Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Persistent Pesticides in Serum from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2003–2008

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and persistent pesticides have been measured in pooled samples representative of the general noninstitutionalized population of the United States. The pools were made from individual sera from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2005/06 and 2007/08. The pooled concentrations have been contrasted to NHANES 2003/04 individual measurements to evaluate changes in concentration over time and within survey period differences among age groups, race/ethnicity groups (Mexican American, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White), and sex. The arithmetic mean serum concentrations of several PCB congeners decreased from NHANES 2003/04 through 2007/08. Larger percentage reductions were seen for younger subjects (12–19 years) compared with older subjects (≥60 years). For example, the arithmetic mean concentration of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) was 36% lower in 12–19 year old adolescents when comparing NHANES 2007/08 with 2003/04; while for subjects over the age of 60 a 14% lower concentration was seen, although, the 95% confidence intervals overlapped. Similarly, the arithmetic mean serum concentrations of tri- to hexaBDEs were lower in NHANES 2007/08 than in 2003/04; however, most confidence intervals of the arithmetic means overlapped. These findings suggest that a reduction in PBDE serum concentrations cannot yet be detected following the discontinuation of pentaBDE in 2004.

Developmental Exposure to Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Neurodevelopment

“…This was observed in Sweden where PBDEs measured in breast milk increased from 1996 to 1998 and then decreased from 1998 to 2001 following the phase out of PBDEs in the European Union in 1997 [64]. In the U.S., this relationship was examined using PBDEs measured in serum from three NHANES survey periods: 2003/04, 2005/06, and 2007/08 [65]. Sjodin et al found that overall, lower PBDE concentrations were observed in 2007/08 compared to 2003/04, although these differences were not statistically different.…”

Maternal-Child Exposures to Persistent Organic Pollutants in Dhaka, Bangladesh

“…Five aliquots of 250 µl were pooled (total 1.25 ml per pool) according to selected maternal characteristics believed to influence POP concentrations (Agudo et al 2009;Ampleman et al 2015;Axelrad et al 2009;Bachelet et al 2011;James et al 2002;Laden et al 1999;Pavuk et al 2014;Quinn and Wania 2012;Sjödin et al 2014;Tee et al 2003): maternal age, maternal BMI, and large fish consumption (Table 1). Maternal age was obtained through self-report (tertiles: 18-20, 21-25, 26-40 years), maternal BMI was calculated using maternal weight and height measured at enrolment in the second trimester of pregnancy (tertiles: < 21.5, 21.5-25.1, > 25.1 kg/m 2 ), and regular large fish consumption (i.e., at least once per week) was determined using data from the MDIG food frequency questionnaire administered at enrolment (Online Resource, Table S2).…”

How Could Endocrine Disrupters Affect Human Health?

“…This national survey has demonstrated that many of the EDCs listed in Chapter 1 are found ubiquitously in the U.S. population, demonstrating the widespread contamination of the population with these compounds. [17]. DDT and PCBs have been banned in the United States for over 30 years, but the PBDE congener has only more recently ceased production.…”

“…Significantly different 95% CI of the arithmetic mean compared with NHANES 2003-2004 is indicated with an asterisk. Source: Reproduced with permission from Sjordin et al [17].…”