PBDEs in Massachusetts: Occurrence, Risk and Regulatory Implications.
Ganley, Caroline.
2011
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Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are synthetic brominated
flame retardants used in plastics and textiles in a wide array of consumer products. These
compounds volatilize from consumer products, are toxic at low concentrations, persist in
the environment and bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans. PBDEs are ubiquitous in the
global natural environment and have been detected in var... read moreious human tissues. For this
thesis, I conducted a human health risk assessment to evaluate potential risks to the
general population posed by PBDEs measured in the Massachusetts environment. Using data
from studies reporting PBDE levels in Massachusetts and elsewhere in the U.S., I employed a
deterministic risk model to calculate estimated risks and then compared the risks to limits
used by MassDEP and USEPA. The results of this risk assessment suggest that children from
birth to eleven years of age may experience potentially significant non-cancer health risks
from exposures to PDBEs. This is of concern because the non-cancer risks are largely driven
by exposure to congeners that have Reference Doses based on adverse developmental
neurological effects. Given that the brain and other parts of the neurological system are
still developing during infancy and early childhood, young children are likely the most
sensitive population for these critical effects. Thus, the segment of the population that
is likely experiencing the highest level of exposure to PBDEs is also the most vulnerable
to its critical effects. The major findings of this study are similar to recent PBDE
exposure studies conducted elsewhere in the U.S.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2011.
Submitted to the Dept. of Civil Engineering.
Advisor: Anne Marie Desmarais.
Committee: David Gute, and Carol Rowan-West.
Keywords: Environmental Health, and Environmental Engineering.read less - ID:
- tq57p340s
- Component ID:
- tufts:20826
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- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
