Elimination of PBB-153; findings from a cohort of Michigan adults

An industrial accident led to the widespread contamination of polybrominated biphenyl (PBB), a flame retardant, into the food system in Michigan in the 1970's. PBB continues to be detected in Michiganders' blood some forty years later. It is necessary to understand the elimination rate and half-life of PBB because it may provide clues on how to hasten the elimination of it from the human body. Serum samples were taken from young adult and adult participants of the Michigan PBB registry from 1974 to 2019. A single compartment model was assumed for the elimination rate for PBB-153 in young adults and adults (≥16 years). Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the average elimination rate of PBB-153 and allowed for a random intercept and slope for the time between measurements. Models were adjusted for age at exposure, body mass index (BMI) at initial measurement, and smoking. Models were also stratified by demographic characteristics. In total, 1974 participants contributed 4768 samples over a forty-year span. The median initial PBB-153 level was 1.542 parts per billion (ppb) (Range: 0.001–1442.48 ppb). The adjusted median participant-specific half-life for PBB-153 was 12.23 years. The half-life of PBB-153 was lengthened by higher initial PBB level (∼1.5 years), younger age at exposure (∼5.4 years), higher BMI (∼1.0 years), and increased gravidity (∼7.3 years). Additionally, the half-life of PBB-153 was shortened by smoking status (∼-2.8 years) and breastfeeding (∼-3.5 years). Consistent with previous studies, PBB-153 has been demonstrated to have a long half-life in the human body and may be modified by some demographic characteristics. These updated estimates of half-life will further support evaluation of health effects associated with PBB exposure. Investigations into mechanisms to accelerate elimination and reduce body burdens of PBB-153, especially those related to body weight, are needed. •The median subject-specific half-life for PBB-153 was 12.23 years.•Younger age at exposure lengthened half-life (∼5.4 years).•Higher initial PBB level lengthened half-life (∼1.0 years).•In a subgroup, pregnancy lengthened half-life (∼7.3 years).•Smoking (∼-2.8 years) and breastfeeding shortened half-life (∼-3.5 years).