Effect of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on lung tissues of pregnant maternal and offspring rats

Decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) is the largest contributor to pollution by PBDEs in the atmosphere, sediment, soil and indoor dust because of its wide use. After exposure to BDE-209, it can be detected in the blood, semen, umbilical cord blood and placental tissues of humans. As reported previously, BDE-209 has a biologically toxic effect on neurological development, the immune system, and the endocrine system and is carcinogenic. BDE-209 could enter a fetus through the placental barrier or breast milk and have a significant influence on the health and growth of the fetus or infant. In this study, we established a pregnant rat model and investigated the effect on lung tissues from the pregnant maternal and offspring rats of exposure to different BDE-209 concentrations. We found that BDE-209 exposure could affect the lung tissues, cause inflammation and change inflammation-related factors at low doses. The effect was greater in the pregnant maternal rats than in the offspring, which meant that the placental barrier could not block the effect completely but did reduce it. Therefore, we call for protection for women working in the electronics, paint and other manufacturing industries during pregnancy.