Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Swedish human liver and adipose tissue

Paired samples of human liver and adipose tissue were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) containing 3-6 bromine atoms. The samples were obtained at autopsy from one woman and four men at the age of 47 and 66-83 years, respectively. PBDEs were found in all samples. The sum of nine PBDE congeners ranged 5-18 ng/g lipids and 4-8 ng/g lipids in liver and adipose tissue, respectively. In three paired samples the concentrations were similar in liver and adipose tissue, while in two of the pairs the concentrations were higher in liver than in adipose tissue. The PBDE congeners 2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexaBDE (BDE-153) occurred at highest levels and constituted together 87-96% and 84-94% of the total sum of PBDEs in liver and adipose tissue, respectively. The levels of PBDEs were compared to those of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethene (p,p'-DDE), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB).