Levels and sources of brominated flame retardants in human hair from urban, e-waste, and rural areas in South China

Human hair and indoor dust from urban, e-waste, and rural areas in south China were collected and analyzed for brominated flame retardants (BFRs). BFRs concentrations in hair from occupational e-waste recycling workers were higher than those from non-occupational exposed residents in other sampling areas. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) are two major BFRs in hair samples. The PBDE congener profiles in hair from the e-waste area are different from those from urban and rural areas with relatively higher contribution of lower brominated congeners. DBDPE, instead of BDE209, has become the major BFR in non-e-waste recycling areas. Significant correlations were found between hair level and dust level for DBDPE and BTBPE but not for PBDEs. The different PBDE congener profiles between dust and hair may suggest that exogenous exposure to the PBDE adsorbed on dust is not a major source of hair PBDEs. ► In this study we examine BFRs in human hair and indoor dust from the South China. ► We find that the composition of BFR in the e-waste area is different from other areas. ► DBDPE, instead of BDE209, has become the major BFR in non-e-waste recycling areas. ► The PBDE congener pattern in hair is different from those in indoor dust. ► In this study we conclude that exogenous exposure to the PBDE is not a major source of hair PBDEs. BFR levels in hair from different areas in South China were determined and endogenous pathway was found to be the major source of hair BFRs.