The occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Brazil: a review

The occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), brominated flame retardants, has been reported in Brazil. These compounds are used in many types of consumer products, such as plastics, foam, electrical wiring and textile coatings; they have become ubiquitous in the environment, in people and in other animals' bodies because of their highly recalcitrant properties as well as their lipophilicity. Recent studies indicate that PBDEs are transported worldwide passively by air and actively through water sources, and can occur in locations as remote as the Arctic environment. This study is the first review to report the PBDEs' presence and concentration in several environmental matrices in Brazil. Although there are no studies showing the effects of the PBDEs in live organisms in Brazil, their occurrence was reported in humans, aquatic animals, air and even honey. Thus, it is extremely important to establish legislative controls about the use of products containing such compounds.