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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in plasma from E-waste recyclers, outdoor and indoor workers in the Puget Sound, WA region

Journal Article · · Chemosphere
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used as flame retardants in consumer products including electronic devices. Important routes of human exposure are contaminated food and contact with dust found in households and workplaces. In this study, we compared twelve PBDEs in household / workplace dust and blood plasma samples provided by 113 volunteers living in the Puget Sound region of Washington State and working at electronic waste (E-waste) recycling sites or non-specific indoor or outdoor occupations. The latter group was also selected based on high seafood consumption habits. Prior to blood sampling, a two-week food consumption diary was obtained from each volunteer. Results indicated the sum PBDE levels varied between < 2.5 and up to 310 ng/g lipid. E-waste recyclers were predominantly men, generally consumed low amounts of seafood, and had PBDE blood levels that were similar to indoor workers. Most PBDE congeners were highest in the outdoor group. Dust samples from E-waste sites were highly enriched with BDE-209 and BDE-153 relative to non-E-waste businesses and homes. Plasma levels of BDE-209 were generally low and did not differ among occupations. In general, our results suggest that PBDE levels in E-waste recyclers are very similar to volunteers working in other types of occupations.
Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC05-76RL01830
OSTI ID:
1501846
Report Number(s):
PNNL-SA-137096
Journal Information:
Chemosphere, Journal Name: Chemosphere Journal Issue: C Vol. 219; ISSN 0045-6535
Publisher:
Elsevier
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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