Temporal trends in serum polybrominated diphenyl ether concentrations in the Australian population, 2002–2013. (December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Toms, Leisa-Maree L.; Sjödin, Andreas; Hobson, Peter; Harden, Fiona A.; Aylward, Lesa L.; Mueller, Jochen F.
• Is Part Of: Environment international. Volume 121(2018)Part 1
• Page Start: 357
• Page End: 364
• Publication Date: 2018-12
• Subjects: Environmental protection -- Periodicals; Environmental health -- Periodicals; Environmental monitoring -- Periodicals; Environmental Monitoring -- Periodicals; Environnement -- Protection -- Périodiques; Hygiène du milieu -- Périodiques; Environnement -- Surveillance -- Périodiques; Environmental health; Environmental monitoring; Environmental protection; Periodicals; 333.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0160-4120

Abstract

Abstract: In Australia, systematic biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in pooled serum samples stratified by age and sex has occurred every two years between 2002/03 and 2012/13. Multiple regression modeling on log10-transformed serum pool concentrations of BDEs 47, 99, 100 and 153 and on the sum of these (Σ4 PBDE) was conducted to examine trends by sex and time since baseline, stratified by age group. Temporal trends were age- and congener-specific, with the largest changes per year of observation in the 0–4 year old group, with β (SE) = −0.098 (0.013) for log10 BDE47; −0.119 (0.012) for log10 BDE99; −0.084 (0.014) for log10 BDE100, and −0.053 (0.013) for log10 BDE153, all p < 0.001. Adults over age 16 showed much smaller decreasing temporal trends for BDE47 and BDE99, no significant changes in BDE100, and, for the oldest age groups, slight increases in BDE153. As a result, Σ4 PBDE concentrations were stable over the entire time period in adults older than 16. Concentrations of each BDE in pools from females aged 31–60 were significantly lower compared to males. Relative proportions of BDE47 declined, while BDE153 accounted for a greater share of Σ4 PBDE over time. Whereas previously we saw a large elevation in the youngest age groups compared to older children and adults, this is no longer the case. This may be due to a decline in infant and toddler exposures in the indoor environment as use of PBDEs in consumer products has been phased out, suggesting temporal changes in the relative sources of exposure for young children in Australia. Highlights: Human biomonitoring of PBDEs in serum between 2002/03 and 2012/13 in Australia. PBDEs were previously highest in youngest ages but this is no longer the case. Σ4 PBDE concentrations were stable over the entire time period in adults. Concentrations of each BDE in females aged 31–60 lower than males. Decline in infants may be related to decreased exposures in the indoor environment.