Abstract
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.
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References
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The authors would like to thank the Director, CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (CSIR-NEERI), Nagpur (India), for providing the facilities.
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SP conceptualized the idea of the review, performed literature search, data analysis, and data curation, and prepared the original draft of the manuscript. AM helped in the drafting of the manuscript. SB helped in the drafting of the manuscript. MSK supervised the team and reviewed the manuscript. SK supervised the team and reviewed the manuscript. VKM helped in the conceptualization of the idea.
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Paliya, S., Mandpe, A., Bombaywala, S. et al. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the environment: a wake-up call for concerted action in India. Environ Sci Pollut Res 28, 44693–44715 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15204-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-15204-7