Widespread Occurrence and Accumulation of Bisphenol A Diglycidyl Ether (BADGE), Bisphenol F Diglycidyl Ether (BFDGE) and Their Derivatives in Human Blood and Adipose Fat

Despite the widespread use of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) and bisphenol F diglycidyl ether (BFDGE) in various consumer products, studies on human exposure to these compounds are scarce. In this study, BADGE, BFDGE, and seven of their derivatives were determined in human adipose fat and blood plasma samples collected from New York City, NY. Bisphenol A bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether [BADGE center dot 2H(2)O] was the major BADGE derivative found in 60% of the adipose samples and 70% of the plasma samples analyzed. High concentrations and detection frequencies of BFDGE were found in both adipose and plasma samples. BFDGE concentrations in adipose fat ranged from 19.1 to 4500 ng/g wet weight. A significant correlation between BADGE or BFDGE and their derivatives in adipose and plasma samples suggested hydration of these reactive compounds in humans. A significant positive correlation existed between BADGEs (i.e., the sum of BADGE and its five derivatives) and BFDGEs in adipose samples, which suggested similar exposure sources and pathways for these compounds in humans. Bisphenol A (BPA) also was analyzed in adipose fat and plasma, and its concentrations were positively correlated with those of BADGEs, which confirmed coexposure of BADGEs and BPA in humans.