Are brominated flame retardants endocrine disruptors?
Juliette Legler1, Abraham Brouwer
1Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM), Vrije Universiteit, De Boelelaan 1087, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. juliette.legler@ivm.vu.nl
Environment International
|July 10, 2003
Summary
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) may disrupt endocrine systems, particularly the thyroid hormone system, similar to PCBs. Further research is needed for comprehensive risk assessments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) share environmental persistence and bioaccumulation properties with legacy organohalogens like PCBs.
- Concerns exist regarding BFRs' potential toxic effects, including teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, and neurotoxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the endocrine-disrupting potential of BFRs.
- To investigate BFRs' impact on the thyroid and estrogen systems.
- To identify research gaps and ongoing studies in the European community.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vitro mechanistic studies.
- Analysis of animal experiments.
- Examination of data on BDEs and their effects on thyroid hormone transport and metabolism.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests BFRs, especially BDEs, disrupt the thyroid hormone system.
- BDEs affect thyroid hormone transport and metabolism, mirroring effects of hydroxylated PCBs.
- Potential impacts on the estrogen system are also discussed.
Conclusions:
- BFRs, particularly BDEs, exhibit endocrine-disrupting properties, notably affecting the thyroid system.
- Further research is crucial for comprehensive risk assessment of BFRs.
- Ongoing European studies aim to address knowledge gaps regarding BFRs' endocrine-disrupting effects.
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