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Seven congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153,BDE-154 and BDE-183) and six indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (PCB-28, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180) were measured in 32 regional pooled human milk samples originating from 1760 volunteering primiparous mothers to evaluate the current human body burden of general population and the temporal trend in China. Individual human milk samples were collected following a WHO-designed procedure. This work is one of parts of the evaluation of effectiveness of Stockholm Convention performance. The concentration of ∑ 7 PBDEs ranged from 0.3 ng g −1 lipid to 4.0 ng g −1 lipid with a mean of 1.5 ng g −1 lipid. The concentration of ∑ 6 PCBs ranged from 2.3 ng g −1 lipid to 19.0 ng g −1 lipid with a mean of 6.6 ng g −1 lipid. By comparing with background determination in 2007, there was no significance for ∑ 7 PBDEs. However, BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100 significantly decreased with an average of 45%, 48%, and 46%, respectively, from 2007 to 2011, and an increase of BDE-183 was founded in most regions. For ∑ 6 PCBs, there was a significant decline with an average reduction of 41% from 2007 to 2011. These results indicate the effectiveness of reduction and elimination of POPs in China. Future national human milk biomonitoring is worthy to be done to further evaluate the time trend and effectiveness of the Convention performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne diseases have increased pesticide use in urban areas (UA) and agricultural areas (AA) in Mexico. Breast milk can be contaminated by pesticide exposure. The objective of the study was to measure breast milk intake by deuterium oxide dilution as well as organochlorine and pyrethroid transfer from mother to infant in AA and UA of Sonora, Mexico. Human milk intake was determined by the ’dose-to-mother’ technique using deuterium oxide (D 2 O) dilution. Mothers’ body composition was also assessed by this technique and the intercept method. Pyrethroids (deltamethrin, cypermethrin and cyhalothrin) and organochlorine pesticide residues ( p,p’- DDT, p,p’ - DDE, p,p’- DDD) in breast milk samples were measured by gas chromatography. Sixty-two lactating women and their infants participated in the study, 32 lived in the UA and 30 lived in the AA. Breast milk intake was approximately 100 mL higher in the AA than in the UA 799 ± 193 and 707 ± 201 mL/day, respectively (p < 0.05). The concentrations of p,p’ - DDT and cypermethrin levels in breast milk were higher in the UA than in the AA (p < 0.05 and p = 0.001, respectively). None of the pyrethroids and organochlorine pesticides studied surpassed the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) in milk for humans according to EPA and FAO/WHO. In conclusion, breast milk intake was higher in the AA compared to the UA. The p,p’- DDT and cypermethrin levels in breast milk were higher in the UA compared to the AA. Since pesticide levels in human milk did not exceed the ADI, breastfeeding is still a safe practice and should be encouraged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of our study is to investigate the spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane ( p,p′ -DDT) and its metabolites, α- and γ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) in 155 samples of human milk (HM) from Eastern Siberia (six towns and seven villages in Irkutsk Region, one village of the Republic of Buryatia and one town in Zabaikal'sk Region, Russia), and to examine the dietary and social factors influencing the human exposure to the organochlorines. The median and range of the concentration of six indicator PCBs in HM in 14 localities in Eastern Siberia (114 (19–655) ng g −1 lipids respectively) are similar to levels in the majority of European countries. However, in one village, Onguren, the median and range of levels of six indicator PCBs (1390 (300–3725) ng g −1 lipids) were comparable to levels measured in highly contaminated populations. The Lake Baikal seals are highly exposed to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and could be a potential source of PCB and DDT exposure in the Onguren cohort via the consumption of the Lake Baikal seal tissue. The location of food production in areas exposed to the emissions of local POP sources can also significantly influence POP levels in HM samples from industrialized areas. Estimated daily intakes (EDI) of HCH and HCB for infants are considerably lower or close to acceptable daily intake (ADI). The EDI of total DDTs and total PCBs are higher than ADI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The selected OCPs have been analysed in 28 samples of human milk. [•] The highest intake by the infant was found for p,p′-DDE, the lowest for γ-HCH. [•] Margin of safety below 1 was noted both for HCB in one sample and for ΣDDT in three samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We measured dioxins in breast milk from 100 primiparae from Naples and Caserta. [•] Dioxin levels were related to a set of environmental and individual risk factors. [•] Dioxin in breast milk is correlated to environmental contamination and age of donor. [•] Illegal burning of solid waste in the vicinage is also a significant risk factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: There is a growing concern that persistent organic pollutants like organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) can impair fetal growth and affect birth size. However, currently available epidemiological evidence is inconclusive. In this case-control study, we examined the association between exposure to hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH and γ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and birth size. We recruited 60 infant-mother pairs, comprising of 30 term, small for gestational age babies with their mothers (Case group), and another 30 term, appropriate for gestational age babies with their mothers (Control group). This study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Delhi, India, between March, 2009 and February 2010. Organochlorine pesticides were estimated in maternal blood, cord blood, placenta and breastmilk samples, using gas–liquid chromatography. Transplacental and transmammary transfer of OCPs was assessed by correlating the maternal blood OCP levels with those in cord blood and breastmilk by simple linear regression. The birthweight, crown heel length, head circumference, mid-arm circumference and ponderal index of the neonates was correlated with OCP levels in the maternal blood, cord blood, placenta and breastmilk. The OCP estimates were compared between samples of the case and control group. There was a significant (P <0.001) transplacental transfer of all OCPs, however the transmammary transfer was insignificant for most OCPs except α-HCH. The OCP levels in the case group were higher than the control group; these were significantly more for t-HCH in cord blood and breastmilk; β-HCH in maternal blood, cord blood and breastmilk; DDE in placenta and DDT in breastmilk. There was a significant negative correlation between birthweight and t-HCH levels in maternal blood (P =0.022), cord blood (P <0.001), placenta (P =0.008) and breastmilk (P =0.005); β-HCH in cord blood (P <0.001) and placenta (P =0.020); γ-HCH in placenta (P =0.045); and DDT (P =0.009). Length at birth had a significant negative correlation with t-HCH in cord blood (P =0.014) and breastmilk (P <0.001); β-HCH in cord blood (P =0.016) and breastmilk (P =0.012); DDE in placenta (P =0.016); and DDT in breastmilk (P =0.006). Similarly, OCP levels were also found to be negatively correlated with head circumference, ponderal index and chest circumference in neonates. We conclude that prenatal exposure to some OCPs could impair the anthropometric development of the fetus, reducing the birthweight, length, head circumference, chest circumference and ponderal index. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Exposure of mothers to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was assessed by measuring the levels of 20 OCPs in 70 human breast milk samples pooled from 210 individuals from China, Korea and Japan. The OCPs were analyzed using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) monitoring. The results showed that β-hexachlorocyclohexane and hexachlorobenzene were one order of magnitude higher in China than in the other nations, whereas chlordanes and polychlorinated biphenyl levels were highest in Japan. Heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, endrin, toxaphenes and mirex were detected in most samples, and levels of these chemicals were significantly higher in Japan (0.8–4.5ngg−1 lipid), followed by Korea (0.2–4.7ngg−1 lipid), and lowest in China (less than 1.0ngg−1 lipid). α- and β-endosulfans were detected at a range of 0.9–1.5ngg−1 lipid levels in all samples analyzed, and their levels were higher in Korean than in Chinese samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Thirty persistent organohalogen compounds including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in breast milk samples (n =36) of primipara and multipara mothers from Bizerte in 2010. The analytical procedure involved the application of liquid–liquid extraction and gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC–ECD) or mass spectrometry detector (GC–MS) for identification and quantification. Organohalogen compounds were found in all the analyzed samples, with predominance of p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, HCB and PCBs. The mean concentration of ∑DDTs in breast milk was 1163.9ngg−1 lipid wt. The ratio of p,p′-DDE/p,p′-DDT was low, suggesting that there is fresh intake of commercial DDT products in Bizerte. The mean levels of HCB and PCB were 286.8 and 331.2ngg−1 lipid wt respectively. These results were compared with the levels obtained in a previous study carried out in the same area in 2003. A general decrease of ∑DDTs levels and an increase of PCB levels were observed. Among the 10 PBDE congeners evaluated, BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-66, BDE-138, BDE-100, BDE-154, BDE-153, and BDE-183 were detected in the analyzed samples at different frequency. The total PBDE concentrations ranged from 2.5 to 22.6ngg−1 lipid wt in the samples, with a mean and median value of 10.7 and 9.8ngg−1 lipid wt respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first data of PBDEs in Tunisian human milk. The present study shows that age and parity are factors influencing the levels of some organohalogen compounds in human milk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present study investigated the current contamination status and evaluated several kinetic-related features of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and PCBs in human breast milk collected from northern Vietnam. The variation in the levels of these contaminants was found to be strongly associated with total lactation time and dietary habits. OCPs exhibited the characteristics of steadily declining compounds: the overall levels of DDTs and HCHs in the population decreased with a half-time of only 5years and it can be suggested that OCPs depurated relatively fast with breastfeeding (5% per month). PCBs were slower in both regards, with a temporal decrease half-time of 12years and a suggested depuration rate via breastfeeding of 2.5% per month, indicating that the exposure level was still high relative to the human body burden. It was found that the PCB exposure levels of infant from breastfeeding exceeded the reference dose, and this situation may continue for the next two or three decades. Knowledge of these kinetic-related characteristics not only is useful for risk assessment and prediction of future trends of legacy contaminants but also may provide insight regarding similar kinetic processes of emerging persistent pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In utero and lactational exposure to endocrine disruptors is thought to be potentially harmful on fetal and infant development. Data of exposure in France is scarce. This is a prospective study with (1) collection of 84 cord bloods (CB) and 69 milks from 86 mothers delivering healthy boys (gestational age ⩾34weeks) at two maternity wards in Southern France, between 2002 and 2005 and (2) screening for 15 xenobiotics with anti-androgenic and/or estrogenic effects: DDE, 7 PCBs, dibutylphthalate and its metabolite mBP, HCB, lindane, linuron, procymidone and vinclozoline. Correlations were made with delivery and neonatal outcomes. All CB and milks were contaminated by one or more xenobiotics (mainly PCBs, DDE, HCB, and phthalates) with good correlation between CB and milk concentrations. Compared to other geographical areas, exposure was usually in the lower bracket. Milk [PCB180] was associated with lower birth weight. Infant head circumference correlated negatively with [HCB] and positively with [mBP] in CB. There was a similar but not significant trend for birth weight and length. [DDE] in milk was higher in older mothers and in women born in Africa. In utero and lactational exposure is ubiquitous in our area. Contamination of milk with HCB, mBP, and PCB 180 showed weak correlations with infant growth. This snapshot of exposure in an area with no major industry will serve for further monitoring. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Human breast milk offers the optimal nutrition for all infants and have been widely used in biomonitoring programs to assess human exposure to lipophylic environmental contaminants such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). There are no previous reports from Turkey on chemically determined levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in human breast milk expressed as World Health Organization (WHO) toxic equivalents (TEQ). To get an overview of the levels of these contaminants in Turkish human milk, samples from 51 Turkish women living in the Ankara, İstanbul, Antalya, Kahramanmaraş, and Afyon provinces were analyzed by high resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) throughout 2007. The mean concentrations of WHOPCDD/F-TEQ and WHOPCB-TEQ of all samples from the five regions were 7.5 and 3.1pgg−1 on a lipid basis, respectively. PCDD/F concentrations ranged between 0.78 and 29.3pg WHO-TEQ g−1 fat (1.7 and 36.2pg WHO-TEQ g−1 fat, respectively, including PCB). Of the five studied locations, the lowest levels of ∑TEQs (PCDD/F+PCB) were found in the Afyon (6.8pg WHO-TEQ g−1 fat) and the highest in the Antalya (15.6pg WHO-TEQ g−1 fat) province. The results have been discussed in terms of regions and PCDD/F and PCBs for which analyses had been made. The mean levels of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Turkish human milk are comparable to that found in other countries. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The study examined the levels of dioxin-like compounds in 24 pooled samples that were comprised of 1237 individual human milk samples from 12 provinces of China. The samples were taken in different regions to evaluate the body burden of these contaminants and assess their health risk to breast-feeding infants of China. The pooled samples were analyzed for 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) congeners. The population of the provinces involved in this study accounts for approximately 50% of the total Chinese population. The range of upper-bound total-TEQ in samples was from 2.59pg TEQ g−1 lipid to 9.92pg TEQ g−1 lipid with a mean of 5.42pg TEQ g−1 lipid and a median of 5.11pg TEQ g−1 lipid. PCDD/Fs-TEQ and total-TEQ in human milk from rural areas were lower than those from urban areas. The positive correlations were found between total-TEQ level in human milk and the consumption of aquatic food and meat respectively. The mean estimated daily intake of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs by infants was 28.0pg TEQ kg−1 bw per day with a range from 14.2pg TEQ kg−1 bw per day to 48.6pg TEQ kg−1 bw per day. In the study, both the TEQ body burden of the sample population and estimated daily TEQ intake of breast-feeding infants were lower than those of developed countries. Continuous surveillance on PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs levels in human milk is needed to correctly evaluate both the environmental impact and human health risk in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have recently been shown to be on the increase in the environment and in human milk. The most commonly found PBDE congener in human milk is 2,2′,4,4′,5-penta BDE (BDE-99). The aim of the present study was to investigate the neurotoxic effects of BDE-99 (2mgkg−1 d−1) administration, from gestational day 6 to postnatal day (PND) 21, on neurobehavioural development and redox responses in offspring. Neurobehavioural development analysis revealed a delayed appearance of cliff drop and negative geotaxis reflexes in the exposed group. Furthermore, developmental exposure to BDE-99 also affected learning and memory functions during adolescence. On PND 37, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was reduced, while increases in hydrogen peroxide, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide and electron spin resonance signal intensities were observed in the hippocampus of BDE-99-treated animals. However, the activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the cerebellum and cerebral cortex was not significantly different between treated and control animals. The present study demonstrated that developmental BDE-99 exposure causes oxidative stress in the hippocampus of offspring by altering the activity of different antioxidant enzymes and producing free radicals. We demonstrated adverse effects of developmental exposure to BDE-99 associated with tissue concentrations very close to the current human body burden of this persistent and bioaccumulative compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2006–2007, we collected human milk from 60 and 48 donors in the Chinese coastal cities of Tianjin and Yantai, respectively, in accordance with the WHO/UNEP global milk survey. We determined the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides by GC/MS/MS and dioxins by XDS-CALUX bioassay in the individual milk specimens. The geometric mean concentrations (GMs) of β-HCH (586.7ng g−1 fat), total DDTs (855.9ngg−1 fat), and dl-PCBs (4.4pg CALUX-TEQg−1 fat) in the milk from Yantai were higher than those from Tianjin (254.4ng g-1 fat, 654.7ngg−1 fat, 1.9pg CALUX-TEQ g−1 fat, respectively). However, the GMs of HCB (41.1ngg−1 fat) and PCDD/Fs (13.1pg CALUX-TEQg−1 fat) from Tianjin were higher than those from Yantai (15.7ng g−1 fat, 9.9pg CALUX-TEQ g−1 fat). The low ratios of DDT/(DDE+DDD) in milk from both areas suggested that past exposure contributed to the total DDTs body burden. The dl-PCBs body burden in the high sea fish intake group was higher than that in the low intake group, both with and without adjustments for potential influencing factors. For β-HCH, a marginal P value (P =0.063) was observed between high and low sea fish consumption groups after adjusting for potential influencing factors. Donors in the high freshwater fish group showed higher PCDD/Fs and HCB levels than those in the low intake group, both with and without adjustments. Further monitoring studies of POPs contamination in human milk and foods are needed in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Since the 1970s, PBDEs have been widely used as additive flame retardants in furniture and electronic equipment. Due to their wide use and persistent nature, these chemicals are found in the environment, human blood, breast milk and other tissues in increasing levels in recent decades. PBDEs are similar to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in structure and toxicity. However, unlike PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs, the route of PBDE exposure is not almost exclusively through food. PBDE levels in US food are not markedly higher than in Europe, although US human blood and milk levels are an order of magnitude higher. For these reasons, other possible routes of PBDE exposure have been investigated to understand PBDE intake into humans. PBDE contaminated clothes dryer lint and household dust are indicators of indoor contamination and may be sources of human exposure through hand-to-mouth contact or dermal absorption. There are very few publications about PBDEs in US or European lint. Household dryer lint from 12 US and seven German homes were analyzed for PBDEs by gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We found the median US total PBDE levels were more than 10 times higher than median German levels and the mean US levels were two times higher than mean German levels. The US levels ranged from 321 to 3073ngg−1 (median: 803ngg−1, mean: 1138ngg−1) and the German levels were from 330 to 2069ngg−1 (median: 71ngg−1, mean: 361ngg−1). PBDE contamination of lint was found in all samples; the source of the PBDEs may be from dryer electrical components and/or dust deposition onto clothing. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Seven pairs of southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) pups and their dams were sampled during the late weaning season among a breeding population of seals on Elephant Island in Antarctica. The blubber of the pups and the milk and blubber of their dams were analyzed for lipid-normalized concentrations of PCBs and organochlorines compounds in order to evaluate the lactational transfer of these contaminants. The lipid-normalized concentrations in these tissues were in the ppb range (i.e., ngg−1 lipid). The levels of contaminants in southern elephant seals were low in comparison with residues that have been reported in pinnipeds from the northern hemisphere. The relative tissue concentrations of the analytes measured followed the pattern: ΣDDT>mirex>ΣPCB>Σchlordane>HCB>heptachlor epoxide>dieldrin>methoxychlor>ΣHCH>other organochlorines. The very high DDE/ΣDDT ratio (0.91) in the blubber of dams and pups was an indicative of long-term, extremely distant pollution. On the other hand, the relatively high levels of some other organochlorine pesticides (e.g. mirex, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, methoxychor) may reflect the continued use of these insecticides in developing countries located in the southern hemisphere. For most of the analytes measured, the lipid-normalized concentrations were lower in pup blubber and in the milk than in the maternal blubber. Lactational transfer rates were dependent on the log K ow (octanol/water partition coefficient) values of the analytes measured, less lipophilic compounds being more readily transferred to the pups by the lactational route. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The breast milk concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; sum of eight congeners: BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) were determined (by high resolution gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometry) in samples from primiparous women collected in 2006 in Tianjin, China. Dietary and lifestyle habits of the participants were obtained by questionnaires. The median total PBDE concentration (including BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) was 2500pgg−1 lipid weight, ranging from 1700 to 4500pgg−1 lipid weight. These levels were in the same range as those from Europe and Japan but much lower than those from North America. The congener profile in China was also different from other countries. The contribution of BDE-28 was around 15%, much higher than any other country, implying that a different Penta-BDE formulation might be used in the Chinese market. The lower ratio of the sum of BDE-47, 99, and 100 to the sum of BDE-153 and 154 suggested that Octa-products were in more demand in China. A significant correlation was found between a woman’s PBDE concentration and the time she used electronic appliances (h/d). This implies that electronics are a potential source of PBDEs to people. Inhalation or ingestion of particulate matter (such as dust) may also be an important exposure pathway. There was no significant correlation between the PBDE concentration and the consumption of meat, fish, and milk. Further research is needed to determine the specific contribution of each exposure route and their health effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the present study, human milk was sampled in October 2006 from Nour and Noushahr cities and their countryside on the Southern Coast of Caspian Sea, Iran. They were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α, β and γ-hexachlorocycloexane (HCH) isomers and six PCBs congeners (IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101, 138, 153 and 180). Average concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, PCBs and HCB were 3780, 2554, 1560 and 930ngg−1 lipid wt, respectively. There was no significant difference between the concentrations of investigated pollutants between the two cities and their countryside. No significant differences in OCPs and PCBs were found between primiparous and multiparous mothers. There was no correlation between levels of OCPs and PCBs in human milk and the age of mothers. There was a significant difference in the organochlorine levels, including DDTs, between mothers who have eaten fish once a week and those who consumed fish more than once (p >0.05). An analysis of the infant exposure to OCPs and PCBs via breast milk indicated that the daily intake rates for most of the mothers were above the guideline proposed by Health Canada which is definitely caused on children health for concern. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from mono to hepta brominated and 11 hydroxylated (OH-) and methoxylated (MeO-) PBDEs was examined in 37 breast milk samples collected from 11 mothers living in Barcelona. An extraction method based on accelerated solvent extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry was used to inequivocally identify all target compounds at the low pgg−1 lwlevel. Data obtained were examined for absolute and relative concentrations and specific PBDE, OH- and MeO-PBDE congener patterns. ∑PBDE concentration ranged between 1161 and 1372797pgg−1 lw and BDEs 47, 99, 100, 153 and 183 accounted for more than 80% of the total PBDEs. All tri and tetra OH- and MeO-PBDEs compounds were detected at levels between 6 and 14984pgg−1 lw. The median ratio ∑OH/PBDE and MeO-PBDEs/PBDEs was from 2.9% to 1.6%, respectively, suggesting either that PBDE metabolism to OH- and MeO- derivatives is not an important degradation route in humans or either OH- and MeO-PBDEs are rapidly excreted. No significant correlation was observed between PBDEs and OH- and MeO-PBDE, although OH- and OMe-PBDEs co-occurred in mothers’ milk (R 2 =0.5349). According to the daily intake of PBDEs and OH- and MeO-PBDEs, which was between 0.47 and 363ngd−1 (excluding a smoking donor), potential health risks associated with these compounds are assessed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fourteen PBDE congeners from mono- to deca-BDE were determined in breast milk of primiparous mothers from two locations in East China, i.e. Nanjing (n =9), an urban area, and Zhoushan (n =10), a semi rural coastal area. PBDEs were detected in all the human breast milk samples of the present study, indicating that general population in these two locations are widely exposed to these pollutants. Relatively higher concentrations of PBDEs were found in the milk of mothers from Nanjing than Zhoushan, suggesting the existence of significant sources of PBDEs in urban areas. PBDE levels in the present study were similar to those in European countries, but one or two orders of magnitude lower than in North America. Except for BDE-3, all congeners from di- to deca-BDE were detected in the samples of the present study. BDE-209, a congener considered to have less bioavailability, was detected in about 50% of the samples at concentrations higher than that of other congeners. Other higher brominated congeners, such as BDE-153, -197 and -207, were also prominent in the present study, which is different from the pattern generally observed in previous studies on human milk as well as biota samples. These results may indicate that the inhabitants of Nanjing and Zhoushan are exposed to location specific sources of PBDEs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A French monitoring study was initiated to evaluate the exposure of fetus and newborn to brominated flame retardants (BFR). A previously developed multi-residue analytical method was used for measuring the main classes of BFR (tetrabromobisphenol-A, and tri- to decabomodiphenyl ethers) in various human biological matrices. Analyzed samples (maternal and cord serum, adipose tissue and breast milk) were collected from 93 volunteer women during caesarean deliveries. TBBPA was detected in 44% of the analyzed breast milk samples, at levels varying from 0.06 to 37.34ngg−1 lipid weight, but was not detected in adipose tissue. This compound was also detected in 30% of the analyzed serum samples, with similar average values in maternal and cord serum (154pgg−1 fresh weight versus 199pgg−1 fresh weight, respectively). The interpretation of the collected data permitted the demonstration of (1) a significant exposure to TBBPA both for mothers and fetuses and (2) a possible risk of overexposure of newborns through breastfeeding. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are chemicals that accumulate in the food chain and are toxic to humans and wildlife. The fourth World Health Organization (WHO) survey on POP levels in human milk (2006–2009) aims to provide baseline and trend information on human exposure to POPs. So far Belgium participated in all three previous rounds (1988, 1992, 2001). Whereas the first three rounds focused on determination of dioxins and PCBs in pooled (mixed) samples, the fourth survey comprised the analyses of individual milk samples for nine “basic POPs” (chlorinated pesticides and indicator PCBs) and of pooled milk samples for “basic POPs”, “advanced POPs” (dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs) and “optional POPs” (polybrominated diphenylethers [PBDEs], polybrominated dioxins and dibenzofurans [PBrDD/F], mixed halogenated dioxins and dibenzofurans [PXDD/F] and hexabromocyclododecane [HBCD]). For the Belgian participation human milk samples were collected during the summer of 2006 from 197 women between 18 and 30 years old distributed over all Belgian provinces. The individual samples were analyzed in a Belgian Laboratory for “basic” POPs. A pooled sample was made from 178 individual samples and analyzed by the WHO Reference Laboratory for the “basic, advanced and optional” POPs. The results indicate that most organochlorinated pesticides banned 25–30 years ago were below or around detection limits in Belgian human milk samples although DDE was still found at low levels in all samples. Over the last five years the levels of marker PCBs and PCDD/Fs in Belgian human milk decreased, respectively, by 58% and 39%. For some of the other emerging or older compounds recent international data are needed to allow comparison. This shows the importance of international studies as run by WHO. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk from Beijing, China, were studied. The 6 predominant PBDEs congeners (BDE47, BDE99, BDE100, BDE153, BDE154 and BDE183) in 23 pooled breast milk samples from 205 mothers living in Beijing were measured. Mean and median of ΣPBDEs concentrations in all samples were 1.12ngg−1 lipid and 1.07ngg−1 lipid, respectively. The Statistical difference in concentrations was found between urban areas (1.22ngg−1 lipid, n =14) and rural areas (0.97ngg−1 lipid n =9). The sum of BDE47 and BDE153 accounted for more than 70% of ΣPBDEs in most samples. The significant correlation was found between the ΣPBDEs in pooled samples and average of consumption of food of animal origin in the pools in urban area. However, there was no correlation was found between the ΣPBDEs in pooled samples and average of consumption of food of animal origin in the pools in rural area of Beijing. The current study showed that the level of PBDEs in breast milk from Beijing was lower than that from South China and some developed countries such as USA and Sweden. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A chemical plant located in Brescia, an industrial city in North-Western Italy, produced polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) during a 30–50 year period, causing widespread pollution of the surrounding agricultural area. This area contains several small farms, which principally produce veal meat for private consumption of the farmers’ families. The pollution went undiscovered for many years, during which period contaminated food was regularly consumed. This paper reports the polychlorodibenzodioxin (PCDD), polychlorodibenzofuran (PCDF) and PCB levels of a serum sample pooled from the consumers of contaminated food, compared to six population groups of the city of Brescia. Four of these groups were selected in order to represent, respectively, the local general population and the residents of three zones of the polluted area, while the last two groups represented, respectively, the present and the former workers of the plant. One human milk sample from one of the consumers of contaminated food was also analyzed. Results show that the consumers of the contaminated food and the former workers of the plant display considerably higher levels than all other groups. The levels of general population and of all other groups were generally similar both to each other and to the range of literature values for unexposed populations. The respective contribution of PCDDs, PCDFs, mono-ortho and non-ortho PCBs (dioxin-like PCBs) to (Toxicity Equivalents) TEQ of the population groups of this study were also compared to literature data: the two groups with a high contamination level, together with the human milk sample, displayed a higher incidence of mono-ortho PCBs and a lower contribution of PCDD, possibly correlated with the source of contamination. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are flame retardants added to a multitude of products to reduce flammability. PBDEs have been widely detected and quantified in biota and humans in many industrialised countries from the Northern Hemisphere. However data concerning the levels of these compounds in the Australian population and environment remain limited. The objectives of this study were to determine PBDE concentrations and congener profiles in Australian human milk and compare this to concentrations found in other countries. Pooled human milk samples obtained from mothers residing in 12 regions of Australia were analysed by HRGC/HRMS for 18 PBDE congeners. In total, 157 human milk samples collected in 2002 and 2003 were divided into 17 regional pools. PBDEs were detected in all pools of human milk from Australia. The mean±standard deviation and median ∑PBDE concentrations were 11. 1±3. 2 and 11. 0ngg−1 lipid, respectively with a range of 6. 1–18. 7ngg−1 lipid. The congener profile was dominated by BDE-47 followed by BDE-99,-100,-153,-154 and-183. Regional differences were evaluated, but no trends were observed. The data suggest regional differences are likely to be small if they exist at all. The concentrations of PBDEs found in Australian human milk were lower than those reported from North America but higher than those reported from Europe and Asia. Our results suggest that the exposure pathways which contribute to the PBDE body burden in the Australian population require a better understanding in order to determine future policy regarding their use and disposal. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This article attempts to review the usage of nine pesticides included in the 12 Stockholm Convention persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in China and to examine the extent of DDT contamination in human milk, focusing on the Chinese populations. By comparing all the data available concerning DDTs in human milk from 19 countries, it is revealed that the Chinese populations exhibit rather high concentrations of DDTs, due to the fact that China has been a major producer and consumer of DDTs in the past, and also uses DDT for vector control, resulting in higher background levels of DDTs in different ecological compartments. The high body loading of DDT in Chinese populations is also related to the high dietary intake due to contamination of food. When comparing the data obtained recently (1998–2002), the coastal populations such as Guangzhou (DDE+DDT 2.13μgg−1 fat), Hong Kong (2.87μgg−1 fat) and Dalian (2.13μgg−1 fat) contain higher concentrations of DDTs which may reflect the dietary difference of consuming more meat and fish, than other Chinese populations (Beijing 1.96μgg−1 fat; Shenyang 0.87μgg−1 fat). In general, the rather low ratio of DDE/DDT (e.g., 4.07 for Guangzhou) of the Chinese milk samples reflected the more recent releases of DDT. It is recommended to impose a tighter control on the use of DDT for vector control as well as for agricultural application, conduct regular monitoring of DDT concentrations in different ecological compartments which include air, water, sediment and biota. Human milk is a preferred indicator reflecting human body loadings of POPs including DDTs, as well as the risk which may impose on our next generation. A national wide survey is needed to investigate the intake of POPs, including POP pesticides, due to dietary differences, with a strong focus on the more sensitive populations, e.g., coastal residents who consume a large amount of fish. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Concentrations of 10 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were measured in 16 pools of human milk from Ireland. Only four PFASs were detected (PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS), with concentrations dominated by PFOA which was detected in all samples at a median of 0.10 ng/mL. Concentrations and the relative abundance of PFASs in human milk from Ireland are within the range reported for other countries. Estimated exposures for nursing infants to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) do not suggest a health concern. A one compartment pharmacokinetic model was used to predict the intakes of PFOS and PFOA required to support the observed concentrations in human milk. This suggests current adult exposure in Ireland to PFOS is below the provisional tolerable weekly intake (TWI) proposed by EFSA. In contrast, the model predicts that the maximum concentration detected in human milk in this study, implies a level of adult exposure that would exceed EFSA's provisional TWI for PFOA. As exposure of the Irish population to PFASs via drinking water, indoor air and dust is well-characterised, current understanding suggests that the major contributor to overall exposure of the Irish population is via the diet and/or less well-studied pathways like dermal uptake from PFAS-containing fabrics and cosmetics. • PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, and PFHxS detected in Irish human milk. • Concentrations within the range of studies elsewhere. • Exposures of nursing infants to PFOS and PFOA not of health concern. • Modelled adult intakes of PFOA in some instances exceed provisional EFSA TWI. • Measurement of Irish exposure via the diet and dermal uptake recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of perinatal exposure to dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides on lymphocyte subsets were investigated in the peripheral blood from 101 Japanese infants with approximately 10months of age. Perinatal exposure to these organochlorine compounds were estimated by their contamination levels in the breast milk of the mothers. Lymphocyte subsets such as CD16+, HLA-DR+, CD4+, CD4+8+, CD8+, CD3+ and CD20+ cells in peripheral venous blood were assessed in a subgroup of 92 infants. Greater exposures to HCE, chlordane and dioxins were significantly associated with the increase in the percentages of CD8+ and CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios, respectively. In addition, higher HCH exposure was also associated with a decrease in the percentage of HLA-DR+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore effects of dioxins, DDT and PCBs on the percentage of CD16+ T lymphocyte were more pronounced by the combined exposure of dioxins and PCBs or by the combined exposure of DDT and PCBs. Effects of HCE on the percentages of CD8+ T lymphocyte were also more pronounced by the combined exposure of HCE and chlordane. In conclusion, our study suggests that greater exposures to dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides determined in this study (except dieldrin) influence the immune system of Japanese infant, although the clinical significance of these changes is uncertain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Blood samples of pregnant women aged between 19 and 42 years at the time they gave birth and milk samples from the same women following delivery were collected between September 2000 and January 2003 from 169 participants living in an industrialized area of Germany (Duisburg birth cohort study). All samples were analyzed for their content of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) as well as dioxin-like and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). Levels of WHO-TEq were in the range of 4.34–97.3pg/glipid base (median: 26.37, arithmetic mean: 28.36) for blood, or 3.01–78.7pg/glipid base (median: 26.40, arithmetic mean: 27.27) for milk, respectively. The four congeners 12378-PeCDD, 23478-PeCDF, 33′44′5-PeCB (# 126) and 233′44′5-HxCB (# 156) contribute the main share to total WHO-TEq. The contribution of PCDD/F in relation to PCB to total WHO-TEq was 60:40% in blood and 52:48% in milk. Good correlations of the contaminant levels in lipid base between both matrices were found. The distribution between blood and milk depends on the molecular weight of the substances. Higher chlorinated PCDD/F- and PCB-congeners were found in 2–4-fold higher concentrations in blood in relation to milk and the concentrations of lower chlorinated PCB-congeners were up to 2-fold higher in milk in relation to blood. The body burden of PCDD/F and PCB increases with age and decreases over the total nursing period. Women who had lived outside highly industrialized countries showed lower concentrations of PCDD/F and PCB. In some cases, elevated levels of PCB were observed when the women had previously lived in Eastern Europe for a long time. In comparison with recent data, the decline in human PCDD/F and PCB levels observed during the nineties seems to have stopped. The individual exposures of the infants due to breastfeeding within the first 18 months were calculated to be from 4.4 to 318ng WHO-TEq (median: 106, arithmetic mean: 118). The actual mean daily exposure of a breastfed infant can be estimated to 131pg WHO-TEq/kgbody weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We modified our prior age-dependent half-life model to characterize the range of child (ages 0–7) body burdens associated with dietary and environmental exposure to polychlorodibenzodioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs). Several exposure scenarios were evaluated. Infants were assumed to be either breast-fed or formula-fed from birth to 6 months of age. They then received intakes of PCDD/Fs through age 7 from foods based on weighted means estimates [JECFA, 2001. Joint FAO/WHO Committee on Food Additives. Fifty-seventh meeting, Rome, June 5–14 , 2001, pp. 24–40], and with or without exposures (ingestion and dermal) to urban residential soils at 1ppb TCDD toxic equivalents (TEQ). A one-compartment (adipose volume) toxicokinetic model for TCDD described by Kreuzer [Kreuzer, P.F., Csanady, Gy.A., et al., 1997. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and congeners in infants. A toxicokinetic model of human lifetime body burden by TCDD with special emphasis on its uptake by nutrition. Arch. Toxicol. 71, 383–400] was expanded to include the key non-TCDD congeners in human breast milk and adipose tissues, and two model parameter refinements were examined: (1) use of updated and more detailed age-correlated body fat mass data [CDC, 2000. Centers for Disease Control. CDC Growth Charts: United States. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, Number 314, December 2000]; (2) use of breast milk PCDD/F concentration data from sampling completed in 2000–2003 [Wittsiepe, J., Fürst, P., et al., 2004. PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB in human blood and milk from German mothers. Organohalogen Compd. 66, 2865–2872]. The updated body fat mass data nearly halved the predicted peak body burden for breast-feeding and lowered the time-weighted average (TWA) body burdens from ages 0–7 by 30–40% for breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Combined use of the updated breast milk PCDD/F concentration and body fat mass data increased the contribution of breast-feeding but reduced TWA body burdens from diet and soil. We conclude that further refinements are needed, but reliance on these better data sets for body fat mass and breast milk PCDD/F concentration significantly improves the model’s ability to accurately predict body burdens during early childhood. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Design: Human milk samples were collected and analysed for the levels of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and selected dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In total, 157 individual samples collected during 2002 and 2003 as well as 24 samples collected in 1993 were analysed as 20 pools. Results: PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs were detected in all pooled samples. For samples collected during 2002/2003, the TEQDFP ranged from 6.0 to 15.2pgTEQg−1 lipid with an average of 9.0pgTEQg−1 lipid. The average lipid content was 3.7±0.5%. No systematic differences were observed in the levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in human milk samples collected from different regions of Australia during 2002/2003. For samples collected in 1993 and analysed as pools, the mean level, expressed as TEQDFP was 16±1.4pgTEQg−1 lipid. The average lipid content was 3.9±0.7%. Conclusion: The levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs in the human milk of Australian women are both low compared to international levels and similar across all regions of Australia. Consistent with world-wide trends, the levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs have decreased over a 10 year period from 1993 to 2003 by approximately 40%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Breast milk samples from 40 first-time mothers from the Pacific Northwest of the US and Canada were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Total PBDEs (∑PBDEs), calculated by summing values for the 12 PBDEs congeners analyzed, ranged from 6 to 321ppb (lipid weight) (mean=96ppb; median=50ppb). In ∼40% of the women (15/40), ∑PBDEs>100ppblw in their milk, and four samples had levels >250ppblw. PBDE 47 was the dominant congener in most samples, whereas PBDE 153 was predominant in a few (3/40). ∑PCBs were calculated by summing values for the 82 PCB congeners analyzed, and ranged from 49 to 415ppb (lipid weight) (mean=147ppb; median=126ppb). ∼30% of the mothers (13/40) have ∑PBDEs>∑PCBs in their milk samples, and ∼65% (25/40) have BDE 47>PCB 153 in breast milk samples, with BDE 47 averaging 3-fold greater levels than PCB 153. Clearly, the lower brominated PBDEs are surpassing PCBs as a major environmental concern in North America, and are likely affecting significant portions of the populations in these regions. PBDEs have become a major persistent organic pollutant. However, there are no positive correlations between levels of ∑PBDEs and ∑PCBs, or between levels of PBDE 47 and PCB 153, suggesting there may be some differences in exposure pathways for PBDEs and PCBs in humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The levels of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in human milk samples from the areas of Venice and Rome, primarily in order to characterize the current levels of infant exposure to PCBs and PBDEs due to breast feeding in Italy. Sixteen non-dioxin-like PCBs, including the traditional indicator congeners, and 11 PBDEs, comprising the relevant PBDE-47, PBDE-99, and PBDE-153, were determined. Congeners were selected for analysis according to their relative abundance in human tissues, toxicological relevance, and diffusion in the environment. Dietary habits of the milk donors were recorded by questionnaires; mothers of the Venice area were classified into three groups according to their consumption of local fish, molluscs, and other fishery products. Σ16(PCBs) and Σ11(PBDEs) (ngg−1 fat) for the areas of Venice and Rome were respectively, 250–390 and 240, and 1.6–2.8 and 4.1. An increase of fish and fishery product consumption could not be associated with an increase of PCB and PBDE levels in milk. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in milk from women living in the vicinity of a new hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Catalonia, Spain, were determinebred. The study was performed after 4 years of regular operations in the facility and the present PCB levels were compared with baseline concentrations obtained in a pre-operational program. PCBs and PBDEs levels were determined by HRGC/HRMS in 15 samples. In the present study planar PCBs ranged from 1.3 to 6.3pg WHO-TEQ/g fat with a mean value of 3.8pg WHO-TEQ/g fat. After adding dioxin-like mono-ortho-PCBs the total PCB-TEQ concentrations ranged from 3.8 to 13.3pg WHO-TEQ/g fat (mean value: 8.7pg WHO-TEQ/g fat). A comparison of the current data with those obtained in the baseline study showed significant decreases for both planar and total WHO-TEQ of PCBs: 47.9% and 44.6%, respectively. PCB concentrations in milk of women living in urban zones were higher than those living near industrial areas (10.1 and 7.4pg WHO-TEQ/g fat, respectively). Mean PBDE concentrations were 2.2 and 2.5ng/g fat for women living in urban and industrial zones, respectively. Dietary intake of PCBs and PBDEs for a standard adult woman samples were 898 and 843ng/day for PCBs, and 72 and 63ng/day for PBDEs, for residents in urban and industrials areas, respectively. This study suggests that dietary intake is more relevant for human exposure to PCBs and PBDEs than living near the HWI. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The exposure levels of placenta and paired breast milk samples to selected organochlorine compounds and pesticides from Danish and Finnish samples have been investigated. p,p′-DDE is the dominant pollutant, β-HCH, hexachlorobenzene, endosulfan-I, dieldrin, oxychlordane, cis-heptachlor epoxide and p,p′-DDT being the other major constituents. Their concentrations are linearly correlated between milk and placenta in similar patterns for Danish and Finnish samples. Milk samples have higher levels of these pollutants than placenta on lipid base. However, the apparently not correlated compounds, such as α-HCH, pentachlorobenzene, pentachloroanisole and methoxychlor, are generally accumulated more in placenta, which may suggest a tissue specific metabolic activity. Thus, depending on the compound of interest, biomonitoring may be done in placenta only or in both matrices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]