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Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and tetrabromobisphenol A among computer technicians
Kristina Jakobsson1, Kaj Thuresson, Lars Rylander
1Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University Hospital, Sweden. kristina.jakobsson@ymed.lu.se
Chemosphere
|May 10, 2002
Summary
Computer technicians show significantly higher levels of specific flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), in their tissues due to prolonged computer use. This indicates workplace contamination and accumulation from electronic equipment.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Occupational Toxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are widely used flame retardants in electronics.
- Exposure to these chemicals is a growing concern, particularly in occupational settings with high electronic equipment usage.
- Understanding exposure levels in specific worker groups is crucial for assessing health risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and quantify exposure to PBDEs and TBBPA in computer technicians.
- To compare exposure levels with control groups of hospital cleaners and computer clerks.
- To explore potential correlations between computer work duration and chemical body burdens.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples were collected from 19 computer technicians.
- Quantification of 13 PBDE congeners and TBBPA using analytical techniques.
- Comparison of results with previously studied groups of hospital cleaners and computer clerks.
Main Results:
- Computer technicians exhibited significantly higher serum concentrations of BDE-153, BDE-183, and BDE-209 (fivefold increase) compared to control groups.
- Specific PBDE congeners (BDE-100, BDE-203, octa-BDEs, nona-BDEs) were prevalent in technicians' samples.
- Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) was detected in 80% of technicians' samples.
- Positive correlations were found between computer work duration and levels of BDE-153, BDE-183, and an octa-BDE congener.
Conclusions:
- Intense computer work is associated with elevated body burdens of specific PBDEs and TBBPA in technicians.
- Electronic equipment serves as a source of workplace contamination and chemical accumulation.
- A dose-response relationship exists between computer work duration and higher brominated PBDE congeners.