Risk Assessment of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Food in Chinese Urban Area

Objectives To assess the risk of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in food in an urban area of China.

Methods On the basis of food detection data of PBDEs and the food intake of urban residents based on the national survey of nutrition and health of chinese people conducted in 2002, the hazard identification, hazard characterization, exposure assessment and risk characteristics for PBDEs were evaluated according to the risk assessment process.

Results The contamination of PBDEs in food in this city is lower than the standard limits for risk control.

Conclusions Since the serious toxicity of PBDEs to human, more scientific and accurate risk assessment should be carried out; the national and multi-angle monitoring, such as food, soil and water, should be launched as soon as possible.