JAMA Netw Open

Exposure to common flame retardants linked to cancer deaths for the first time

April 3, 2024

Individuals with the highest levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, in their blood had approximately a 300% increased risk of dying from cancer compared with people with the lowest levels, according to a new study that analyzed levels of the chemical compounds in the blood of 1,100 people between 2003 and 2004 using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

“To our knowledge, this is the first study examining the association of PBDE exposure with risk of cause-specific mortality in the general adult population from the U.S.,” the study authors wrote.

The authors further discuss that these findings have major public health implications. Although PBDEs are mostly banned today, their production and use still continues in some regions. In the U.S., only 13 states have applied limitations on using PBDEs in certain goods, but no federal restrictions are in place.

Key study takeaways:

• PBDE analytes in serum samples were measured using solid phase extraction and isotope dilution gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry.
• Adults aged 20 years or older with available data on PBDE measurements and mortality were included.
• This study included 1,100 participants (mean age, 42.9 years; 51.8% female; 12.9% Hispanic; 10.5% non-Hispanic Black; 70.8% non-Hispanic White; 5.5% other race and ethnicity).
• During 16,162 person-years of follow-up (median follow-up, 15.8 years; maximum follow-up, 17 years), 199 deaths occurred.
• Participants with higher serum PBDE levels were at higher risk for death.
• After adjustment for age, sex, and race and ethnicity, lifestyle and socioeconomic factors, and body mass index, participants with the highest tertile of serum PBDE levels had an approximately 300% increased risk of cancer mortality (HR, 4.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71-9.79]) compared with those with the lowest tertile of serum PBDE levels.
• No significant association of PBDE exposure with all-cause mortality (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 0.98-2.07) or CV mortality (HR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.41-2.08) was observed.

Source:

Liu B, et al. (2024, April 1). JAMA Netw Open. Exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers and risk of all-cause and cause-specific mortality. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38558142/