Recorded presentation

Arnold Schecter, MD, MPH, 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

Recent studies show that virtually all U.S. women have some level of brominated flame retardants in their breast milk. These levels are 10-100 higher than for European women. Levels in human blood are similar to levels found in breast milk, while archived blood from the 1970’s contain no measurable PBDEs. The current study found 13 PBDE congeners in U.S. food samples, indicating that PBDE contamination is widespread in the U.S. food supply. Air may be more of a route of exposure for PBDEs than is the case for dioxins and PCBs, where food is the route of almost all dioxin intake. Wipe samples of computer housings and monitors found detectable levels of PBDEs.

Learning Objectives:

• · Discuss how women, fetuses and children are routinely exposed to PBDE flame retardants.
• · Evaluate new information on both food and inhalation exposures in the U.S. population.
• · Identify importance of this issue as a public health problem and analyze public policy implications of these widespread exposures.

Keywords: Environmental Health Hazards, Public Health Policy

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation