Research Document - 2008/036

Polybrominated Diphenylethers (PBDEs) in the Canadian marine environment: an emerging health risk for fish, marine mammals and their habitat

By Ross, P.S., C.M. Couillard, M. Ikonomou, S. Johannessen, M. Lebeuf, R. Macdonald, and G. Tomy

Abstract

Of the three forms (penta, octa and deca) of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) that have been widely used in textiles, furniture upholstery, plastics, and electronics, only deca-BDE remains on the market in Canada. DFO and other researchers have documented the rapid emergence of PBDEs, including deca-BDE, as a priority concern in the marine and freshwater environments in Canada. In many matrices, BDE-209, the main ingredient in deca-BDE, has surpassed PCBs and DDT as the number one contaminant. PBDEs are being introduced to the marine environment by sewage discharge and atmospheric deposition. Recent DFO research shows that BDE-209 dominates the PBDEs profile in abiotic components of the marine environment, contributing up to 80% of the total PBDE concentration in air, water, and sediments. BDE-209 is taken up by low trophic level (e.g. shellfish and invertebrates) and terrestrial animal species, and therefore presents a risk to these species or those relying on these species for food. Although some studies have not reported results for BDE-209 because of technical difficulties in its measurement, BDE-209 has been found to biomagnify in aquatic food webs. The ready breakdown of BDE-209 into more bioaccumulative and toxic (lighter) PBDE forms in the environment presents perhaps the most insidious threat to aquatic biota. There are concerns within the scientific community about escalating risk of adverse health effects in marine biota, including invertebrates, fish and marine mammals, as well as human consumer groups including coastal First Nations communities. The endocrine-disrupting potential of PBDEs has been established in laboratory animals, fish and in seals.

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