PBDE Flame Retardants in Washington Rivers and Lakes: Concentrations in Fish and Water, 2005-06
Author:
Art Johnson, Keith Seiders, Casey Deligeannis, Kristin Kinney, Patti Sandvik, Brandee Era-Miller, and Darren Alkire
Date Published:
8/2006
Description:
The Department of Ecology analyzed polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants (PBDEs) in freshwater fish and water samples collected statewide during 2005-06. This was done in response to increasing PBDE levels in the environment and concern about potential adverse human health effects from fish consumption. The goal was to establish baseline conditions that could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the Washington State PBDE Chemical Action Plan and other efforts to reduce PBDE inputs to the environment.
Data were obtained on concentrations of PBDE-47, -49, -66, -71, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183, -184, -190, and -209 in approximately 120 fish fillet samples, 23 whole fish samples, and 16 water samples, representing 32 waterbodies. The results are used to evaluate the environmental distribution and accumulation of PBDEs in Washington rivers and lakes.
Total PBDE concentrations appear to be less than 10 ug/Kg (parts per billion, wet weight) in fish fillets from most Washington rivers and lakes. Certain fish species from several large waterbodies – Palouse River, Columbia River, Lake Washington, Snohomish River, Cowlitz River, and Snake River – have total PBDE concentrations in the 10 – 200 ug/Kg range. PBDEs in fish from watersheds with minimal human disturbance are at or below the limit of detection. High PBDE levels are found throughout the Spokane River, exceeding 1,000 ug/Kg in some cases.
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