| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers: A Case Study for Using Biomonitoring Data to Address Risk Assessment Questions Linda S. Birnbaum1 and Elaine A. Cohen Hubal2 1National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, and 2National Center for Computational Toxicology, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA Abstract
The use of biomonitoring data holds promise for characterizing exposure and informing risk assessment. Biomonitoring data have been used successfully to track population trends, identify susceptible populations, and provide indications of emerging environmental health issues. However, there remain challenges associated with interpreting biomonitoring data for risk assessment. An international biomonitoring workshop was convened in September 2004 to explore the use of biomonitoring data in the context of risk assessment. Six compounds were examined as case studies for this workshop, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) . The PBDE case study was developed to provide an example of a persistent compound for which relatively few data are available for human exposure, biomonitoring, and health outcomes. PBDEs are used in hard plastics, electronics, textiles, and polyurethane foam products. The congener pattern downstream of production facilities often resembles the commercial mixture. However, because these compounds persist in the environment and in biota, the patterns of congeners evolve. PBDEs partition into body lipids, and direct measurement of bromodiphenyl ether congeners in biologic specimens provides a good marker of exposure. Data indicate significant variability (> 100-fold range) in lipid-adjusted levels for PBDEs in the general population. It is hypothesized that both exposure and pharmacokinetics may play a role in observed congener profiles. Significant gaps in our ability to interpret PBDE biomonitoring data to address public health and risk assessment questions include limited knowledge of environmental fate and transport of PBDE congeners, limited population-based data for adults, and lack of data for potentially vulnerable populations such as children. Key words: biomonitoring, exposure assessment, PBDE. Environ Health Perspect 114:1770–1775 (2006) . doi:10.1289/ehp.9061 available via http://dx.doi.org/ [Online 12 June 2006]
Address correspondence to L.S. Birnbaum, U.S. EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, MD B143-01, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711 USA. Telephone: (919) 541-2655. Fax: (919) 541-4284. E-mail: birnbaum.linda@epa.gov This publication has been reviewed by the U.S. EPA National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory and cleared for publication. The contents do not necessarily reflect U.S. EPA policy, and mention of trade names or commercial products does not represent endorsement or recommendation for use. The authors declare they have no competing financial interests. Received 1 February 2006 ; accepted 30 May 2006.
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