You may have to Search all our reviewed books and magazines, click the sign up button below to create a free account.
This report represents the first national assessment of PBDEs in the U.S. coastal zone. Results suggest that they are widely distributed nationally. Several regions, including the northern Mid-Atlantic, central Gulf of Mexico, Southern California, Pacific Northwest and the Great lakes have elevated PBDE concentrations compared with other coastal regions. Furthermore, PBDE concentrations are positively correlated with human population density along the U.S. coastline. The national and regional perspectives provided herein are intended to support research, local monitoring, and to assist resource managers and policy makers tasked with making regulatory decisions about these contaminants.
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent and bioaccumulative flame retardants that are of concern as they are ubiquitous and potentially toxic; and they have been found at rapidly rising levels in humans during the past few decades. The greatest concern of PBDEs for potential adverse health effects relates to their developmental neurotoxicity (DNT). Various PBDE congeners caused behavioral alterations like hyperactivity and disrupted performance in learning and memory tests in perinatally exposed mice and rats. To facilitate hazard assessment for humans, the impact of PBDEs on human and murine neurodevelopment in vitro and the mechanisms underlying these changes were investigated.
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are a diverse group of chemicals, which are used to slow down or inhibit the development of fires. BFRs are incorporated into a wide range of consumer products that are considered as potential fire hazards, such as TV-sets, household appliances, computers, and textiles. The production and use of BFRs is extensive and consists of mainly tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecan (HBCD). BFRs in general, but in particular the PBDEs, have led to both scientific and public concern since they have been found to bioaccumulate in humans and wildlife. The general population is targeted by the PBDEs due to their applications and via the food web. Occupational exposure occurs not only during direct handling of BFRs, but also during handling, repair and dismantling of flame retarded goods. This thesis is aimed to assess occupational exposure to BFRs. It is mainly focused PBDEs and especially the PBDEs with high bromine content, such as decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209).