Assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in serum from the Korean general population

In 2009 and 2010, 720 serum samples were collected from non-occupationally exposed study participants at four Korean locations and monitored for the presence of 27 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners. The median concentrations of Σ27PBDEs (the sum of 27 congeners) and Σ3–7PBDEs (the sum of tri- to hepta-BDE congeners) were 6.04 and 4.97 ng/g lipid, respectively. The most abundant congener detected in serum samples was BDE-153, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. The median value of Σ3–7PBDEs was similar to the median values observed in Asia and Europe, but much lower than that observed in North America. Some significant differences, based on geographic region and sex, were observed. We also observed a positive increase of BDE-153 with regard to age. In addition, we estimated the daily exposure to PBDEs from previously published reports of PBDE concentrations in food and dust, and determined the individual contributions of a variety of sources.

► We investigate the levels of PBDEs in the Korean general population.
► The concentrations of 27 PBDE congeners in 720 serum samples were measured.
► The relationship between concentration and various factors was examined.
► The daily exposure dose of PBDEs was estimated to explore the PBDEs' sources.