Persistent organic pollutants in human blood: A review of global data with a comparison to the Singapore population

Abstract

In this manuscript, the levels of persistent organic pollutants (POP) in human blood, as reported worldwide, are reviewed. A decline in blood residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCP) due to restrictions and prohibitions in their use was observed mainly since the second half of the 1970s. However, an increase of flame retardants levels, notably the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), in human blood was reported in recent years. To date, no age or gender related trend were reported for brominated flame retardants - probably as a result of only recent exposure to PBDE relative to other POP such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and pesticides, and the shorter half-lives of PBDE. Blood levels of PBDE of individuals residing in the USA are substantially higher than those reported in Japan, Korea, and Germany. Congener specific profiles also differ in accordance with the prevailing use of different technical PBDE between countries. Higher blood concentrations in the USA may be attributed to the once widespread use of commercial penta- BDE on the North American continent. Preliminary data for POP levels in human blood in Singapore was reported and compared to global data. Generally, pesticide levels in Singapore are comparable to those found in other counties. The sum of 38 PCB congeners was 29 ng g-1 lipid, which was an order of magnitude higher than the sum of seven BDE congeners (2.6 ng g-1 lipid) measured in this study. The PBDE profile was consistent with many other blood studies conducted globally, and suggests a universally similar human exposure pattern to these contaminants. © 2008 Taylor & Francis.