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OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF NEUROBEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF FLAME RETARDANTS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS.
Citation:
MOSER, V. C. AND J. R. GEE. OVERVIEW AND EVALUATION OF NEUROBEHAVIORAL EFFECTS OF FLAME RETARDANTS IN LABORATORY ANIMALS. . Presented at Behavioral Toxicology Society, Pittsburgh, PA, June 27 - 30, 2007.
Impact/Purpose:
To present a discussion of potential developmental neurotoxic effects of flame retardants
Description:
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants are used worldwide and have been detected in numerous environmental, including human, samples. Concern has been raised regarding their potential developmental neurotoxic effects. There is an emerging literature on behavioral and neurochemical effects in exposed offspring, but as yet there has been no consistency across laboratories in terms of exposure paradigm, experimental procedures, or chemical congener tested. Furthermore, standardized studies such as those described by the US EPA's Developmental Neurotoxicity Test Guidelines have not been conducted. The majority of studies have used a single postnatal dose to pups, while others have included repeated dosing of the pups or limited dosing of the pregnant dam. Mice have been used more than rats, which limits comparisons to standard toxicity studies. Although evaluated differently, activity measures are most consistently altered across studies, with little to no changes in endpoints addressing growth or neuromuscular function. Cognitive deficits have also been reported in the few studies where examined. Despite these apparent consistencies in outcomes, the influence of many experimental parameters remains to be determined.
(This abstract does not necessarily reflect USEPA policy)