[Polybrominated diphenyl ethers: sources of exposure and expected health effects]

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) along with hexabromocyclododecan, tetrabromobisphenol A and polybrominated biphenyls have been widely used for several decades as flame retardants. They have been added to consumer products, such as car and furniture upholstery, TV sets and computers. PBDE are not chemically bound to the polymers therefore, they can leach into the environment. They have been found in household dust, food, human breast milk, human adipose tissue and human serum. In this paper the potential major sources of emission of PBDEs, human biomonitoring data and results of experimental studies are reviewed. The available data shows that this group of compounds requires a particular concern because of their possibly adverse effects on human health and the environment.