Bromine and iodine in 1997 UK total diet study samples

Concentrations of bromine and iodine were analysed in samples from the 1997 UK Total Diet Study (TDS) using ICP-MS. The data has been used to estimate dietary exposures of UK consumers to these elements from the typical UK di et. Samples for the 20 TDS food groups were obtained from 20 towns in the U K in 1997 and analysed in 1998/99 for total bromine and total iodine concen trations. These samples were also analysed for 12 other elements. The UK re gulatory authority had considered iodine recently, but had not considered b romine before. This survey provides up-to-date baseline data for these two elements. Iodine concentrations are similar to those found in recent survey s. Levels of bromine were consistent with previous data where available. Di etary exposures to bromine and iodine were calculated to see if there were any risks to health from the levels of these elements found in the UK diet. The estimated population average exposure to iodine was 0.25 mg d(-1), whi ch is within the range of previous estimates (1995, 0.21 mg d(-1); 1991, 0. 17 mg d(-1); 1985, 0.28 mg d(-1)). The estimated population average exposur e to bromine was 3.6 mg d(-1).