Polybrominated
Diphenyl Ethers, Polychlorinated Biphenyls,
and Persistent Pesticides in Serum from the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey: 2003–2008
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Abstract
Polybrominated
diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), and persistent pesticides have been measured in pooled samples
representative of the general noninstitutionalized population of the
United States. The pools were made from individual sera from the National
Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during 2005/06 and
2007/08. The pooled concentrations have been contrasted to NHANES
2003/04 individual measurements to evaluate changes in concentration
over time and within survey period differences among age groups, race/ethnicity
groups (Mexican American, non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White),
and sex. The arithmetic mean serum concentrations of several PCB congeners
decreased from NHANES 2003/04 through 2007/08. Larger percentage reductions
were seen for younger subjects (12–19 years) compared with
older subjects (≥60 years). For example, the arithmetic mean
concentration of 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl
(PCB-153) was 36% lower in 12–19 year old adolescents when
comparing NHANES 2007/08 with 2003/04; while for subjects over the
age of 60 a 14% lower concentration was seen, although, the 95% confidence
intervals overlapped. Similarly, the arithmetic mean serum concentrations
of tri- to hexaBDEs were lower in NHANES 2007/08 than in 2003/04;
however, most confidence intervals of the arithmetic means overlapped.
These findings suggest that a reduction in PBDE serum concentrations
cannot yet be detected following the discontinuation of pentaBDE in
2004