FSANZ study of brominated flame retardants in food
14 December 2007
Background
There has been increasing interest internationally in of a group of flame retardant chemicals called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). In 2004, the Australian Department of Environment and Heritage began three studies into the levels of PBDE in aquatic sediments, indoor environments and human blood serum in Australians. The study of blood serum showed that PBDE levels in Australian adults were lower than those observed for adults in North America, but higher than those observed in Europe and Asia.
Detailed information on the sources of PBDE can be found at http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/chemicals/bfr/pubs/factsheet.pdf
In 2005, the joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives and Contaminants concluded that while there was limited data, the current intakes of PBDE from the diet are unlikely to be a significant health concern. That year, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) undertook to study PBDE in food in Australia.
We have now completed a survey of PBDE in food in Australia and undertaken a dietary exposure estimate and risk assessment. The full FSANZ report is available here.
A number of other countries have moved to regulate the use of PBDE and, in 2007, Australia’s National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) banned the import and/or manufacture of the two main PBDE, penta-brominated diphenyl ether and octa-brominated diphenyl ether (see http://www.nicnas.gov.au ).
What are PBDE?
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are man-made chemicals that are added to a wide variety of consumer and commercial products to improve their fire resistance. Use of PBDE has contributed greatly to reducing loss of lives and property by slowing the spread of fire. However, they have recently come under increased scrutiny because of their persistence in the environment and their unknown impact upon human health and the environment.
Which foods were involved in the FSANZ study?
In 2005, FSANZ commissioned an analytical survey of PBDE in 35 representative foods purchased from typical retail outlets. The food sampled included meats, dairy, oils and spreads, bread and bakery products, vegetables and water. We combined the results with data on the concentration of PBDE in breast milk in a separate study commissioned by the then Department of Environment and Heritage, and made a population dietary exposure assessment and an appraisal of health risks.
What did FSANZ find?
Thirty of the thirty five (30/35) types of food analysed were found to contain PBDE at very low levels (parts per billion range).
Eggs, pork chops, bacon, cream, hamburger, lamb chops, sheep liver, beef sausage, pizza, chocolate, potato crisps had relatively higher levels, while foods such as vegetables had relatively lower levels. Full fat milk, reduced fat milk, canola oil, tap water and table salt did not have quantifiable amounts of PBDE.
While dietary exposure to PBDE was low, the more commonly consumed foods (bread, vegetables, dairy and meats) contributed more to dietary exposure.
Overall, we found that the general population had a low exposure to PBDE through food and that current intakes of PBDE through diet are unlikely to be a significant health concern. We have concluded that food is a minor contributor to human exposure to PBDE compared to other sources such as indoor air and dust.
How do these results compare with overseas?
Our survey of foods showed that the concentrations and types of PBDE measured in Australian food appear to be reasonably similar to those reported in other areas of the world.
A separate study of levels of PBDE in breast milk found that Australian breast milk contained PBDE at levels below those reported for North America, but higher than those in Europe and Japan. Levels of PBDE are also expected to decline as a result of restrictions on their manufacture and use in a number of countries.
Should I breastfeed my baby?
Yes. Breast milk is the best food for babies, especially in their first 6 months. The level of PBDE in breast milk is very low (less than one part in a billion) and is expected to fall as use of these chemicals is phased out. PBDE are also present in infant formula and other infant foods.
Should I change my diet?
No. If you currently have a healthy and balanced diet, you should not adjust your diet because of PBDE.
What is being done about PBDE?
In Australia, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS) has already banned the import and/or manufacture of the two main PBDEs, penta-brominated diphenyl ether and octa-brominated diphenyl ether (see http://www.nicnas.gov.au).
Similar actions around the world are expected to reduce levels of PDBE in the environment and food over the coming years. Alternative fire retardant chemicals are also being developed and substituted for PBDE to ensure fire safety is maintained.
Other relevant links
The Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website and Environment Protection and Heritage Council website contain the reports on other studies.
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/chemicals/bfr/pubs/bfr-aquatic.pdf
http://www.environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/chemicals/bfr/pubs/bfr-indoor.pdf
http://environment.gov.au/settlements/publications/chemicals/bfr/blood.html
http://www.ephc.gov.au/pdf/EPHC/OCP_PBDE_human_milk_jan%202005.pdf