Assessment of Exposure to Polybrominated Dipheny Ethers via Inhalation and Diet in China

Objective This paper is to assess the current status of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) contamination in the environment in China and estimate the exposure to PBDEs in non-occupational populations. Methods A total of 80 research papers published from January 2001 to October 2013 were selected. Geographic information system (GIS) was used in mapping PBDE concentrations and distributions in environmental media. Ni's model was applied to calculate Sigma PBDE-intake via the intakes of contaminated food, water and air in the Pearl River Delta and Yangtze River Delta. Results BDE-209 was found to be the major PBDE congener in the environmental media and food in China. PBDE concentrations varied among different areas, among which the contamination in Guangdong Province was most serious. Daily intake of Sigma PBDEs was 225.1-446.0 ng/d for adults in the Pearl River Delta, which was higher than the intake for those living in the Yangtze River Delta (148.9-369.8 ng/d). Conclusion PBDEs are ubiquitous in the environment of China. The estimated PBDEs daily dietary intake is comparable with that in European countries.