| Abstract
| - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in a variety of materials,including synthetic polymers and textiles. Although these chemicals have been detected inenvironmental samples and human tissues, there is little information about human exposure to PBDEsthrough the diet. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of PBDEs in a number offood samples acquired in Catalonia (Spain) during 2000. The dietary intake of PBDEs was estimatedfor the general population living in this Spanish region. The highest PBDE concentrations were foundin oils and fats, fish and shellfish, meat and meat products, and eggs, while the lowest levelscorresponded to fruits, vegetables, and tubers. The dietary intake of PBDEs for an adult male was97.3 ng/day (assuming not detected (ND) = 1/2 limit of detection (LOD)) or 81.9 ng/day (assumingND = 0) The greatest contribution to these values corresponded to fish and shellfish, withapproximately one-third of the total intake. TetraBDEs and pentaBDEs were the homologues showingthe highest percentages of contribution to the sum of total PBDEs. The comparison of the currentdietary intake with the suggested lowest observed adverse effect level value of 1 mg/kg/day for themost sensitive endpoints for toxic effects of PBDEs results in a safety factor over 5 orders of magnitudein relation to PBDE exposure from food. Keywords: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs); levels in food; dietary intake; general population;Catalonia, Spain
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