Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #119398

Arnold Schecter, MD, MPH, Professor of Environmental Sciences, University of Texas, School of Public Health, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Room V8, 112E, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, 214-648-1096, arnold.schecter@utsouthwestern.edu

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers are a relatively new type of brominated flame retardant. Recent studies show the highest levels in the world of these compounds are found in US nursing mothers' milk, in human blood, in food and in environmental samples. In food collected in market basket surveys in the USA, fish have the highest levels although consumption calculations indicate Americans consume most PBDEs in meat, then dairy and last, fish. These compounds are similar to PCBs structurally and in terms of toxicology data. No human health studies have yet been reported. In toxicology studies, cancer, central nervous system alterations, endocrine disruption, and reproductive and developmental disorders have been found. These compounds are fat soluble, persistent, and levels now in humans are far higher than 30 years previously. Two of the three commercial mixtures are no longer being manufactured in the USA but Deca BDE is being manufactured and sold. This contains mostly 10 brominated PBDEs. These have been found at highest levels in environmental samples, but have also been reported in human milk, blood and in food.

Learning Objectives: After hearing the presentation the attendee should be able to

• Describe levels of brominated flame retardants now in food and people and levels decades ago.
• Describe the toxicological effects of PBDE brominated flame retardants.
• Understand which food type has highest levels of PBDEs of US food.
• Understand the major foods providing gastrointestinal PBDE intake in the USA

Keywords: Nutrition, Environment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.