Levels of tetrabromobisphenol A, hexabromocyclododecanes and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human milk from the general population in Beijing, China

Three brominated flame retardants (BFRs), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), were measured in 103 human milk samples collected from Beijing in 2011. The donors' personal information, such as dietary habit and socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, was obtained by questionnaires. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) analysis indicated that the levels of TBBPA ranged from < LOD to 12.46 ng g− 1 lipid weight (lw), with a median value of 0.10 ng g− 1 lw. Three HBCD diastereoisomers (α-, β- and γ-HBCD) were also measured using UPLC–MS/MS. The levels of ΣHBCDs ranged from < LOD to 78.28 ng g− 1 lw, with a median value of 2.40 ng g− 1 lw. α-HBCD was generally the most abundant of the three isomers. Eight PBDE congeners, BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209, were measured using gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentrations of ΣPBDEs ranged from 0.22 to 135.41 ng g− 1 lw, with a median value of 3.24 ng g− 1 lw. BDE-209 dominated the PBDE profile in the majority of the human milk samples. The mean estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of TBBPA, ΣHBCDs and ΣPBDEs by breast-fed infants were 2.34, 24.89 and 71.27 ng kg− 1 bw day− 1, respectively. No significant correlation was found between the BFR levels in milk and the mother's diet, place of residence, smoking habit, nursing duration or computer use habit. In contrast, the mother's age, body mass index (BMI), education level and number of computers in the home were related to the levels of some types of BFRs. More research is needed to further investigate the major source(s) of exposure, the effect of each potential factor and the possible toxicological impact of high daily BFR intake on infants.

► Levels of TBBPA, α-, β- and γ-HBCD and 8 PBDE congeners were measured in 103 human milk samples from Beijing, China.
► The mothers' age, BMI, education level and numbers of PCs in home were related to some kinds of BFRs.
► Levels of HBCD and PBDEs were relatively high but the estimated daily intake by infants was below the no adverse effect level.