Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human liver and adipose tissue samples from Belgium

Levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in paired human adipose tissue and liver samples (n = 25) from Belgium. Average concentrations and standard deviation of sum PBDEs (congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) were 5.3 ± 3.0 (range 1.4–13.2) and 3.6 ± 2.1 (range 1.0–10.0) ng g−1 lipid weight (lw) in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. These concentrations were similar to reported PBDE data from Belgium and were at the lower end of the concentration range reported elsewhere in the world. In both tissues under study, BDE 153 and BDE 47 were the most abundant PBDE congeners, contributing approximately 35% and 25% to the total PBDE content. Average concentrations and range of PCBs (sum of 23 congeners) were 490 (range 70–1130) and 380 (range 90–1140) ng g−1 lw in adipose tissue and liver, respectively. No correlation between age and concentrations of PBDEs could be found (r = 0.04), while PCB concentrations correlated significantly with age (r = 0.62, p < 0.01, for the sum PCBs; r = 0.64, p < 0.01 for PCB 153 alone). Factors, such as exposure pathways (food, dust and air), rates of bioaccumulation, metabolism and elimination, influence the concentrations of PBDEs differently than those of PCBs in humans.