High body burdens of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in California women.

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.6220
• Publication Date: 2003-03-10T13:42:18Z
• Authors: Myrto Petreas; Jianwen She; F Reber Brown; Jennifer Winkler; Gayle Windham; Evan Rogers; Guomao Zhao; Rajiv Bhatia; M Judith Charles
• Keywords: Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated biphenyl; Diphenyl ether

Following our first report on elevated polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) concentrations in California women, we expanded investigation to include diverse groups of local women. We analyzed additional adipose and serum samples collected the late 1990s from San Francisco Bay Area women participating a breast cancer study reproductive study, respectively. Adipose (n = 32) were by low-resolution mass spectrometry negative-ion chemical ionization mode, whereas 50) dual-column gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The results confirmed earlier findings. Concentrations 2,2,4,4 -tetrabromodiphenyl (BDE-47) contemporary ranged between 5 510 ng/g lipid, median (16.5 lipid) 3-10 times higher than those reported Europe. In contrast, PBDEs not measurable any 420 archived 1960s child development. BDE-47 did increase age or polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB-153), suggesting other routes exposure addition diet. Rising body burdens endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as may pose potential public health threat.