Sociodemographic and Lifestyle Factors Associated with Historical Exposure to Persistent Flame Retardant Concentrations in a Spanish Cohort

The aim of this study was to estimate the historical exposure to a selection of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and Dechlorane Plus (DP) concentrations and the potential sociodemographic and lifestyle associated factors. Study population (n=134) was a subcohort of GraMo Study, recruited in 2003-04 in Granada (Spain). Information on potential exposure associated factors was collected by face-to-face interviews and clinical records review. Historical exposure was estimated by analyzing adipose tissue concentrations of 12 PBDEs and the 2 DPs, by means of gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. Data analyses included multivariable linear regression analyses. Median (Interquartile Ranges) pollutant concentrations ranged from 0.13 (0.09, 0.23) ng/g lipid for BDE-99 to 1.34 (0.92, 2.43) ng/g lipid for BDE-153. The body mass index was inversely associated with anti- and syn-DP, BDE-153, -183, and -197 concentrations. Males exhibited higher levels of BDE-28, -47, -153 and -209 than females. Compared to non-manual workers, manual workers exhibited increased BDE-154, anti- and syn-DP concentrations, but lower BDE-28 levels. These findings highlight the elevated prevalence of PBDE/DP exposure and the heterogeneous exposure patterns observed across the study population. Further research is warranted to elucidate the long-term implications for human health.