Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Occupational Exposures and Thyroid Function among U.S. and Canadian Firefighters: A Cross-sectional Study

Bonnie E Gould Rothberg; Alberto J Caban-Martinez; Dana Boyd Barr; Mark A Jara; Valentina Rodriguez; Paola Louzado Feliciano; Katerina M Santiago; Cynthia Campos Beaver; Erin N Kobetz-Kerman; Natasha Schaefer Solle

doi:10.1097/JOM.0000000000003477

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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Occupational Exposures and Thyroid Function among U.S. and Canadian Firefighters: A Cross-sectional Study

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Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Occupational Exposures and Thyroid Function among U.S. and Canadian Firefighters: A Cross-sectional Study

Bonnie E Gould Rothberg, Alberto J Caban-Martinez, Dana Boyd Barr, Mark A Jara, Valentina Rodriguez, Paola Louzado Feliciano, Katerina M Santiago, Cynthia Campos Beaver, Erin N Kobetz-Kerman and Natasha Schaefer Solle

Journal of occupational and environmental medicine

2025-06-05

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/JOM.0000000000003477

PMID: 40561203

Appears in Miller School of Medicine - Latest Publications

Abstract

Firefighter

cancer

thyroid

ultrasound

polybrominated diphenyl ether

Evaluate the association between serum polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels and thyroid anatomy and function in firefighters. 259 firefighters provided a blood sample and underwent thyroid ultrasound. Blood serum levels were tested for thyroid function tests and PBDEs -47, -85, -99, -100, -153, and -154 (ng/g lipid weight). Ultrasonography documented structural characteristics. Bivariate associations between PBDE concentrations and demographic/occupational characteristics, thyroid function, and thyroid anatomic measures were determined using multivariable linear regression. A positive relationship between PBDE-47 and triiodothyronine (p = 0.02) while an inverse relationship with free thyroxine (p = 0.03) was observed. PBDE-47 was inversely associated with thyroid nodule size (p = 0.03) and nodule aggressiveness (p = 0.02). PBDE-47 was highest in western United States firefighters and lowest among sampled Canadians (p = 0.01). PBDE-47 may contribute to thyroid dysregulation in firefighters. PBDE-47 levels differ across North America.

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Title: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), Occupational Exposures and Thyroid Function among U.S. and Canadian Firefighters: A Cross-sectional Study
Creators: Bonnie E Gould Rothberg
Alberto J Caban-Martinez
Dana Boyd Barr - Emory University
Mark A Jara
Valentina Rodriguez - Departments of Medicine
Paola Louzado Feliciano
Katerina M Santiago
Cynthia Campos Beaver - University of Miami
Erin N Kobetz-Kerman
Natasha Schaefer Solle
Publication Details: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine
Grant note: Johanna Garibaldi, BSN
The authors thank all the first responders who took the time to participate in the research study. The authors also acknowledge the support of Johanna Garibaldi, BSN, RN, EMT-P, and Amiee J. Green, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, ABAAHP, COHN-S, who assisted with field-based data collection.
Academic Unit: Miller School of Medicine; UMMG Dept of Medicine - Hospital Medicine; UMMG Department of Public Health Sciences Research; Jay Weiss Institute for Health Equity at Sylvester; UMMG Dept of Medicine - Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article
PMID: 40561203
Record Identifier: 991032722192802976