内多溴联苯醚暴露水平及主要来源的研究进展

多溴联苯醚（PBDEs）作为性能优良的阻燃剂得到了广泛的应用，但是毒理学研究发现，PBDEs具有生殖毒性、免疫毒性、神经毒性和内分泌干扰作用，环境和人体PBDEs暴露水平的增加已引起了越来越多的关注。现有的研究发现，不仅人体血清、母乳及脂肪组织都存在着可检测的PBDEs，而且浓度较30年前呈现出明显的上升趋势，婴儿和儿童的暴露量更是高达成人的数倍。PBDEs的职业暴露多来自于从事电子电器加工及生产的相关工作，而室内灰尘则是儿童暴露的主要来源。     

多溴联苯醚的环境暴露及健康危害

多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)作为阻燃剂广泛用于家庭消费品中,是正在受到全球关注的新环境污染物。人类主要通过食物、室内空气污染等暴露PBDEs。过去30年,环境中与人体内的PBDEs水平不断增高。实验研究资料显示,PBDEs具有内分泌干扰作用,影响甲状腺激素和性激素。PBDEs具有肝脏毒性、神经毒性、生殖毒性、发育毒性,但毒作用机制不明确。人群研究资料非常匮乏。环境监测资料表明中国存在PBDEs环境暴露,而我国在PBDEs健康影响方面的研究几乎空白,应该引起重视。     

室内环境中多溴联苯醚污染及人体暴露研究进展

多溴联苯醚作为一种性能优异的溴代阻燃剂广泛添加于各类室内消费产品中,但是在产品使用过程中多溴联苯醚会被不断释放进入室内环境,从而危害人体健康。本文通过综述国内外相关研究,从室内空气及尘土中多溴联苯醚的污染分布特征和人体暴露水平两个方面阐述室内环境多溴联苯醚污染对人体健康的影响,并提出未来可能的关注点。     

上海某医院产妇乳汁中六溴环十二烷水平及新生儿经母乳日摄入量的监测分析

目的 测定上海市某医院产妇乳汁中六溴环十二烷(hexabromocyclododecane,HBCD)含量水平,并估算新生儿每日经母乳HBCD摄人量.方法 于2006年9月至2007年4月在上海市城郊地区某三级甲等医院对分娩后的产妇进行问卷调查,并收集母乳样品48个,产妇均为单胎妊娠,排除高血压、糖尿病、HIV 感染和不良用药史.采用液相色谱-电喷雾离子源-串联三重四极杆质谱法测定α-HBCD,β-HBCD,γ-HBCD 3种非对映异构体的含量,并通过模型估算新生儿经母乳HBCD日摄入量.结果 上海市某医院产妇母乳中总HBCD浓度范围为0.11-37.75 ng/g脂重(lipid weight,1w),中位数为1.42 ng/g 1w,在79%(38/48)的样品中被检出.其中α-HBCD含量最高,浓度中位数为1.24 ng/g 1w,在77%(37/48)的样品中检出;其次为γ-HBCD、β-HBCD,浓度中位数均小于检测限,分别在13%(6/48),17%(7148)的样品中检出.新生儿经母乳总HBCD日摄人为:0.71-243.46 ng/kg.结论 上海市某医院产妇母乳中HBCD含量水平较高,其对婴幼儿健康的影响值得进一步研究.

Abstract：

Objective To explore the level of hexabromocyclododecane(HBCD)in human breast milk of delivery women in a Shanghai hospital.and estimate the daily intake of newborns from breast milk.Methods Forty-eight delivery women in a Shanghai suburb hospital(Class A,Grade 3)were surveyed by questionnaires.and their breast milk samples were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the delivery women were singleton pregnancies,excluding high blood pressure,diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Three diastereoisomers(α-HBCD,β-HBCD,γ-HBCD)were measured by the liquid chromatography-electrospmy ion source-tandem mass spectrometry.and then esitmated the daily intake of the newborns from the breast milk.Results The total HBCD concentration of breast milk,which was detected in 79%(38/48)of samples,ranged from 0.11 ng/g lipid weight(1w)to 37.75 ng/g 1w,with the median at 1.42 ng/g 1w.The most abundant diastereoisomer was α-HBCD which detected in 77%(37/48)of samples,with a median of 1.24,g/g 1w;followed by γ-HBCD and β-HBCD,detected in 13%(6/48)and 17%(8/48)of samples respectively,whose median were both under the limit of detection (LOD).The daily intake of the newborns from the breast milk ranged from 0.71 ng/kg to 243.46 ng/kg.Conclusion The concentrations of HBCD in breast milk of delivery women in a Shanghai hospital have been in a high level.and the influence on newborns'health need to be further studied.     

深圳市大气中多溴联苯醚污染水平和特征及人体呼吸暴露分析

目的 揭示深圳市大气中多溴联苯醚污染水平和特征,并初步分析当地人群的多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)呼吸暴露量.方法 采用大流量主动采样装置,利用同位素稀释的高分辨气相色谱/高分辨双聚焦磁式质谱联用(HRGC/HRMS)方法,对6个行政区域、11个采样点位中的大气(含颗粒和气相)中7种多溴联苯醚单体浓度(BDE-28,BDE-47,BDE-99,BDE-100,BDE-153,BDE-154,BDE-183)进行检测分析,并采用呼吸速率、肺泡中气体交换的空气比率等参数,对当地人群的多溴联苯醚呼吸暴露量进行分析.结果 深圳市大气中∑7PBDEs的浓度范围为8.28 ～ 168.86pg/m,平均浓度为29.03 pg/m.丰水期和枯水期样品浓度存在季节差异,丰水期多溴联苯醚的浓度高于枯水期.BDE47和BDE-99在两个时期均是丰度较高的构型,但在枯水期所占比例有所下降,单体分布趋于平均化.深圳市民多溴联苯醚的日呼吸暴露量成人为4.72 pg/kg,儿童为10.74 pg/kg.结论 深圳市大气中多溴联苯醚污染水平高于英国、韩国、日本的大阪和京都的城市水平;但是低于国内的广州、北京等城市已经报道的水平.儿童多溴联苯醚的呼吸暴露量明显高于成人,应该引起足够的重视.     

上海某医院产妇乳汁中六溴环十二烷水平及新生儿经母乳日摄入量的监测分析

Objective To explore the level of hexabromocyclododecane(HBCD)in human breast milk of delivery women in a Shanghai hospital.and estimate the daily intake of newborns from breast milk.Methods Forty-eight delivery women in a Shanghai suburb hospital(Class A,Grade 3)were surveyed by questionnaires.and their breast milk samples were collected from September 2006 to April 2007.All the delivery women were singleton pregnancies,excluding high blood pressure,diabetes,HIV infection and adverse medical history.Three diastereoisomers(α-HBCD,β-HBCD,γ-HBCD)were measured by the liquid chromatography-electrospmy ion source-tandem mass spectrometry.and then esitmated the daily intake of the newborns from the breast milk.Results The total HBCD concentration of breast milk,which was detected in 79%(38/48)of samples,ranged from 0.11 ng/g lipid weight(1w)to 37.75 ng/g 1w,with the median at 1.42 ng/g 1w.The most abundant diastereoisomer was α-HBCD which detected in 77%(37/48)of samples,with a median of 1.24,g/g 1w;followed by γ-HBCD and β-HBCD,detected in 13%(6/48)and 17%(8/48)of samples respectively,whose median were both under the limit of detection (LOD).The daily intake of the newborns from the breast milk ranged from 0.71 ng/kg to 243.46 ng/kg.Conclusion The concentrations of HBCD in breast milk of delivery women in a Shanghai hospital have been in a high level.and the influence on newborns'health need to be further studied.     

Prenatal polybrominated diphenyl ethers exposure and anogenital distance in boys from a Shanghai birth cohort

Background

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are major brominated flame retardant (BFR) chemicals with endocrine-disrupting properties. One small-scale study on humans has suggested that prenatal exposure to PBDEs is adversely related to anogenital distance (AGD) a sensitive marker for prenatal androgen exposure. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to PBDEs and AGD among boys 0–4 years of age in a cohort study.

母乳中多溴联苯醚的污染水平与特征研究

目的:研究母乳中多溴联苯醚的污染水平和特征。方法:母乳经冻干后,加入同位素内标,经索氏抽提萃取,再经一系列色谱柱净化,用气相色谱-高分辨磁质谱测定,同位素内标法定量分析母乳中的PBDE残留。结果:母乳中23种PBDE的总浓度均值为1497±584 pg/g lipid(831-2814 pg/g lipid);PBDE-153(20.94%),PBDE-47(18.34%),PBDE-15(13.35%),PBDE-28(12.39%),PBDE-183(8.43%)依次是检出浓度最高的五种单体。结论:绍兴母乳中PBDEs的含量与国内其它报道的数据接近,但低于发达国家报道的水平;推测除膳食摄入外,呼吸也是人体暴露PBDEs的主要途径。     

Trophodynamics of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers in a marine food web

The current study measured the concentrations of 14 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and eight methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) in a marine food web and estimated their trophic magnification factors (TMFs), to highlight the differences between invertebrates, fish, and seabirds. Concentrations of PBDEs were orders of magnitude greater in seabirds (184.07 ± 161.63 ng/g lipid wt) compared with invertebrates and fish (19.01 ± 14.14 ng/g lipid wt). Although the congener profiles in invertebrates, fish, and juvenile seabirds were dominated by BDE-47, the contributions of BDE-99 and BDE-153 in adult seabirds were also significant. Unlike PBDEs, however, higher average MeO-PBDE concentrations were detected in fish (126.27 ± 189.27 ng/g lipid wt) and bivalves (15.96 ± 11.82 ng/g lipid wt) than in seabirds (2.61 ± 2.87 ng/g lipid wt). Correlations between lipid-normalized PBDE concentrations and trophic levels confirmed that seven PBDE congeners were magnified in the invertebrate-fish-seabird food web and that PBDE concentrations increased at a much greater rate across trophic levels in seabirds than in invertebrates and fish. This result indicates that estimating TMFs of PBDEs separately for seabirds, invertebrates, and fish is preferable. For MeO-PBDEs, no significant relationships were obtained in the invertebrate-fish-seabird food web.     

A review of human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in China

This paper reviews recent studies on human exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in China, with particular focus on external exposure routes (e.g. diet and dust ingestion, inhalation of air) and internal doses based on biomonitoring studies of PBDEs (e.g. breast milk, blood and hair). PBDE concentrations reported for fish samples collected from electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites, PBDE manufacturing sites, local markets in selected cities and estuarine areas in China have been compiled. House dust has been a significant contributor to human exposure to PBDEs in many countries. This is especially true for toddlers, who are exposed to significantly higher doses of PBDEs than adults. Infants are also exposed to high levels of PBDEs via breast-feeding. The general population's inhalation exposure to PBDEs from household products is likely a less significant source into the indoor environment. In addition, the contribution of several exposure pathways to PBDEs among various age groups was analyzed. We found that house dust contributed most to the daily exposure to PBDEs for both toddlers and adults in urban areas of China. Furthermore, workers and residents in and around electronic recycling and PBDE manufacturing sites are exposed to the highest PBDE levels among all populations studied thus far. For the occupationally exposed populations, BDE209 was the dominant congener, in most cases. Rigorous pollution prevention and occupational protection measures are needed in China to mitigate potential health effects associated with PBDE exposures.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in breast milk from Uppsala County,Sweden

The breast milk concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; sum of five congeners: BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, and -154) were determined (by GC-ECD) in samples from 93 primiparous women collected from 1996 to 1999 in Uppsala County, Sweden. Dietary and lifestyle factors were also recorded. The mean PBDE concentration was 4.0 ng/g fat and the distribution of samples was skewed with few high values (maximum 28.2 ng/g fat). BDE-47 was the major congener and constituted 59% of the mean concentration of PBDEs. No significant relationship was found between breast milk concentrations of PBDEs and dietary intake of PBDE, age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, or computer usage. After adjustments for these factors, a weak but significant association between PBDE concentrations and smoking was observed. The dietary intake of PBDE for these women was estimated at 27 ng/day, of which fish contributed almost half. After inclusion of 31 additional samples, collected from 2000 to 2001, time trends were studied. The changes in breast milk PBDE levels between 1996 and 2001, similar to the results from another Swedish study on milk from Stockholm mothers, suggest a peak in PBDE concentrations around 1998 and thereafter decreasing levels. However, far-reaching conclusions about PBDE time trends in milk cannot be drawn from this short study.