Distribution of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) among fractions derived from contaminated human plasma

The introduction of polybrominated biphenyls (PBB) into the Michigan food chain resulted in the presence of low levels of PBB in plasma pools used for blood fractionation. Pooled plasma lots contained an average of 1.0 +/- 0.2 ng/ml of PBB, while antihemophilic factor, fibrinogen, and immune serum globulin did not contain detectable amounts of PBB. Albumin (25%) lots contained an average of 2.0 +/- 0.4 ng/ml of PBB. Analysis of old lots showed that PBB first appeared in an albumin lot filled in January, 1974. Plasma used in preparing this lot was drawn during the period when PBB was entering the food chain. The results indicated that the behavior of chemical pollutants is an important consideration when fractionating blood or plasma collected in areas where industrial or environmental pollution have occurred.