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Neurotoxicity of brominated flame retardants
Citation:
Moser, V. C. Neurotoxicity of brominated flame retardants. Presented at Soc. of Tox. of Canada, December 02 - 04, 2012.
Impact/Purpose:
for presentation at the Society of Toxicology of Canada 44th Annual Symposium, December 2-4, 2012, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Description:
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been commonly used as commercial flame retardants in a variety of products including plastics and textiles. Despite their decreasing usage worldwide, congeners continue to accumulate in the environment, including soil, dust, food, animals and humans. Concern has been raised regarding their potential developmental effects, especially to the nervous system, since children may be differentially exposed to PBDEs and have higher blood levels. Studies of PBDEs in laboratory animals during different periods of development show a variety of adverse effects, including delayed behavioral ontogeny, alterations in motor activity, neurotransmitter changes, and reductions in learning and memory. Despite this growing literature, as yet there has been little consistency in terms of exposure paradigm, experimental procedures, test animal, or chemical congener; these variables may contribute to some contradictory findings. In vitro studies suggest sensitivity ofmultiple neurotransmitter systems, especially dopaminergic; however, an underlying biological substrate for developmental neurotoxic effects remains unclear. Recent human epidemiological data have also raised concerns for public health, suggesting neurological, thyroid, and metabolic effects in children. The emerging concordance between laboratory and human data support further investigations ofboth exposure and outcomes. (This abstract does not necessarily reflect USEPA policy)