Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 5, 2025
Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
Published on: March 6, 2018
Polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in infant food: Occurrence and exposure assessment
Jelena Milić1, Nikoleta Lugonja1, Tatjana Šolević Knudsen1
1University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia.
Insights
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were found in Serbian infant formulas and human milk. Breastfed infants showed higher potential health risks from PBDE exposure compared to formula-fed infants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Persistent organic pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs can accumulate in human tissues.
- Infant exposure to these contaminants is a significant concern due to developmental vulnerability.
- Data on PCB and PBDE levels in infant nutrition in Serbia is limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify PCB and PBDE concentrations in infant formulas and human milk from Serbia.
- To assess infant exposure levels to these contaminants.
- To evaluate potential health risks associated with the measured pollutant levels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 101 PCB congeners and 26 PBDE congeners in infant formula (IF) and human milk (HM) samples.
- Calculation of average concentrations and identification of predominant congeners.
- Estimation of daily intake and calculation of hazard quotients for infants.
Main Results:
- Total PCB levels averaged 63.17 ng/g fat in IF and 82.27 ng/g fat in HM.
- Total PBDE levels averaged 4.71 ng/g fat in IF and 4.17 ng/g fat in HM.
- Hazard quotients for PBDEs indicated potential health concerns, particularly for breastfed infants.
Conclusions:
- Infant formulas and human milk in Serbia contain measurable levels of PCBs and PBDEs.
- Breastfed infants may face higher risks from PBDE exposure compared to formula-fed infants.
- Findings suggest a need for continued monitoring and potential risk mitigation strategies.
Abstract:
The objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in infant food (infant formulas and human milk) collected in Serbia and to assess their exposure and associated health risks. A total of 101 PCB congeners and 26 PBDE congeners were analyzed. In infant formulas (IF), the total PCB levels averaged 63.17 ± 46.67 ng/g fat, with PentaCBs being the most abundant. The highest concentration was observed for PCB #101, at 3.69 ± 2.72 ng/g fat. Total PBDE levels in IF averaged 4.71 ± 2.96 ng/g fat, with DecaBDEs dominating. The highest concentration was determined for BDE #209, at 3.90 ± 2.38 ng/g fat. In human milk (HM), the total PCB levels averaged 82.27 ± 46.70 ng/g fat, with HexaCBs as the predominant group. PCB #153 had the highest concentration, at 12.98 ± 7.91 ng/g fat. Total PBDE levels averaged 4.17 ± 4.55 ng/g fat, with DecaBDEs being most abundant. BDE #209 had the highest concentration, at 3.17 ± 4.01 ng/g fat. The estimated daily intake of dl-PCBs for breastfed and formula-fed infants ranged from 11.79-13.96 to 0.37-0.44 pg WHO2005-PCB-TEQ/kg-bw/day, respectively. Hazard quotients for PBDEs ranged from 1.37-6.50 for breastfed infants to 0.65-5.90 for formula-fed infants, highlighting potential health concerns for breastfed infants. The pollutant levels in HM were comparable to those reported in other Central and Eastern European countries.
More Related Videos
12:24Laboratory Estimation of Net Trophic Transfer Efficiencies of PCB Congeners to Lake Trout Salvelinus namaycush from Its Prey
Published on: August 29, 2014
08:28Assessment of the Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds on the Development of Vertebrate Neural Network Function Using Multi-electrode Arrays
Published on: April 26, 2018
