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Effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on thyroid hormone, neurodevelopment and fertility in rodents and humans

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  • Published:
International Journal of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants. Due to their widespread use in many consumer products, PBDEs can be found in food as well as in the environment. Their presence has also been found in the human serum, human adipose tissue and human breast milk. Results of experimental studies suggest that the presence of PBDE in the environment is not neutral to our health. In rats and mice exposed to PBDE disturbances in thyroid hormone homeostasis and reproductive system such as changes in reproductive organs weight and disorders in sperm motility and motion were found. In rodents, pre- and postnatal exposure to PBDE can cause neurobehavioral effects. Also in humans disturbances in thyroid hormone system, weight of reproductive organs and concentrations of sex hormones associated with PBDEs serum concentrations were found. Exposure to PBDEs during pregnancy may lead to slower mental and psychomotor development in infants. In this paper the results of previous animal and human studies are reviewed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, Łódź, Poland

    Marta Czerska, Marek Zieliński, Joanna Kamińska & Danuta Ligocka

  2. Department of Toxicology and Carcinogenesis, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, św. Teresy 8, 91-348, Łódź, Poland

    Marta Czerska

Authors
  1. Marta Czerska
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  2. Marek Zieliński
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  3. Joanna Kamińska
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  4. Danuta Ligocka
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Marta Czerska.

Additional information

This study was performed under the project: IMP 4.12: Assessment of environmental exposure to polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), polybrominated dioxins (PBDD) and polybrominated furans (PBDF) — development and validation of the HRGC/HRMS method. Manager of the project: Danuta Ligocka, PhD.

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Czerska, M., Zieliński, M., Kamińska, J. et al. Effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers on thyroid hormone, neurodevelopment and fertility in rodents and humans. IJOMEH 26, 498–510 (2013). https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-013-0138-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/s13382-013-0138-7

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