ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR THE DETERMINATION OF POLYBROMINATED DIPHENYL ETHERS IN HUMAN MILK

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are used as flame retardants, are widely used additives so many different kind of materials that are consumed by public. Current researches reveal a significant increase in the levels of PBDEs in human biological fluids all around the world. According to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), PBDEs are declarated as carcinogenic agents and additionally a considerable risks have been shown in animal studies such as liver damage, alteration of thyroid hormone levels, neurotoxicity and hazardous effects on development of fetus. Due to the simplicity of human exposure routes such as ingestion, inhalation or dermal contact, it gains high importance to quantify PBDEs in biological fluids. The exposure to PBDEs is critic aspecially during pregnancy, fetus development and infancy. Excretion of PBDEs in human milk is the focus area for researchers in recent years.