PBDEs and PBBs were used mainly as flame retardants in electronics, furniture and
carpets. There are three main types of PBDEs: penta- and octa-PBDE, which were banned in
the EU in 2004; and deca-BDE, which will soon be restricted. PBDEs may
interfere with male
reproductive and hormonal processes, and with brain development. PBBs have been linked
with cancer and were
phased out in the 1980s.
All of these banned and restricted chemicals can
still be found in consumer products that
have not yet been replaced. As they are not chemically bound to the products they are used
in they can
leach into the environment, for example during disposal.
The researchers measured levels of various PBDEs and one PBB in blood samples taken from
men living in Greenland, Poland and the Ukraine. This was the
first large scale study to
measure PBDEs and PBB levels in individuals from these countries. The study group included
99 men from Greenland, 100 from Poland and 100 from the Ukraine, all of whom were
between 18 and 50 and were recruited via hospitals and clinics, as the partners of women
receiving antenatal care.
Samples from nearly all the men contained at least one PBDE or PBB, and 35 contained all
of those that the researchers tested for. Depending on the specific chemical,
levels were
between 3 and 15 times lower in the European men sampled, compared to men from
Greenland. However, levels in Greenlandic men are still lower by at least half than levels
measured previously in US men.
Previous research indicates that W
estern Europe and North America may be major sources
of PBDEs and PBBs for Greenland, as these chemicals are transported by air and can travel
long distances. In addition, the chemicals
accumulate in fish, so different diets may account
for differing levels between countries – and potentially explain the higher levels in
Greenland. Locally, open-air fires and incineration of waste may also be an important
source.
The researchers were
unable to make links between measured concentrations and factors
that might influence exposure levels, such as owning items of furniture likely to contain
PBDEs and PBBs. However, previous studies have identified links to smoking and living in a
low income household, which are both associated with higher blood levels of these
chemicals.
A limitation of this study is that it focused on a specific subset of PBDEs and one PBB; the
authors say that in future research novel flame retardant chemicals should also be taken
into account.
Related Links:
- Source internet document: EU Commission Science for Environment Policy (Issue 360)
