PBDEs, PCBs and new-BFRs in size segregated aerosol samples

Although PCBs and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), widely used as flame retardants, are no longer manufactured or imported into many countries, they still are present in obsolete and end-of-life products such as computers, televisions, phones. Thus, noteworthy levels can still be released in atmosphere during Electrical and Electronic Equipment Waste (WEEE) recycling procedures. Recently new brominated flame retardants (new-BFRs), having similar chemical-physical characteristics, have been introduced as substitutes for those banned by the EU- and USA-market. All these organic compounds are lipophilic and persistent, and many of them show toxicological effects even at the lowest concentration. Since an important exposure route could include inhalation, their distribution in different particle size fractions affects ability to cause adverse effects. Nevertheless studies regarding the particles-size distribution of PBDEs, new-BFRs and PCBs are limited or absent.