Evaluation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)

Abstract

In 2009 and 2010, a total of 720 serum samples were collected from participants at four Korean locations. We measured 27 PBDE congeners and examined correlations with demographic factors, such as age, sex, life style and food consumptions. This was first large-scale study to estimate PBDE exposure of the Korean general population. Among PBDE congeners, the median concentration of Σ27PBDEs (sum of 27 congeners) and Σ3-7PBDEs (sum of tri- to hepta-BDE) were 6.04 and 4.97ng/g lipid, respectively. The abundant congener in the serum was BDE-153 [median 2.07 ng/g lipid] followed by BDE-47 [median 1.69 ng/g lipid] and BDE-99 [median 0.71 ng/g lipid]. Highly brominated congeners (octa- to deca-BDE) were infrequently detected in the serum. Compared to other countries, the median concentration of Σ3-7PBDEs was similar to those found in Asia and Europe, but much lower than that found in North America. Some significant differences were observed by regions and sex. We also found a positive increase of BDE-153 with age (p<0.01). In addition, referring to previously published reports of PBDEs concentration in foods and dust, we estimated daily exposure dose of PBDEs and determined the contribution by source.