Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) contaminations across environmental compartments in the Middle East and North Africa

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent brominated flame retardants that migrate from treated products into environmental media and indoor reservoirs, creating long-term exposure concerns. We systematically reviewed PBDE contamination across environmental compartments in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The protocol was registered prospectively in PROSPERO (CRD420251207298). Following PRISMA guidance, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched for English-language studies without date restrictions through November 2025. Thirty-Eight studies were included. Across MENA, PBDE occurrence was heterogeneous and strongly matrix- and location-dependent. Türkiye consistently reported the highest concentrations and the greatest evidence base, with recurring hotspots in industrialized and urban settings, whereas remote/coastal background locations generally showed low levels. Congener patterns were consistent across compartments: BDE-209 dominated soils and sediments, supporting the role of particle-rich media as long-term sinks linked to historical deca-BDE use and deposition processes. Indoor air and dust more frequently showed higher relative contributions of lower-brominated congeners (notably BDE-47 and BDE-99), consistent with emissions from consumer products and dust-mediated exposure pathways. Sediment cores provided additional evidence of temporal variability and legacy inputs in parts of the region. Risk-of-bias appraisal indicated broadly adequate reporting of study setting and outcomes, but frequent limitations in sample size justification and incomplete reporting of potential biases. Overall, PBDE contamination in MENA reflects combined influences of industrial activity, urban infrastructure, indoor reservoirs, and episodic atmospheric transport. Harmonized monitoring, improved reporting standards, and targeted hotspot and indoor exposure assessments are priorities for the region.