New insights into the endocrine disrupting effects of brominated flame retardants

The Objective Of this review is to provide all overview of recent Studies demonstrating the endocrine disrupting (ED) effects of brominated flame retardants (BFRs), while highlighting interesting data presented at the recent international BFR workshop in Amsterdam in April, 2007. A review written in 2002 was used as a starting point and about 60 Publications published since 2003 were reviewed. New insights into the in vivo effects of BFRs on thyroid hormone, estrogen and androgen pathways in both mammalian and non-mammalian models are provided, and novel (in vitro) findings oil the mechanisms underlying ED effects are highlighted. Special attention is also given to reports on neurotoxicological effects at relatively low closes of BFRs, although an endocrine-related mechanism is disputable. Convincing evidence has been published showing that BFRs and importantly, BFR metabolites, have the potential to disrupt endocrine systems at multiple target sites. While some studies suggest a wide margin of safety between effect concentrations in rodent models and levels encountered in humans and the environment, other Studies demonstrate that exposure to low Closes relevant for humans and wildlife at critical time points in development can result in profound effects oil both endocrine pathways and (neuro)development. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.