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Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is commonly used in commercial products and factories. HBCDs can be detected in the air, bioaccumulated deposits, water, soil, sediments, and in biota and foodstuffs in the food-chain because they are not chemically bound to the polymer. We determined the levels of α-, β-, and γ-HBCDs in 270 foodstuffs and the doses of HBCDs Taiwanese are normally exposed to. We also wanted to create a strategy of risk management for HBCDs based on margins of exposure (MOE). HBCDs were frequently detectible in fish, seafood, and poultry. Their highest concentrations were in fish, oil, poultry, and livestock. The highest estimated daily intake was in 0- to 3-year-olds (1.576 ng/kg/day), and lower in 3- to 6- (1.064 ng/kg/day), 6- to 12- (0.899 ng/kg/day), and lowest in 12- to 16- (0.632 ng/kg/day) year-olds. The exposure doses to HBCDs indicated no health concern for Taiwanese. Except for fish, significant concentrations of α- and γ-HBCDs were detected in many other foodstuffs, which might indicate that exposure to HBCD is a relatively recent problem. Therefore, one goal of a management policy should be to follow-up the flow direction of HBCDs in Taiwan. Image 1 • α-, β-, and γ-HBCD were detected in 270 foodstuffs. • The highest level of HBCDs were in fish, oil, poultry, and livestock. • Current dietary exposure to HBCDs was not a serious health concern. • The accumulation of HBCD recently happened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a comparison of cross-cultural differences in the use of EDI between 81 firms in the U.S. and 67 firms in Taiwan. Most of these firms were using traditional VAN mediated EDI, and had been influenced by some type of external pressure to use. The motivation for this study was to assess whether the Western model of EDI usage that most research is based on is applicable across cultures. Findings reveal that there are few differences between firms in the two countries with respect to type of benefits realized, compatibility of EDI with existing processes, and degree of integration of EDI in the firm or in the network of trading partners. However, ex post facto analysis provides further insight into the usage of EDI in both cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The health effects of non-dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) include liver, immune, neurodevelopmental, and neurobehavioral effects in addition to hormone alteration. Among 209 PCB congeners, six indicator PCBs (ICES-6) account for about half of NDL-PCBs present in feed and food. The objectives of the current study were first to examine the levels of total PCBs, NDL-PCBs, and ICES-6 PCBs in 200 foods commonly consumed in Taiwan and, second, to estimate the cumulative health risks of NDL-PCB consumption. We suggest a risk management strategy that identifies foodstuffs with particularly high NDL-PCB content. In 200 food samples, which were grouped into 12 categories and 64 food types, 51 PCB congeners were detected. The concentrations of ICES-6 PCBs in all samples were lower than the maximum levels for NDL-PCBs in foodstuffs set by the European Union. PCB-153, PCB-138, and PCB-180 were the major congeners in all food, indicating that the food was contaminated in the past. ICES-6 PCBs contributed 42.2%–52.9% of total NDL-PCBs in all tested foodstuffs. The average estimated daily intake (EDI) of PCBs ranged from 1.22 ng/kg bw/day to 2.89 ng/kg bw/day in different age groups (95th quantile [P95]: 4.12–10.28 ng/kg bw/day). The P95 EDI in 3–6-year-olds was higher than 10 ng/kg/day. A qualitative sensitivity analysis in ICES-6 PCBs exposure showed that for the 3- to 6-year-old group, the highest sensitivity was how much fish they ate (37.6%) and its concentration (32.5%). The consumption of pork, eggs, fish, and other seafood accounts for over 90% of ICES-6 PCBs intake, and these foods should be highlighted in guidelines regarding NDL-PCB intake. Image 1 • DL-PCBs, NDL-PCBs were detected in 200 foodstuffs. • The highest level of NDL-PCBs was in fish, seafood, and livestock. • The consumption of pork, eggs, fish, and other seafood accounts for over 90% of NDL-PCBs intake. • Except for 3–6-year-olds, current dietary exposure to NDL-PCBs is not a serious health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]