Exposure to PBDEs and PCDEs associated with the consumption of edible marine species

In the present study, the concentrations of PBDEs and PCDEs were determined in 14 edible marine species widely consumed by the population of Catalonia (Spain). The daily intake of PBDEs and PCDEs associated with this consumption was also determined. A total of 42 composite samples were analyzed by HRGC/HRMS. The highest PBDE levels (ng/kg wet weight) were found in salmon (2015) followed by mackerel, swordfish, and red mullet (1124, 978, and 769, respectively), while those of PCDEs (ng/kg wet weight) were detected in red mullet (7088) followed by sardine (1829), anchovy (1606), tuna (1292), and mackerel (1031). For a standard male adult, total PBDE and PCDE intakes through edible marine species were 20.8 and 39.4 ng/day, respectively. The highest contributions to these intakes (ng/day) corresponded to the consumption of tuna (5.7), salmon (3.6), and hake (3.5) for PBDEs, and tuna (13.1), hake (7.3), and sardine (6.9) for PCDEs. Although currently there is not evidence of the dioxin-like behavior of PBDEs, further research is necessary to assess if long-term exposure to PBDEs, mainly through the diet, may mean adverse effects to humans. With respect to PCDE congeners, to establish TEF values would be of great value to evaluate human health risks.