Brominated organic pollutants

Chlorinated and Brominated Organic Pollutants in Contaminated River Sediments 23... 

Within classical POPs, chlorinated compounds are the most relevant, standing out are PCBs, PCDDs and PCDFs. However, among the emerging POPs, different brominated compoimds have attracted the most scientific interest during the last decade. This work will focus on the most relevant chlorinated and brominated organic pollutants in river sediments. 

D Silva, K., Fernandes, A., White, S., Rose, M., Mortimer, D. N., Gem, M. (2006) Brominated organic micro-pollutants in the United Kingdom diet - results of the 2003 total diet study. Organohalogen Cpds., 68 770-773. 

No matter the source, flame retardants, especially the poly brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE s), are coming under scrutiny because they are persistent organic pollutants (POPs). They are appearing in human samples, most notably serum, adipose fat tissue and breast milk. PBDE s are also under investigation as potential endocrine mimickers or endocrine disrupters. As a result, PBDE s are the most highly regulated flame retardants. Their environmental fate will continue to be a topic of research for years to come. 

The PBDEs are of particular concern. They are incorporated into polymer matrices, but are not covalently bonded and readily leach out of substrates holding them. These compounds are similar in structure to PCBs, are persistent organic polluters (POPs), and are resistant to environmental degradation and metabolism. They can be absorbed via inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. The less-brominated PBDE species (tetra-, penta-, and hexa- moieties) have been found in human blood, adipose tissue, and breast milk. These bioaccumulate in human adipose tissues. 16 ... 

The San Antonio Statement on Brominated and Chlorinated Elame Retardants (DiGangi et al., 2010), agreed upon at the 30th International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants (DiGangi et al., 2010), in San Antonio, Texas, summarizes the concerns of expert scientists on PBDEs. Abont 145 scientists... 

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