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133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA |
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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
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.
The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA