Assessment of the occupational and environmental risks of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in China

Yi, S; Liu, JG; Jin, J; Zhu, J

HERO ID

3350493

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2016

Language

English

PMID

26810304

HERO ID 3350493
In Press No
Year 2016
Title Assessment of the occupational and environmental risks of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in China
Authors Yi, S; Liu, JG; Jin, J; Zhu, J
Journal Chemosphere
Volume 150
Page Numbers 431-437
Abstract In 2013, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was listed in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants obligated to be phased out worldwide. China is a major producer and user of HBCD. Based on Chinese HBCD production and processing conditions, we classified the existing 599 HBCD production and processing plants into six occupational exposure scenarios. We also used occupational environmental monitoring and occupational health risk assessment models to estimate exposure levels. Occupational internal exposure levels for HBCD in China were estimated to range from 0.61 to 840 μg kg(-1) d(-1), which suggests that approximately 453-840 workers, or 72% of all workers in this industry, may have occupational exposure risk. As such, the occupational risks of HBCD should not be ignored. In our study area, HPLC-MS/MS revealed HBCD concentrations ranging from 0.11 to 560 ng g dry weight (dw)(-1), 20.4-24.2 ng g dw(-1), and 166-1964 ng g lipid weight (lw)(-1) in soil, sediment, and biological samples, respectively, consistent with previous monitoring results. These data suggest potential risk to marine environments due to sustained and large-scale HBCD production and processing. Thus, timely measures to control HBCD-related risk are necessary and may bring significant occupational health and environmental benefits in areas where HBCD is prevalent.
Doi 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2016.01.047
Pmid 26810304
Wosid WOS:000372765100052
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD); Exposure simulation; Occupational risk; Environmental risk; HPLC-MS/MS