Impact of Legislation on Brominated Flame Retardant Concentrations in UK Indoor and Outdoor Environments: Evidence for Declining Indoor Emissions of Some Legacy BFRs.

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were measured in indoor dust, indoor air, and outdoor air in Birmingham, UK. Concentrations of ΣBFRs ranged from 490 to 89,000 ng/g, 46-14,000 pg/m3, and 22-11,000 pg/m3, respectively, in UK indoor dust, indoor air, and outdoor air. BDE-209 and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were the main contributors. The maximum concentration of DBDPE (10,000 pg/m3) in outdoor air is the highest reported anywhere to date. In contrast with previous studies of outdoor air in Birmingham, we observed significant correlations between concentrations of tri- to hepta-BDEs and HBCDD and temperature. This may suggest that primary emissions from ongoing use of these BFRs have diminished and that secondary emissions (e.g., evaporation from soil) are now a potentially major source of these BFRs in outdoor air. Conversely, the lack of significant correlations between temperature and concentrations of BDE-209 and DBDPE may indicate that ongoing primary emissions from indoor sources remain important for these BFRs. Further research to clarify the relative importance of primary and secondary sources of BFRs to outdoor air is required. Comparison with earlier studies in Birmingham reveals significant (p < 0.05) declines in concentrations of legacy BFRs, but significant increases for NBFRs over the past decade. While there appear minimal health burdens from BFR exposure for UK adults, dust ingestion of BDE-209 may pose a significant risk for UK toddlers.

Novel Insights into the Dermal Bioaccessibility and Human Exposure to Brominated Flame Retardant Additives in Microplastics.

In this study, we optimized and applied an in vitro physiologically based extraction test to investigate the dermal bioaccessibility of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), incorporated as additives in different types of microplastics (MPs), and assess human dermal exposure to these chemicals. The dermal bioaccessibility of PBDEs in polyethylene (PE) MPs was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in polypropylene (PP) MPs. Both log Kow and water solubility influenced the dermal bioaccessibility of PBDEs. For HBCDDs in polystyrene MPs, the dermally bioaccessible fractions were 1.8, 2.0, and 1.6% of the applied dose for α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDDs, respectively. MP particle size and the presence of cosmetic formulations (antiperspirant, foundation, moisturizer and sunscreen) influenced the bioaccessibility of PBDEs and HBCDDs in MP matrices at varying degrees of significance. Human exposure to ∑PBDEs and ∑HBCDDs via dermal contact with MPs ranged from 0.02 to 22.2 and 0.01 to 231 ng (kg bw)-1 d-1 and from 0.02 to 6.27 and 0.2 to 65 ng (kg bw)-1 d-1 for adults and toddlers, respectively. Dermal exposure to PBDEs and HBCDDs in MPs is substantial, highlighting for the first time the significance of the dermal pathway as a major route of human exposure to additive chemicals in microplastics.

Dermal bioaccessibility of perfluoroalkyl substances from household dust; influence of topically applied cosmetics.

PFAS are known contaminants of indoor dust. Despite the adherence of such dust to skin, the dermal penetration potential of PFAS is not well understood. By applying in vitro physiologically based extraction tests, the bioaccessibility of 17 PFAS from indoor dust to synthetic human sweat sebum mixtures (SSSM) was assessed. The composition of the SSSM substantially impacted the bioaccessibility of all target compounds. PFAS bioaccessibility in a 1:1 sweat:sebum mixture ranged from 54 to 92% for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 61-77% for perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). Commonly applied cosmetics (foundation, sunscreen, moisturiser, and deodorant) significantly impacted the dermal bioaccessibility of target PFAS, e.g., the presence of moisturiser significantly decreased the total bioaccessibility of both PFCAs and PFSAs. Preliminary human exposure estimates revealed dermal contact with indoor dust could contribute as much as pathways such as drinking water and dust ingestion to an adult's daily intake of PFAS. While further research is needed to assess the percutaneous penetration of PFAS in humans, the current study highlights the potential substantial contribution of dermal exposure to human body burdens of PFAS and the need for further consideration of this pathway in PFAS risk assessment studies.

Daphnia as a Sentinel Species for Environmental Health Protection: A Perspective on Biomonitoring and Bioremediation of Chemical Pollution.

Despite available technology and the knowledge that chemical pollution damages human and ecosystem health, chemical pollution remains rampant, ineffectively monitored, rarely prevented, and only occasionally mitigated. We present a framework that helps address current major challenges in the monitoring and assessment of chemical pollution by broadening the use of the sentinel species Daphnia as a diagnostic agent of water pollution. And where prevention has failed, we propose the application of Daphnia as a bioremediation agent to help reduce hazards from chemical mixtures in the environment. By applying "omics" technologies to Daphnia exposed to real-world ambient chemical mixtures, we show improvements at detecting bioactive components of chemical mixtures, determining the potential effects of untested chemicals within mixtures, and identifying targets of toxicity. We also show that using Daphnia strains that naturally adapted to chemical pollution as removal agents of ambient chemical mixtures can sustainably improve environmental health protection. Expanding the use of Daphnia beyond its current applications in regulatory toxicology has the potential to improve both the assessment and the remediation of environmental pollution.

Microplastics in freshwater sediments: Analytical methods, temporal trends, and risk of associated organophosphate esters as exemplar plastics additives.

It has been estimated that over 28 million tonnes of plastics end up in water bodies annually. These plastics degrade into microplastics (MPs), which along with microbeads and MPs from other sources such as wastewater treatment plants continue to threaten the aquatic system. At such small sizes, and corresponding larger surface areas per unit mass/volume, MPs exhibit enhanced capacity for absorbing and desorbing toxic chemicals/additives. Therefore, MPs can serve as vectors through which additives as well as other persistent, bio-accumulative, and toxic chemicals can enter the food chain. Additives are a significant component of most plastic products with some identified as hazardous to health and the environment. One group of additives that has continued to attract interest is organophosphate esters (OPEs), which are used both as flame retardants and plasticizers. Some of these OPEs are suspected carcinogens and endocrine disruptors and have been reported to exert serious toxic effects on freshwater biota. Separate studies on the presence and fate in the freshwater environment of these additives and MPs have emerged recently. However, no studies exist that examine the extent to which plastics additives such as OPEs in sediments are sorbed to MPs as opposed to the sediment itself. This has potentially important implications for the bioavailability of such additives and studies to examine this are recommended. This paper reviews critically the current state-of-knowledge on MPs in freshwater sediments, methods for their analysis, as well as their occurrence, temporal trends, and risks to the freshwater aquatic environment. Moreover, to facilitate the study of additives associated with MPs that have been extracted from sediments, we consider the possible effect of MP isolation methods on the determination of concentrations of associated additives like OPEs.

Atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, and novel flame retardants in Lagos, Nigeria indicate substantial local sources.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (BFRs) like polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), and novel flame retardants (NFRs) like decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Despite this, little is known about their concentrations in outdoor air in the African continent. To address this knowledge gap, concentrations of BFRs, NFRs, and PCBs were measured in outdoor air at 8 sites located within the metropolitan area of Lagos, Nigeria. Concentrations of ∑8BDEs, ∑HBCDD, ∑7NFRs and ∑8PCBs were: 21-750 (median = 100) pg/m3, <12-180 (median = < 12) pg/m3, 34-900 (median = 300) pg/m3 and 85-460 (median = 300) pg/m3, respectively. Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209, range: <16-620 pg/m3, median = 71 pg/m3) and DBDPE (range: <37-890 pg/m3, median = 280 pg/m3) were the dominant BFRs detected, while the non-Arochlor PCB 11 (range: 49-220 pg/m3, median = 100 pg/m3) was the dominant PCB. To the authors' knowledge, these are the first data on the non-Arochlor PCB 11 in outdoor air in Africa. In general, concentrations of all target contaminants in this study were within the range reported elsewhere in Africa and worldwide. Likely due to the tropical climate of Lagos, no seasonal variation in concentrations was discernible for any of the target contaminants. While concentrations of PBDEs and some NFRs were correlated with population density, concentrations of PCBs appear more impacted by leaks from electrical transformers and for PCB 11 to proximity to activities like textile factories that produce and use dyes.

Emerging and legacy brominated flame retardants in the breast milk of first time Irish mothers suggest positive response to restrictions on use of HBCDD and Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations.

The brominated flame retardants (BFRs) hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were measured in 16 pools of human milk from Ireland. Concentrations of BDEs-47, -99, -100, -153, and HBCDD were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in Irish human milk collected in 2011. In contrast, concentrations of BDE-209 in our study exceeded those in 2011, and while decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) was not detected in 2011 it was detected in 3 of our samples. This suggests increased use of DBDPE and that while restrictions on the Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations are reducing human exposure, those on Deca-BDE use have yet to reduce body burdens. Estimated exposures for nursing infants to all target BFRs do not suggest a health concern. A one compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to predict body burdens arising from BFR intakes via air, dust and diet. While for most targeted BFRs, predicted and observed body burdens derived from our human milk data compared reasonably well; predicted BDE-209 and DBDPE values were substantially lower than observed. This suggests exposure pathways not included in the model like dermal uptake from fabrics may be important, and highlights knowledge gaps about the human half-lives and bioavailability of these contaminants.

Concentrations of Brominated Flame Retardants in Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland Reveal Elevated Exposure to Decabromodiphenyl Ethane.

Concentrations of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 13 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) were measured in indoor air and dust collected from Irish homes, cars, offices, and primary schools during 2016-2017. Median concentrations of DBDPE in air (88 pg/m3) and dust (6500 ng/g) significantly exceed those previously reported internationally, with concentrations highest in offices and schools, suggesting that DBDPE is widely used in Ireland. Median concentrations of BDE-209 in air (340 pg/m3) and dust (7100 ng/g) exceed or are within the range of concentrations reported recently for the same microenvironments in the U.K., and exceed those reported in many other countries. Concentrations of BDE-209 in cars exceeded significantly (p < 0.05) those in other microenvironments. HBCDD was detected in all dust samples (median: 580 ng/g), and in 81% of air samples (median: 24 pg/m3) at concentrations similar to those reported recently for the U.K. and elsewhere. Estimates of exposure to DBDPE of Irish adults (92 ng/day) and toddlers (210 ng/day) as well as to BDE-209 (220 ng/day and 650 ng/day for adults and toddlers, respectively) substantially exceed those reported for the U.K. population. Moreover, our estimates of exposure of the Irish population to Σtrideca-PBDEs exceed previous estimates for Ireland via dietary exposure.

Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Drinking Water, Indoor Air and Dust from Ireland: Implications for Human Exposure.

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in air and dust from cars, homes, offices, and school classrooms in Ireland, along with drinking water from homes and offices. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) dominated air and drinking water, while perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) dominated dust. This is the first report of PFOA, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), PFBS, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) in air inside cars and school classrooms. PFOS concentrations in classroom air exceeded significantly (p ≤ 0.05) those in homes. Atmospheric concentrations of PFOA, PFNA, and methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido ethanol (MeFOSE) (p ≤ 0.05) were significantly higher in cars containing child car seats than in cars without. PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, and PFHxS were all detected frequently in drinking water, but concentrations of PFASs were low, and although ΣPFASs were 64 ng/L in one bottled water sample, this fell below a Swedish Action Level of 90 ng ΣPFASs/L. The Irish population's exposure to PFOS and PFOA via non-dietary sources is well below estimates of dietary exposure elsewhere in Europe. Moreover, even under a high-end exposure scenario, it falls below the European Food Safety Authority's (EFSA) provisional tolerable weekly intakes for PFOS and PFOA.

A rapid method for the determination of brominated flame retardant concentrations in plastics and textiles entering the waste stream.

Due to new European legislation, products going to waste are subject to 'low persistent organic pollutant concentration limits'. Concentrations of restricted brominated flame retardants in waste products must be determined. A rapid extraction and clean-up method was developed for determination of brominated flame retardants in various plastics and textiles. The optimised method used vortexing and ultrasonication in dichloromethane followed by sulfuric acid clean-up to determine target compounds. Poly-brominated diphenyl ethers were determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and hexabromocyclododecane by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. Good recoveries of target analytes were obtained after three extraction cycles. The method was validated using poly-propylene and poly-ethylene certified reference materials as well as previously characterised textiles, expanded and extruded poly-styrene samples. Measured concentrations of target compounds showed good agreement with the certified values indicating good accuracy and precision. Clean extracts provided low noise levels resulting in low limits of quantification (0.8-1.5 ng/g for poly-brominated diphenyl ethers and 0.3 ng/g for α-, ß- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane). The developed method was applied successfully to real consumer products entering the waste stream and it provided various advantages over traditional methods, including reduced analysis time, solvent consumption, minimal sample contamination and high sample throughput, which is crucial to comply with the implemented legislation.

Emerging and Legacy Flame Retardants in UK Indoor Air and Dust: Evidence for Replacement of PBDEs by Emerging Flame Retardants?

Concentrations of 27 emerging (EFRs) and legacy flame retardants (LFRs) were measured in samples of indoor air (n = 35) and indoor dust (n = 77) from UK homes and offices. All target compounds were detected in indoor air and dust samples. Relatively volatile EFRs (e.g., tetrabromoethylcyclohexane-DBE-DBCH) were more frequently detected in indoor air (detection frequencies >60%), while less volatile EFRs (e.g., tetrabromobisphenolA-bis(2,3-dibromopropyl ether (TBBPA-BDBPE) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)) were predominant in dust. Concentrations of some EFRs (e.g., DBDPE) exceeded significantly those reported previously in UK dust (p < 0.05), while concentrations of BDE-209 in office dust were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those reported previously in UK offices, consistent with the application of DBDPE as an alternative to the Deca-BDE formulation, of which BDE-209 is the principal constituent. Moreover, concentrations of BDEs-47 and -99 (both major constituents of the Penta-BDE product) in office air were significantly lower (p < 0.05) than those in previous UK studies. Our results constitute important early evidence that restrictions on PBDEs have increased demand for EFRs in the UK, with the result that human exposure to PBDEs in UK homes and offices has decreased while exposure to EFRs has risen.

Concentrations of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers, Hexabromocyclododecanes and Tetrabromobisphenol-A in Breast Milk from United Kingdom Women Do Not Decrease over Twelve Months of Lactation.

Conflicting evidence exists about whether concentrations of persistent organic chemicals in human milk decrease over the course of lactation. This has implications for the timing of sampling human milk for exposure assessment purposes. We examined this issue by measuring concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), the HBCD degradation products tetrabromocyclododecenes (TBCDs), and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) in human milk collected in 2010-2011 from 10 first-time mothers from Birmingham, UK. To evaluate whether concentrations varied significantly over the first 12 months postpartum, 12 samples were taken-one per month-from each mother, amounting to 120 samples overall. While concentrations of most of our target contaminants displayed no significant variation (p > 0.1) over the duration of our study, significant increases were detected in concentrations of ∑TBCDs (p = 0.029, average increase 1.4%/month) and BDE-153 (p = 0.058, average increase 4.2%/month). When compared to data obtained from a different set of UK mothers from a related but geographically wider catchment area sampled contemporaneously to this study, the ratio of median concentrations of BDE-153 to BDE-99 was markedly lower in the current study (0.46 compared to 1.32). This may reflect unidentified differences in exposure of the participants in the two studies.

Effect of Bromine Substitution on Human Dermal Absorption of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers.

Human dermal absorption of eight mono- to deca-brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) was investigated for the first time using EPISKIN human skin equivalent tissue. Using a standard in vitro protocol, EPISKIN tissues mounted in specially designed diffusion cells were exposed to the target PBDEs for 24 h. Estimated steady-state flux (Jss) and permeation coefficients (Papp) across the skin increased with decreasing bromine substitution from BDE-153 (Papp = 4.0 × 10(-4) cm/h) to BDE-1 (Papp = 1.1 × 10(-2) cm/h). This was accompanied by an increase in the time required to traverse the skin tissue into the receptor fluid (lag time) from 0.25 h for BDE-1 to 1.26 h for BDE-153. Papp values for the studied PBDEs were correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with physicochemical parameters like water solubility and log KOW. While less brominated congeners achieved faster dermal penetration, higher PBDEs displayed greater accumulation within the skin tissue. The PBDEs thus accumulated represent a contaminant depot from which they may be slowly released to the systemic circulation over a prolonged period. Maximal percutaneous penetration was observed for BDE-1 (∼ 30% of the applied 500 ng/cm(2) dose). Interestingly, BDE-183 and BDE-209 showed very low dermal absorption, exemplified by a failure to reach the steady state within the 24 h exposure period that was studied.

High-resolution mass spectrometry provides novel insights into products of human metabolism of organophosphate and brominated flame retardants.

The high resolution, accurate mass, and fast scanning features of the Orbitrap(TM) mass spectrometer, combined with the separation power of ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography were applied for the first time to study the metabolic profiles of several organic flame retardants (FRs) present in indoor dust. To mimic real-life exposure, in vitro cultured HepG2 human hepatocyte cell lines were exposed simultaneously to various FRs in an indoor dust extract for 24 h. Target parent FRs, hexabromocyclododecanes (α-, ß-, and γ-HBCDs), tris-2-chloroethyl phosphate (TCEP), tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TCIPP), and tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), were separated in a single run for the first time using alternating positive and negative heated ESI source. Further metabolite separation and identification was achieved using full scan (70,000 full width at half maximum (FWHM)), accurate mass (up to 1 ppm) spectrometry. Structural confirmation was performed via all ion fragmentation (AIF) spectra using the optional higher collisional dissociation (HCD) cell and MS/MS analysis. First insights into human metabolism of HBCDs revealed several hydroxylated and debrominated phase I metabolites, in addition to conjugated phase II glucuronides. Furthermore, various hydroxylated, oxidized, and conjugated metabolites of chlorinated phosphorous FRs were identified, leading to the suggestion of α-oxidation as a significant metabolic pathway for these compounds.

In vitro metabolism of BDE-47, BDE-99, and α-, ß-, γ-HBCD isomers by chicken liver microsomes.

The in vitro oxidative metabolism of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), and the individual α-, ß- and γ-hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) isomers catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes was studied using chicken liver microsomes (CLMs). Metabolites were identified using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method and authentic standards for the oxidative metabolites of BDE-47 and BDE-99. Six hydroxylated tetra-BDEs, namely 4-hydroxy-2,2',3,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4-OH-BDE-42), 3-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (3-OH-BDE-47), 5-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (5-OH-BDE-47), 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE-47), 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5'- tetrabromodiphenyl ether (4'-OH-BDE-49), and 2'-hydroxy-2,3',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (2'-OH-BDE-66), were identified and quantified after incubation of BDE-47 with CLMs. 4'-OH-BDE-49 was the major metabolite formed. Three hydroxylated penta-BDEs (5'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (5'-OH-BDE-99), 6'-hydroxy-2,2',4,4',5- pentabromodiphenyl ether (6'-OH-BDE-99), and 4'-hydroxy-2,2',4,5,5'-pentabromodiphenyl ether, 4'-OH-BDE-101, were formed incubating BDE-99 with CLMs. Concentrations of BDE-99 metabolites were lower than those of BDE-47. More than four mono-hydroxylated HBCD (OH-HBCD), more than four di-hydroxylated HBCD (di-OH-HBCD), more than five mono-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecenes (OH-PBCD), and more than five di-hydroxylated pentabromocyclododecenes (di-OH-PBCD) were detected when α-, ß-, or γ-HBCD were individually incubated with CLMs. Response values (the ratio between the peak areas of the target compound and its internal standard) for OH-HBCD were 1-3 orders of magnitude higher than those for OH-PBCD, di-OH-HBCD, and di-OH-PBCD, suggesting that OH-HBCD might be the major metabolites of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD produced by CLMs. No diastereoisomeric or enantiomeric bioisomerisation was observed incubating α-, ß- or γ-HBCD with CLMs. Collectively, our data suggest that (i) BDE-47 is metabolized at a faster rate than BDE-99 by CLMs, (ii) OH-HBCD are the major hydroxylated metabolites of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD produced by CLMs and (iii) the diastereoisomeric or enantiomeric bioisomerisation of α-, ß- and γ-HBCD is not mediated by chicken CYP enzymes.

Organophosphate flame retardants in indoor dust from Egypt: implications for human exposure.

Organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) have been proposed as alternatives for the phased out PBDE formulations. However, there exists no information on indoor dust contamination with PFRs in Africa. In this study, we report--for the first time--on levels and profiles of PFRs in dust samples from Egyptian houses (n = 20), offices (n = 20), cars (n = 20), and public microenvironments (PMEs; n = 11). Results revealed that PFR levels in Egyptian indoor dust are among the lowest reported worldwide. This may be attributed to less strict fire-safety standards and lack of regulatory actions against PBDEs. Triphenylphosphate was the only PFR detected in all samples with highest average concentration (386 ng g(-1)). While tris-2-chloroethyl phosphate, tris(1-chloro-2-propyl)phosphate and tris-1,3-dichloropropylphosphate showed higher detection frequency (DF = 69%, 57%, and 56%; average = 233, 229, and 144 ng g(-1), respectively), tri(2-butoxyexthyl)phosphate (37%; 294 ng g(-1)) displayed the second highest average concentration. Statistical analysis revealed significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of ΣPFRs in cars (average = 1011 ng g(-1)) and PMEs (2167 ng g(-1)) than in houses (310 ng g(-1)) and offices (450 ng g(-1)). Estimated exposures of adults and toddlers to PFRs via dust ingestion were much lower than the reported reference doses, indicating no immediate health risk to the Egyptian population.

Enantioselective biotransformation of hexabromocyclododecane by in vitro rat and trout hepatic sub-cellular fractions.

α-, ß-, and γ-Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) were subjected to in vitro biotransformation experiments with rat and trout liver S9 fractions for different incubation times (10, 30, and 60 min) at 2 concentration levels (1 and 10 µM). The metabolic degradation of target HBCDs followed first order kinetics. Whereas ß-HBCD undergoes rapid biotransformation (t0.5 = 6.4 and 38.1 min in rat and trout, respectively), α-HBCD appears the most resistant to metabolic degradation (t0.5 = 17.1 and 134.9 min). The biotransformation rate in trout was slower than in rat. Investigation of HBCD degradation profiles revealed the presence of at least 3 pentabromocyclododecene (PBCD) and 2 tetrabromocyclododecadiene (TBCD) isomers indicating reductive debromination as a metabolic pathway for HBCDs. Both mono- and di- hydroxyl metabolites were identified for parent HBCDs, while only mono hydroxyl metabolites were detected for PBCDs and TBCDs. Interestingly, δ-HBCD was detected only in trout S9 fraction assays indicating metabolic interconversion of test HBCD diastereomers during biotransformation in trout. Finally, enantioselective analysis showed significant enrichment of the (-)-α-HBCD enantiomer (EF = 0.321 and 0.419 after 60 min incubation in rat and trout, respectively). The greater enrichment of (-)-α-HBCD in rat than in trout underlines the species-specific differences in HBCD metabolism and the need for caution when extending similar results from animal studies to humans.

Persistent Organic Contaminants in Dust from the International Space Station.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD), "novel" brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in a composite sample of dust from the International Space Station (ISS). Notwithstanding the unique environment from which the dust originated, while concentrations of all target compound classes frequently exceeded the median values in terrestrial indoor microenvironments in the US and western Europe, ISS dust concentrations were generally within the terrestrial range. The relative abundance of the three HBCDD diastereomers is dominated by γ-HBCDD (96.6% ΣHBCDD). This matches very closely with the commercial mixture added to materials and contrasts with the diastereomer distribution observed in most terrestrial indoor dust samples (in which γ-HBCDD is typically ∼60-70% ΣHBCDD). This suggests conditions inside the ISS do not favor the previously reported photolytically mediated formation in dust of α-HBCDD. Also of note, the concentration of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in ISS dust (3300 ng/g) exceeds the maximum reported (1960 ng/g) in a 2008 survey of dust from US child daycare centers and homes. This may reflect the widespread use of waterproofing treatments in the ISS to prevent microbial growth. Our findings can inform future material choices for manned spacecraft such as the ISS.

Are UK E-waste recycling facilities a source of environmental contamination and occupational exposure to brominated flame retardants?

Investigations into the impacts of regulated electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) recycling activities on urban environments in Europe remain rather scarce. In this study, dust samples taken both inside and outside of five UK e-waste recycling facilities were analysed for concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD). Average concentrations of ∑BFRs in dust inside and outside UK e-waste recycling facilities were 12,000 ng/g and 180 ng/g, with median concentrations of 7500 ng/g and 85 ng/g, respectively. BDE-209 and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) were the most abundant BFRs in both indoor and kerb dust, making a combined contribution to ∑BFRs of ~90 % on average. While four out of the five studied e-waste facilities showed a lack of significant impact on BFR contamination in surrounding environment, one of the studied e-waste recycling facilities was identified as a likely source of BFR contamination to UK urban environments, with industrial activities as another potential source of NBFRs. Occupational exposure of UK e-waste recycling workers to BFRs via dust ingestion was generally lower than that estimated for e-waste recyclers from other countries, but was comparable to BFR exposure via dust ingestion of UK office workers. Our estimates suggested that health burdens posed by dust ingestion of BFRs were minimal for UK e-waste recycling workers.