• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.446-452
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• 2015

In order to evaluate and improve the ability of Korean testing laboratories to measure Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a proficiency test was organised by Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) based on ISO/IEC 17043. The proficiency test material used was 10 g of a granular ABS fortified with a mixture of congeners of PBDE (BDE-154, 183, 206, 209). Homogeneity and stability were investigated to assess the adequacy of the test material. The certified value established by KRISS based on the national reference was used for assigned value of each PBDE. The test materials were distributed to the 16 participating laboratories. The participating laboratories were requested to analyse the samples employing the methods used in their routine analysis. Each laboratory was given it’s own code to secure the anonymity. Participants results were evaluated with z-scores according to ISO/IEC 17043. The standard deviation for proficiency assessment was set by standard deviation of the participants results except for outlier. The results, the laboratory's performance and improvement of accuracy were discussed.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.629-636
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• 2014

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as flame-retardant additives have been used in a wide array of products, including building materials, electronics, furnishings, motor vehicles, airplanes, plastics, polyurethane foams, and textiles. They are structurally similar to PCBs and other polyhalogenated compounds. PBDEs are found in a variety of foods, and 95% of all human exposure to POPs comes from food. The major food sources are fish/seafood and dairy products. A number of studies have reported high levels of PBDEs in animals, increasing the public's concern over PBDE levels in animals. This study evaluates the relationship between the level of PBDEs according to piglet diseases. Salmonella spp. and Streptococcus are bacterial diseases. Porcine respiratory reproductive syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease. The concentration of PBDEs in the piglet liver from viral diseases was higher than that from bacterial diseases. BDE-47 and BDE-99 were detected in most samples. More PBDEs were detected in the piglet liver from PRRS of North American type than from that of European type.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.255-263
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• 2012

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), which are used in a variety of consumer products. Several of those are produced in large quantities. Their chemical structure similarities to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as well as their toxicity, has been studied. PBDEs are persistent and lipophilic, which results in their bioaccumulation in the fatty tissues of organisms and enrichment throughout food chains. In addition, a number of studies also reported high levels of PBDEs in animals and food resulting from the use of contaminated animal feed Public concern about PBDEs levels in animals and food has been raised. Feed contamination by toxic chemicals has been the cause of the contamination of poultry products. The purpose of this study was to evaluate PBDEs in pig feed to search the origin chase of POPs in pigs. Feed samples were obtained wheat from East Europe, corn from South America and America, soybean meal from Korea, America, South America and India and tallow from Korea. The preparation of samples was based on the EPA method 1614. Instrumental analysis was based on the use of high resolution gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Quantification was carried out by the isotopic dilution method. The analysis of ${\Sigma}PBDEs$ involved 22 PBDE congeners, including BDE-17, 28, 47, 49, 66, 71, 77, 85, 99, 100, 119, 126, 138, 153, 154, 156, 183, 184, 190, 191, 196 and 197.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.754-768
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• 2017

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of industrial aromatic organobromine chemicals that have been used since the 1970s as flame retardants in a wide range of consumer products and articles, including plastics, computers, textiles and upholstery. Commercial PBDEs were added to Annex A of the Stockholm Convention as persistent organic pollutants in May 2009. PBDEs are still frequently found in sludge and effluent from wastewater treatment plants, even though commercial PBDEs were prohibited or voluntarily phased out several years ago. Conventional wastewater treatment processes are not designed to effectively remove PBDEs. This indicates that there is an urgent need for new developments and improvements to enhance upon the treatment techniques which are currently available. Several studies have suggested the potential removal and degradation technologies for PBDEs in wastewater. In this study, the concentrations and compositional profiles of PBDE congeners in sludge and effluent are investigated by analyzing the relevant literature data in relation to their usage patterns in commercial products in North America and South Korea. The strengths and weaknesses of the current PBDEs removal techniques (i.e., biodegradation, zero-valent iron, photolysis, sorption, etc.) are discussed critically. In addition, future research direction regarding the treatment and removal of PBDEs from wastewater is also suggested, based on the literature review.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.427-436
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• 2010

A total of 18 surface sediments within the special conservation zone in the Masan Bay were analyzed to investigate the spatial distribution and polluted pathway of polybrominated diphenyl ehters(PBDEs). Twenty-two PBDE congeners were detected and brominated diphenyl ether-209 (BDE-209) among them was predominant. The concentrations of BDE-209 and ${\Sigma}_{21}$PBDEs (sum of 21 PBDE congeners without BDE-209) ranged from 2.32 to 64.2 ng/g and from 0.72 to 8.24 ng/g, respectively. The spatial distribution of both BDE-209 and ${\Sigma}_{21}$PBDEs showed a negative gradient from the inner to the outer Bay, indicating that the source of PBDEs might be mainly located inside the Bay such as streams and an effluent of wastewater treatment plants. It was seemed likely that the major parameters determining levels of PBDEs in the Masan Bay were the distance discharging from their sources as well as the characteristics and movement of sediments due to the flow of sea water.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.297-304
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• 2011

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of "brominated" (bromine containing) man-made chemicals used as flame retardant additives in plastics, foams, and textiles. PBDEs are found in various environmental contaminants in air, soil, sediment, and water, and 209 individual forms (congeners) of PBDE exist. Among these, 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) is the dominant congener found in the environment. Exposure to BDE-47 is now worldwide, and levels of BDE-47 have been detected in the blood of animals, including humans. BDE-47 can adversely affect the developmental system in both humans and animals. BDEs have structural similarities to polychlorinated biphenyls and thyroid hormones. However, recent studies have shown that BDEs may act as hormonal disrupting chemicals with detrimental effects. Therefore, a reliable assessment of BDE-47 toxicological action is required to understand the detrimental impacts of BDE-47 on human health. In this review, we overview recent studies on the distribution and potential toxicological effects of BDE-47 in humans and animals.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.109-114
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• 2007

In this study, soxhlet extraction and dissolution-precipitation method are used for separating analyte from polymer materials. In soxhlet extraction efficiency test, it has been found that the DCM, Toluene, THF, and mixtures Acetone/Hexane (1:4, v/v) gave good extraction efficiency, while the use of the ethyl ether, acetone/ethyl ether (1:4, v/v), acetone/hexane (1:1, v/v), DCM/hexane (1:1, v/v) resulted in significantly lower values. In case of dissolution-precipitation method, there is no considerable difference with used different dissolving solvent. The elution amount of multi layer silica and Florisil column were determined with hexane 250 mL and 70 mL of hexane, respectively. Range of PBDE in real waste plastics was N.D.~1,028 ppm.

• Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment
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• v.5 no.4
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• pp.247-262
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• 2011

This study assessed the health risks of childhood exposure to PBDEs via different possible pathways in children's facilities and indoor playgrounds. When PBDE contamination was measured, it was determined through multiple routes, including inhalation of indoor dust, dermal contact with product surfaces and children's hands, and incidental dust ingestion. Samples were collected from various children's facilities (playrooms, daycare centers, kindergartens, and indoor playgrounds) during summer (Jul-Sep, 2007) and winter (Jan-Feb, 2008). The hazard index (HI) was estimated for non-carcinogens, and PBDEs, such as TeBDE, PeBDE, HxBDE, and DeBDE, were examined. The sensitivity to the compounds did not exceed 1.0 (HI) for any of the subjects in any facility. However, current data about toxicity does not reflect effects that were fully sensitive in children, so there is uncertainty in the dose-response data. The contribution rates of PBDEs were 71.4 to 96.1% and 3.7 to 28.2% for intake and inhalation exposure, respectively, indicating that intake of floor dust and inhalation are the primary routes.