Evaluation of the Burdening on the Czech Population by Brominated Flame Retardants

Significance of the Topic

The use of brominated flame retardants and legacy organochlorine pollutants remains a critical environmental and public health concern. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) derivatives are persistent, bioaccumulative and associated with endocrine disruption, neurodevelopmental impairment and reproductive toxicity. Monitoring their levels in human tissues provides essential data for exposure assessment and regulatory action.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to determine current body burdens of PBDEs, PCBs and DDT-related compounds in human adipose tissue of Czech volunteers and to compare these results with data collected in 2009. A total of 107 samples of solid subcutaneous fat, taken during elective plastic surgeries from adult patients, were analyzed to:

• Quantify 16 PBDE congeners, seven PCB indicators and major DDT isomers.
• Evaluate temporal trends over the past decade.
• Assess the relative contribution of each pollutant class to total halogenated burden.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Adipose tissues (5 g) were freeze-stored at –70 °C, dried and extracted by Soxhlet with hexane/dichloromethane. Lipid content was determined gravimetrically. Cleanup employed gel permeation chromatography on Bio-Beads S-X3, followed by internal standard spiking. Quantification was performed by gas chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer under the following conditions:

• PCBs and DDTs: Rxi-17Sil column, electron ionization, multiple reaction monitoring.
• PBDEs: DB-XLB column, negative chemical ionization, selected ion monitoring.
• Quality control: spiked recoveries (76–119 %) and relative standard deviations (5–20 %).

Main Results and Discussion

PBDEs: Ten congeners were detected; BDE 153 and BDE 47 were present in 100 % of samples. Total PBDE levels averaged 3.31 ng/g lipid (range 0.05–34.3 ng/g), a 25 % decrease since 2009. The distribution followed a log-normal pattern, with most subjects below 2 ng/g but a small fraction showing higher bioaccumulation.

PCBs: Seven indicator congeners yielded an average sum concentration of 776 ng/g (range 67.5–3466 ng/g), representing a 24 % increase over 2009 (625.5 ng/g). Congeners PCB 138 and PCB 180 rose most markedly. The distribution was bimodal, highlighting a subgroup with elevated exposure levels.

DDTs: Major isomers (p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT) averaged 467.4 ng/g (range 11.9–2489.3 ng/g), a 24 % decline from 2009. Levels showed a downward trend consistent with regulatory restrictions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This work provides an updated biomonitoring dataset for halogenated pollutants in Czechia, informing risk assessments and evaluating the effectiveness of regulatory measures. It identifies populations at higher risk, supports dietary and lifestyle guidance, and underlines the need for continued monitoring of persistent contaminants.

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging flame retardants and alternative chemicals should be included in future surveillance. Advanced high-resolution mass spectrometry and non-target screening will enhance detection of novel compounds. Longitudinal studies correlating pollutant loads with health outcomes will improve understanding of exposure-response relationships.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates a significant decline in PBDE and DDT body burdens among Czech volunteers over the past decade, while PCB levels have risen, underscoring the persistence of legacy pollutants. Continued analytical vigilance and policy interventions remain essential to protect public health.

Reference

Logerová H., Tůma P., Stupák M., Pulkrábová J., Dlouhý P. Evaluation of the Burdening on the Czech Population by Brominated Flame Retardants. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2019;16(21):4105.