Partitioning of polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in serum, adipose tissue, breast milk, placenta, cord blood, biliary fluid, and feces.

Polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) concentrations in specimens from adult males and females were used to determine the distribution of PBBs in body tissues and the partitioning ratio between types of tissues. Specimens of serum, adipose tissue, biliary fluid, and feces were tested by gas chromatography. In addition, parturient women provided breast milk, placenta, and cord blood for testing. There was a significant correlation between serum and adipose PBB levels. Pregnant and nonpregnant women and male chemical workers had similar serum to adipose tissue concentration ratios, which ranged from 1:140 to 1:260. Males from farms had a significantly different ratio of 1:325-329. Potential exposure to the fetus and newborn was demonstrated. Cord blood contained one-tenth of the concentration found in maternal serum which indicated partial placental passage. Human milk contained PBBs at 107 to 119 times the quantity found in maternal serum. Polybrominated biphenyls were detectable in bile and feces demonstrating transfer into the intestinal tract. The concentration of PBBs in feces represented a minor proportion of the total body burden indicating a slow rate of excretion.