Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings
Published on: February 7, 2025
PBDEs and PBBs in human serum and breast milk from cohabiting UK couples
Lindsay Bramwell1, Alwyn Fernandes2, Martin Rose2
1Institute of Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4AX, UK.
Insights
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) were measured in UK human blood and breast milk samples post-ban. Concentrations showed a modest decrease, with infant exposures below US-EPA reference doses.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are persistent organic pollutants.
- EU bans on penta-, octa-, and deca-BDE formulations were enacted in 2004 and 2008.
- Human exposure levels and trends post-regulation remain an area of investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify PBDE and PBB concentrations in human serum and breast milk in the UK.
- To assess changes in PBDE/PBB levels following recent regulatory bans.
- To estimate infant exposure to PBDEs and compare with established safety thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Matched blood and breast milk samples were collected from 10 UK couples (2011-12).
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to measure PBDE and PBB congeners.
- Serum and milk concentrations were analyzed, and average daily infant intakes were calculated.
Main Results:
- Median serum PBDE (tri-hepta) concentration was 4.0 ng g(-1) lw, and breast milk was 5.7 ng g(-1) lw.
- BB-153 and BDE-209 were detected in a significant proportion of samples.
- Concentrations indicated a modest decrease compared to pre-ban UK levels.
- Estimated infant daily intakes for key PBDEs were below US-EPA reference dose values.
Conclusions:
- PBDE and PBB levels in UK humans have modestly decreased post-regulation.
- While detected, infant exposure levels are currently below established toxicological reference doses.
- Continued monitoring is warranted to track long-term trends and potential risks.
Abstract:
Concentrations of PBDEs and PBBs were measured in matched blood and breast milk samples from 10 UK couples collected in 2011-12. These data are the first measurements in human serum from the UK since the 2004 EU ban on all uses of the penta-and octa-BDE formulations and the 2008 ban on the use of the deca-BDE formulation in some applications. Serum ∑PBDE tri-hepta concentrations ranging from 1.0 to 16 ng g(-1) lipid weight, with median 4.0 ng g(-1) lw were measured. Breast milk ∑PBDE tri-hepta concentrations ranged from 1.3 to 21 ng g(-1) lw, with median 5.7 ng g(-1) lw. Couples had similar serum congener concentrations unless one of them frequently stayed away from home for work (different diet and dust exposures) or one had occupational exposure to foams and furnishings or electronics. BB-153 were measured above LOD in 40% of sera and 100% of breast milks samples, with median concentrations of 0.04 and 0.06, and maximums of 0.91 and 0.79 ng g(-1) lw respectively. Concentrations in this study indicated a modest decrease from pre-ban levels reported for the UK. BDE-209 was detected above the limit of detection (LOD) in 15% of sera and 83% of breast milks, with ranges <1.2-20 and <0.2-1.0 ng g(-1) lw respectively. Average daily infant intakes were estimated at 17, 5, 5 and 3 ng kg(-1) bw for BDE-47,-99,-153 and -209 respectively, all well below relevant US-EPA threshold reference dose values (RfDs).
Related Concept Videos
01:30Development of Human Microbiota
01:49Probability Laws
01:28Development of the Oral Microbiota