Linda S. Birnbaum, PhD, Experimental Toxicology Division, NHEERL, US EPA, 66 USEPA Mailroom, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, (919) 541-2655, Birnbaum.Linda@epamail.epa.gov

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants have been routinely added to consumer products for several decades in a successful effort to reduce fire-related injury and property damage. Global production of PBDEs has reached 67,000 metric tons per year. Recently concern has arisen because of the widespread occurrence of several classes of BFRs in the environment and in human biota. Although human data on health effects are limited, animal studies have found PBDEs to be neurodevelopmental toxins, disruptors of thyroid function and liver toxins. Health effects seen in animal studies are occurring at doses slightly higher than chemical levels found in some of the most highly exposed people in the U.S. Concurrent exposure to both PBDEs and PCBs, as from consuming some fatty fish, presents an increased risk. Because lower-brominated BDEs like penta and octa have the highest potential for bioaccumulation, they are among the most common BDE classes found in fish. However, there is new evidence that deca-BDEs and other higher brominated classes may debrominate to the more bioavailable lower brominated forms in fish and human biota. The EPA is currently updating toxicity assessments for PBDEs to consider emerging science. Additional research is needed on human exposures and health effects, as well as ongoing measurement of PBDE levels in the environment and living organisms.

Learning Objectives:

• · Describe the chemical properties and toxicity of PBDE flame retardants.
• · Assess applicability of animal studies on health effects from PBDE exposure to risk for humans.
• · Compare PBDE levels in human biota to levels at which health effects in animals have been detected.
• · Identify critical research needs relating to human exposure routes, toxicity, health effects and levels of environmental contaminants.

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.