Polybrominated diphenyl ether exposure to electronics recycling workers--a follow up study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Occupational Toxicology
• Chemical Exposure Assessment

Background:

• Workers in electronics recycling plants previously exhibited elevated serum polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) levels.
• Industrial hygiene measures and structural changes were implemented to improve the work environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of workplace improvements on occupational exposure to PBDEs.
• To assess changes in serum concentrations of specific PBDE congeners among workers.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were conducted before (1997) and after (2000) workplace interventions.
• Serum samples from workers were analyzed for PBDE congeners using GC/MS or GC/HRMS.
• Comparison of worker PBDE levels to referent groups with no occupational exposure.

Main Results:

• Significant decreases in serum levels of BDE-183 and BDE-209 were observed post-intervention, with BDE-209 levels falling below those of unexposed referents.
• Serum concentrations of BDE-47 showed no significant change.
• While cross-sectional data showed no change for BDE-153, longitudinal analysis indicated a significant increase.

Conclusions:

• Industrial hygiene improvements effectively reduced occupational exposure to BDE-183 and BDE-209.
• Despite reductions, levels of hexa- to nonaBDEs (excluding BDE-209) remained elevated in exposed workers compared to referents.