EMERGING CONCERNS - Marine Pollution: What Everyone Needs to Know - page 127

Br Br

Br O Br

Br Br Br Br

Br Br

Figure 7.1 PBDE molecule showing all the positions where Br can be attached

most of the production has been in the United States. PBDE lev-
els in tissues of people in the United States are 10 to 100 times
higher than levels in Europeans and Asians. Canadians have
somewhat lower levels than the United States, but surprisingly,
children have higher levels than adults. These chemicals can
cause long-term adverse effects in marine animals, and major
reductions in reproductive success in fish and crustaceans.

What is the problem with fluorinated compounds?

Fluorinated compounds are also of concern. Perfluorinated
compounds (PFCs) are a family of man-made chemicals
that are used to make products that resist heat, oil, stains,
grease, and water. Common uses include nonstick cookware,
stain-resistant carpets and fabrics, coatings on some food
packaging (e.g., microwave popcorn bags and fast food wrap-
pers), and fire-fighting foam. These chemicals, such as per-
fluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid
(PFOA), are persistent and ubiquitous in the environment.
They are also likely to be toxic and bioaccumulative. They are,
like DDT, PCBs and dioxin, halogenated. Halogens include
fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), and bromine (Br). Halogenated com-
pounds, with either F, Cl, or Br in their structure are resistant
to microbial degradation. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid has
been detected by Jessica Reiner and colleagues in tissues of