Decreases in Concentrations and Human Dietary Intakes of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) in Korean Seafood Between 2005 and 2017

Concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were measured in 23 seafood species widely consumed by Korean population in 2005–2007, 2010–2011, and 2015–2017. The Σ82PCB and Σ19PBDE concentrations in the seafood samples of 2015–2017 were 0.06–6.69 ng/g wet weight and 0.01–1.60 ng/g wet weight, respectively. The Σ82PCB and Σ19PBDE concentrations in the samples were correlated significantly, and elevated PCB and PBDE concentrations were found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and tuna. The current intakes of PCBs and PBDEs were much lower than a TDI or a LOAEL. The levels and human dietary intakes of PCBs and PBDEs in the 2015–2017 survey showed decreases of 17–73% and 57–86%, respectively, in relation to the 2005–2007 and 2010–2011 surveys. This indicates that global bans on PCBs and PBDEs have been effective, and their levels and exposure have been gradually declining.