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

Abstract

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 to identify the potential sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with this exposure. The study population (n = 134) was a subcohort of the GraMo Study, recruited in 2003–04 in Granada (Spain). Information on potential exposure-associated factors was collected through face-to-face interviews and a review of clinical records. Historical exposure was estimated by analyzing adipose tissue concentrations of 12 PBDEs and 2 DPs by means of gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Data analyses included multivariable linear regression analyses. Median (interquartile range) 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-DP, syn-DP, and 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-DP, 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.