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This study examined the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in the umbilical cord blood of infants, and investigated the relationship between PBDE concentration and thyroid hormone levels. The concentration of PBDE were measured in the cord blood samples of 108 infants collected in Cheil Woman's Hospital, Seoul, Korea, in 2007. Of 108 pregnant woman reported, the average age was 31.9 +/- 3.54 yr (range 20-42 yr). The mean body weight of the infants was 3.15 +/- 0.57 kg (1.89-4.43 kg), and no birth defects were documented. The concentrations of the total PBDEs (7 congeners) found in the umbilical cord blood averaged 8.377 +/- 6.381 ng/g lipid, ranging from not determined (ND) to 29.407 ng/g lipid. Of the seven congeners detected, BDE-47 (4.571 +/- 2.903 ng/g lipid) accounted for the majority (38% of total PBDE) of total PBDE, followed in descending order by BDE-153 (3.080 +/- 2.231 ng/g lipid) and BDE-183 (2.933 +/- 2.386). There was no apparent correlation between the serum PBDE levels and thyroid hormone concentrations. Similarly, there was no apparent relationship between the infant thyroxine (T4) levels and four prevalent PBDE congener concentrations. Data suggest that the concentration of PBDE in umbilical cord blood of Korean infants is similar to or lower than concentrations reported from North America. In addition, PBDE readily crossed the blood placenta barrier. Therefore, further study on the relationship between the maternal and fetal blood concentrations of PBDE is recommended for a more comprehensive exposure assessment of PBDE in Koreans.

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