Assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ether contamination and associated human exposure risk at municipal waste dumping sites.

The reports concerning the occurrence and fate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) at municipal solid waste (MSW) dumping sites are scarce, and considering the Indian context, no study has been conducted to assess PBDE contamination at MSW dumping sites and associated exposure and health risk. Therefore, in the present study, the concentration of PBDE congeners was investigated in soil samples amassed from MSW dumping sites of India and the factors affecting the dissemination of different PBDE congeners in soil were evaluated. Also, the human exposure and health risk through soil intake and dermal contact were also evaluated the first time in India. The total PBDE concentrations from tri- to deBDE congeners in soil ranged from 6.81 to 33.67 µg/g dw and showed a trend towards higher levels of PBDEs in the dumping sites of more populous cities. BDE 183 was found to be the main congener in the soil of the dumping sites. The congener profile in the soil exhibited the composition of the octa- and deBDE technical mixture and possibilities of biological and photodegradation of deBDE into lower brominated congeners. A significant correlation was observed between the measures of BDE 183 and BDE 209 congeners and carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen contents of the soil. The measured exposure doses of PBDEs through soil intake and dermal contact and the hazard index was estimated higher in children as compared to adults, which indicates the increased risk and susceptibility of infants and children to PBDE exposure. The results of the present study revealed that the MSW dumping sites in India are a sink of PBDEs and might have detrimental effects on human health.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the environment: a wake-up call for concerted action in India.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) used as flame retardants in the products utilized in day-to-day life. Their bioaccumulation, low volatility, and high persistence in the environment have led to their global spread even to remote and distant regions. The present study identifies gaps in the investigation of the neurotoxic potential of PBDEs, their effects on brain development, toxicokinetic, and their potential as a carcinogen. In India, to date, only human breast milk was assessed for levels of PBDEs, and it is suggested that other human tissues can also be explored. No data on the reproductive toxicity of PBDEs are reported from Indian cohorts. Long-range transport and deposition of PBDEs in colder regions necessitates monitoring of Himalayan regions in India. An inventory of PBDEs is required to be made for addressing the worrisome situation of the unregulated import of E-waste from the developed countries in India. The study also emphasizes providing guidelines for the articulation of policies regarding sound surveillance and management of PBDE production, consumption, and release in the Indian context. It is recommended that a separate cell for monitoring and follow-up of PBDEs should be established in India. Also, the development of better alternatives and environment-friendly remediation technologies for PBDEs is the need of the hour.