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Glenn G, Shogren R, Jin X, Orts W, Hart-Cooper W, Olson L. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives in paper food packaging. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2021; 20:2596-2625. [PMID: 33682364 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used in food contact paper and paperboard for decades due to their unique ability to provide both moisture and oil/grease resistance. Once thought to be innocuous, it is now clear that long chain PFAS bioaccumulate and are linked to reproductive and developmental abnormalities, suppressed immune response, and tumor formation. Second-generation PFAS have shorter biological half-lives but concerns about health risks from chronic exposure underscore the need for safe substitutes. Waxes and polymer film laminates of polyethylene, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol), and polyethylene terephthalate are commonly used alternatives. However, such laminates are neither compostable nor recyclable. Lamination with biodegradable polymers, including polyesters, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoates, are of growing research and commercial interest. PLA films are perhaps the most viable alternative, but performance and compostability are suboptimal. Surface sizings and coatings of starches, chitosan, alginates, micro- and nanofibrilated cellulose, and gelatins provide adequate oil barrier properties but have poor moisture resistance without chemical modification. Plant proteins, including soy, wheat gluten, and corn zein, have been tested as paper coatings with soy being the most commercially important. Internal sizing agents, such as alkyl ketene dimers, alkenyl succinic anhydride, and rosin, improve moisture resistance but are poor oil/grease barriers. The difficulty in finding a viable replacement for PFAS chemicals that is cost-effective, fully biodegradable, and environmentally sound underscores the need for more research to improve barrier properties and process economics in food packaging products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Glenn
- Bioproduct Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, USA
| | | | - Xing Jin
- World Centric, Rohnert Park, California, USA
| | - William Orts
- Bioproduct Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, USA
| | - William Hart-Cooper
- Bioproduct Research Unit, USDA-ARS, Western Regional Research Center, Albany, California, USA
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Ankley GT, Cureton P, Hoke RA, Houde M, Kumar A, Kurias J, Lanno R, McCarthy C, Newsted J, Salice CJ, Sample BE, Sepúlveda MS, Steevens J, Valsecchi S. Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:564-605. [PMID: 32897586 PMCID: PMC7984443 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564-605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald T. Ankley
- Great Lakes Toxicology and Ecology Division, US Environmental Protection AgencyDuluthMinnesotaUSA
| | - Philippa Cureton
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | - Magali Houde
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, MontrealQuebecCanada
| | - Anupama Kumar
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation UrrbraeSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Jessy Kurias
- Science and Risk Assessment Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada, GatineauQuebecCanada
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Maria S. Sepúlveda
- Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue UniversityWest LayetteIndianaUSA
| | - Jeffery Steevens
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research CenterColumbiaMissouriUSA
| | - Sara Valsecchi
- Water Research Institute, National Research CouncilBrugherioMonza and BrianzaItaly
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Oró-Nolla B, Lacorte S, Vike-Jonas K, Gonzalez SV, Nygård T, Asimakopoulos AG, Jaspers VL. Occurrence of Bisphenols and Benzophenone UV Filters in White-Tailed Eagles ( Haliaeetus albicilla) from Smøla, Norway. TOXICS 2021; 9:toxics9020034. [PMID: 33572087 PMCID: PMC7914477 DOI: 10.3390/toxics9020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing concern about the occurrence of bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters in natural ecosystems, while data are limited regarding their actual occurrence in wildlife species, especially in raptors. In this study, concentrations of bisphenol and benzophenone UV filter analogues were determined in liver tissue samples (n = 38) from white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) that were found dead in Smøla (2006-2018), which is a Norwegian municipality that holds one of the densest breeding populations of white-tailed eagles in Europe. Bisphenol AF (BPAF; a fluorinated analogue) was the most ubiquitous contaminant since it was detected in 32 liver samples at concentrations ranging from 1.08 to 6.68 ng/g wet weight (w.w.), followed by bisphenol A (BPA, mean 10.4 ng/g w.w.), benzophenone-1 (BzP-1, mean 3.24 ng/g w.w.), and 4-hydroxybenzophenone (4-OH-BzP, mean 0.62 ng/g w.w.). The concentrations found in livers suggested that white-tailed eagles potentially accumulate bisphenols and benzophenone UV filters, which raises concern, as these plastic and personal care product-related emerging contaminants can show endocrine-disrupting properties. The high detection frequency of the fluorinated BPAF warrants further attention as other fluorinated compounds have proven to be extremely persistent and potentially harmful to wildlife.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernat Oró-Nolla
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (B.O.-N.); (S.L.)
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (K.V.-J.); (S.V.G.); (A.G.A.)
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Silvia Lacorte
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; (B.O.-N.); (S.L.)
| | - Kristine Vike-Jonas
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (K.V.-J.); (S.V.G.); (A.G.A.)
| | - Susana V. Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (K.V.-J.); (S.V.G.); (A.G.A.)
| | - Torgeir Nygård
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), Høgskoleringen 9, 7034 Trondheim, Norway;
| | - Alexandros G. Asimakopoulos
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway; (K.V.-J.); (S.V.G.); (A.G.A.)
| | - Veerle L.B. Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-735-96-080
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Bălan SA, Mathrani VC, Guo DF, Algazi AM. Regulating PFAS as a Chemical Class under the California Safer Consumer Products Program. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:25001. [PMID: 33595352 PMCID: PMC7888260 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. The widespread use, large number, and diverse chemical structures of PFAS pose challenges to any sufficiently protective regulation, emissions reduction, and remediation at contaminated sites. Regulating only a subset of PFAS has led to their replacement with other members of the class with similar hazards, that is, regrettable substitutions. Regulations that focus solely on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ineffective, given that nearly all other PFAS can generate PFAAs in the environment. OBJECTIVES In this commentary, we present the rationale adopted by the State of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for regulating PFAS as a class in certain consumer products. DISCUSSION We at the California DTSC propose regulating certain consumer products if they contain any member of the class of PFAS because: a) all PFAS, or their degradation, reaction, or metabolism products, display at least one common hazard trait according to the California Code of Regulations, namely environmental persistence; and b) certain key PFAS that are the degradation, reaction or metabolism products, or impurities of nearly all other PFAS display additional hazard traits, including toxicity; are widespread in the environment, humans, and biota; and will continue to cause adverse impacts for as long as any PFAS continue to be used. Regulating PFAS as a class is thus logical, necessary, and forward-thinking. This technical position may be helpful to other regulatory agencies in comprehensively addressing this large class of chemicals with common hazard traits. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Andreea Bălan
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Vivek Chander Mathrani
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Dennis Fengmao Guo
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - André Maurice Algazi
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
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Calvert L, Green MP, De Iuliis GN, Dun MD, Turner BD, Clarke BO, Eamens AL, Roman SD, Nixon B. Assessment of the Emerging Threat Posed by Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances to Male Reproduction in Humans. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:799043. [PMID: 35356147 PMCID: PMC8959433 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.799043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per-fluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse group of synthetic fluorinated chemicals used widely in industry and consumer products. Due to their extensive use and chemical stability, PFAS are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and as such, form an emerging risk factor for male reproductive health. The long half-lives of PFAS is of particular concern as the propensity to accumulate in biological systems prolong the time taken for excretion, taking years in many cases. Accordingly, there is mounting evidence supporting a negative association between PFAS exposure and an array of human health conditions. However, inconsistencies among epidemiological and experimental findings have hindered the ability to definitively link negative reproductive outcomes to specific PFAS exposure. This situation highlights the requirement for further investigation and the identification of reliable biological models that can inform health risks, allowing sensitive assessment of the spectrum of effects of PFAS exposure on humans. Here, we review the literature on the biological effects of PFAS exposure, with a specific focus on male reproduction, owing to its utility as a sentinel marker of general health. Indeed, male infertility has increasingly been shown to serve as an early indicator of a range of co-morbidities such as coronary, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases. It follows that adverse associations have been established between PFAS exposure and the incidence of testicular dysfunction, including pathologies such as testicular cancer and a reduction in semen quality. We also give consideration to the mechanisms that render the male reproductive tract vulnerable to PFAS mediated damage, and discuss novel remediation strategies to mitigate the negative impact of PFAS contamination and/or to ameliorate the PFAS load of exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Calvert
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Mark P. Green
- School of BioSciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Geoffry N. De Iuliis
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew D. Dun
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Cancer Signalling Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett D. Turner
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Geotechnical Science and Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Bradley O. Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew L. Eamens
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
| | - Shaun D. Roman
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- Priority Research Centre for Drug Development, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Brett Nixon
- Priority Research Centre for Reproductive Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle NSW, Australia
- *Correspondence: Brett Nixon,
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56
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Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lohmann R, Ng CA, Scheringer M, Wang Z. The high persistence of PFAS is sufficient for their management as a chemical class. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:2307-2312. [PMID: 33230514 PMCID: PMC7784706 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00355g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic organic substances with diverse structures, properties, uses, bioaccumulation potentials and toxicities. Despite this high diversity, all PFAS are alike in that they contain perfluoroalkyl moieties that are extremely resistant to environmental and metabolic degradation. The vast majority of PFAS are therefore either non-degradable or transform ultimately into stable terminal transformation products (which are still PFAS). Under the European chemicals regulation this classifies PFAS as very persistent substances (vP). We argue that this high persistence is sufficient concern for their management as a chemical class, and for all "non-essential" uses of PFAS to be phased out. The continual release of highly persistent PFAS will result in increasing concentrations and increasing probabilities of the occurrence of known and unknown effects. Once adverse effects are identified, the exposure and associated effects will not be easily reversible. Reversing PFAS contamination will be technically challenging, energy intensive, and costly for society, as is evident in the efforts to remove PFAS from contaminated land and drinking water sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway and Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Carla A Ng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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57
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Meegoda JN, Kewalramani JA, Li B, Marsh RW. A Review of the Applications, Environmental Release, and Remediation Technologies of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8117. [PMID: 33153160 PMCID: PMC7663283 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are pollutants that have demonstrated a high level of environmental persistence and are very difficult to remediate. As the body of literature on their environmental effects has increased, so has regulatory and research scrutiny. The widespread usage of PFAS in industrial applications and consumer products, complicated by their environmental release, mobility, fate, and transport, have resulted in multiple exposure routes for humans. Furthermore, low screening levels and stringent regulatory standards that vary by state introduce considerable uncertainty and potential costs in the environmental management of PFAS. The recalcitrant nature of PFAS render their removal difficult, but existing and emerging technologies can be leveraged to destroy or sequester PFAS in a variety of environmental matrices. Additionally, new research on PFAS remediation technologies has emerged to address the efficiency, costs, and other shortcomings of existing remediation methods. Further research on the impact of field parameters such as secondary water quality effects, the presence of co-contaminants and emerging PFAS, reaction mechanisms, defluorination yields, and the decomposition products of treatment technologies is needed to fully evaluate these emerging technologies, and industry attention should focus on treatment train approaches to improve efficiency and reduce the cost of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay N. Meegoda
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Jitendra A. Kewalramani
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Brian Li
- Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA;
| | - Richard W. Marsh
- Department of Chemical and Material Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
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Bonato M, Corrà F, Bellio M, Guidolin L, Tallandini L, Irato P, Santovito G. PFAS Environmental Pollution and Antioxidant Responses: An Overview of the Impact on Human Field. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E8020. [PMID: 33143342 PMCID: PMC7663035 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Due to their unique properties, perfluorinated substances (PFAS) are widely used in multiple industrial and commercial applications, but they are toxic for animals, humans included. This review presents some available data on the PFAS environmental distribution in the world, and in particular in Europe and in the Veneto region of Italy, where it has become a serious problem for human health. The consumption of contaminated food and drinking water is considered one of the major source of exposure for humans. Worldwide epidemiological studies report the negative effects that PFAS have on human health, due to environmental pollution, including infertility, steroid hormone perturbation, thyroid, liver and kidney disorders, and metabolic disfunctions. In vitro and in vivo researches correlated PFAS exposure to oxidative stress effects (in mammals as well as in other vertebrates of human interest), produced by a PFAS-induced increase of reactive oxygen species formation. The cellular antioxidant defense system is activated by PFAS, but it is only partially able to avoid the oxidative damage to biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Paola Irato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.T.)
| | - Gianfranco Santovito
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy; (M.B.); (F.C.); (M.B.); (L.G.); (L.T.)
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Fluorinated Surfactant Adsorption on Mineral Surfaces: Implications for PFAS Fate and Transport in the Environment. SURFACES 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/surfaces3040037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Fluorinated surfactants, which fall under the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are amphiphilic molecules that comprise hydrophobic fluorocarbon chains and hydrophilic head-groups. Fluorinated surfactants have been utilized in many applications, e.g., fire-fighting foams, paints, household/kitchenware items, product packaging, and fabrics. These compounds then made their way into the environment, and have been detected in soil, fresh water, and seawater. From there, they can enter human bodies. Fluorinated surfactants are persistent in water and soil environments, and their adsorption onto mineral surfaces contributes to this persistence. This review examines how fluorinated surfactants adsorb onto mineral surfaces, by analyzing the thermodynamics and kinetics of adsorption, and the underlying mechanisms. Adsorption of fluorinated surfactants onto mineral surfaces can be explained by electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and ligand and ion exchange. The aqueous pH, varying salt or humic acid concentrations, and the surfactant chemistry can influence the adsorption of fluorinated surfactants onto mineral surfaces. Further research is needed on fluorinated surfactant adsorbent materials to treat drinking water, and on strategies that can modulate the fate of these compounds in specific environmental locations.
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Ceccatelli S, Cravedi J, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, Knutsen HK, Rose M, Roudot A, Van Loveren H, Vollmer G, Mackay K, Riolo F, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06223. [PMID: 32994824 PMCID: PMC7507523 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 228] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food. Based on several similar effects in animals, toxicokinetics and observed concentrations in human blood, the CONTAM Panel decided to perform the assessment for the sum of four PFASs: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These made up half of the lower bound (LB) exposure to those PFASs with available occurrence data, the remaining contribution being primarily from PFASs with short half-lives. Equal potencies were assumed for the four PFASs included in the assessment. The mean LB exposure in adolescents and adult age groups ranged from 3 to 22, the 95th percentile from 9 to 70 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week. Toddlers and 'other children' showed a twofold higher exposure. Upper bound exposure was 4- to 49-fold higher than LB levels, but the latter were considered more reliable. 'Fish meat', 'Fruit and fruit products' and 'Eggs and egg products' contributed most to the exposure. Based on available studies in animals and humans, effects on the immune system were considered the most critical for the risk assessment. From a human study, a lowest BMDL 10 of 17.5 ng/mL for the sum of the four PFASs in serum was identified for 1-year-old children. Using PBPK modelling, this serum level of 17.5 ng/mL in children was estimated to correspond to long-term maternal exposure of 0.63 ng/kg bw per day. Since accumulation over time is important, a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was established. This TWI also protects against other potential adverse effects observed in humans. Based on the estimated LB exposure, but also reported serum levels, the CONTAM Panel concluded that parts of the European population exceed this TWI, which is of concern.
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61
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Kwiatkowski CF, Andrews DQ, Birnbaum LS, Bruton TA, DeWitt JC, Knappe DRU, Maffini MV, Miller MF, Pelch KE, Reade A, Soehl A, Trier X, Venier M, Wagner CC, Wang Z, Blum A. Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2020; 7:532-543. [PMID: 34307722 PMCID: PMC8297807 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This commentary presents a scientific basis for managing as one chemical class the thousands of chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The class includes perfluoroalkyl acids, perfluoroalkylether acids, and their precursors; fluoropolymers and perfluoropolyethers; and other PFAS. The basis for the class approach is presented in relation to their physicochemical, environmental, and toxicological properties. Specifically, the high persistence, accumulation potential, and/or hazards (known and potential) of PFAS studied to date warrant treating all PFAS as a single class. Examples are provided of how some PFAS are being regulated and how some businesses are avoiding all PFAS in their products and purchasing decisions. We conclude with options for how governments and industry can apply the class-based approach, emphasizing the importance of eliminating non-essential uses of PFAS, and further developing safer alternatives and methods to remove existing PFAS from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol F. Kwiatkowski
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | - David Q. Andrews
- Environmental Working Group, Washington, D.C. 20009, United States
| | - Linda S. Birnbaum
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Thomas A. Bruton
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834, United States
| | - Detlef R. U. Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695, United States
| | | | - Mark F. Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709, United States
| | - Katherine E. Pelch
- School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas 76126, United States
| | - Anna Reade
- Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, California 94104, United States
| | - Anna Soehl
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States
| | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, DK-1050 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marta Venier
- O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47401, United States
| | - Charlotte C. Wagner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arlene Blum
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, California 94709, United States; Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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Sánchez-Soberón F, Sutton R, Sedlak M, Yee D, Schuhmacher M, Park JS. Multi-box mass balance model of PFOA and PFOS in different regions of San Francisco Bay. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 252:126454. [PMID: 32197174 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
We present a model to predict the long-term distribution and concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in estuaries comprising multiple intercommunicated sub-embayments. To that end, a mass balance model including rate constants and time-varying water inputs was designed to calculate levels of these compounds in water and sediment for every sub-embayment. Subsequently, outflows and tidal water exchanges were used to interconnect the different regions of the estuary. To calculate plausible risks to population, outputs of the model were used as inputs in a previously designed model to simulate concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in a sport fish species (Cymatogaster aggregata). The performance of the model was evaluated by applying it to the specific case of San Francisco Bay, (California, USA), using 2009 sediment and water sampled concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in North, Central and South regions. Concentrations of these compounds in the Bay displayed exponential decreasing trends, but with different shapes depending on region, compound, and compartment assessed. Nearly stable PFOA concentrations were reached after 50 years, while PFOS needed close to 500 years to stabilize in sediment and fish. Afterwards, concentrations stabilize between 4 and 23 pg/g in sediment, between 0.02 and 44 pg/L in water, and between 7 and 104 pg/g wet weight in fish, depending on compound and region. South Bay had the greatest final concentrations of pollutants, regardless of compartment. Fish consumption is safe for most scenarios, but due to model uncertainty, limitations in monthly intake could be established for North and South Bay catches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Sánchez-Soberón
- Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Spain; LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rebecca Sutton
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Ave, Richmond, CA, 98404, United States
| | - Margaret Sedlak
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Ave, Richmond, CA, 98404, United States
| | - Donald Yee
- San Francisco Estuary Institute, 4911 Central Ave, Richmond, CA, 98404, United States
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Departament D'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira I Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007, Tarragona, Spain
| | - June-Soo Park
- Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, 700 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94710, United States
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63
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Villanger GD, Kovacs KM, Lydersen C, Haug LS, Sabaredzovic A, Jenssen BM, Routti H. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard - A comparison of concentrations in plasma sampled 15 years apart. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114497. [PMID: 32302893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to investigate recent concentrations of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in white whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from Svalbard and compare them to concentrations found in white whales sampled from that same area 15 years ago. Plasma collected from live-captured white whales from two time periods (2013-2014, n = 9, and 1996-2001, n = 11) were analysed for 19 different PFASs. The 11 PFASs detected included seven C8-C14 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and three C6-C8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) as well as perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA). Recent plasma concentrations (2013-2014) of the dominant PFAS in white whales, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; geometric mean = 22.8 ng/mL), was close to an order of magnitude lower than reported in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from Svalbard. PFOS concentrations in white whales were about half the concentrations in harbour (Phoca vitulina) and ringed (Pusa hispida) seals, similar to hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) and higher than in walruses (Odobenus rosmarus) from that same area. From 1996 to 2001 to 2013-2014, plasma concentrations of PFOS decreased by 44%, whereas four C9-12 PFCAs and total PFCAs increased by 35-141%. These results follow a similar trend to what has been reported in other studies of Arctic marine mammals from Svalbard. The most dramatic change has been the decline of PFOS concentrations since 2000, corresponding to the production phase-out of PFOS and related compounds in many countries around the year 2000 and a global restriction on these substances in 2009. Still, the continued dominance of PFOS in white whales, and increasing concentration trends for several PFCAs, even though exposure is relatively low, calls for continued monitoring of concentrations of both PFCAs and PFSAs and investigation of biological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro D Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Polar Institute, Tromsø, Norway.
| | | | | | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Bjørn M Jenssen
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
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64
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Li F, Zeng J, Sun X. Functionalized ionic liquids based on vegetable oils for rare earth elements recovery. RSC Adv 2020; 10:26671-26674. [PMID: 35515789 PMCID: PMC9055440 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra00448k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Functionalized ionic liquids (FILs) based on vegetable oils have been directly synthesized and used for the first time to extract rare earth elements (REEs). Carbon dioxide gas is introduced to successfully strip REE-loaded FILs in the presence of water. The novel extraction process reveals some advantages of accessibility, biocompatibility and sustainability as well as cost efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fujian Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou 350002 PR China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Green Process and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Multiphase Complex Systems, Beijing Key Laboratory of Ionic Liquids Clean Process, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences Beijing 100190 PR China
| | - Jingyao Zeng
- Jiangxi University of Science and Technology Ganzhou 341000 PR China
| | - Xiaoqi Sun
- CAS Key Laboratory of Design and Assembly of Functional Nanostructures, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences Fuzhou 350002 PR China
- Ganzhou Rare Earth Group Co., Ltd., China Southern Rare Earth Ganzhou 341000 PR China
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Liu X, Chen D, Wang B, Xu F, Pang Y, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Jin L, Li Z, Ren A. Does Low Maternal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Elevate the Risk of Spontaneous Preterm Birth? A Nested Case-Control Study in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:8259-8268. [PMID: 32510220 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Previous animal and human studies suggest potential links between maternal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and adverse birth outcomes. As spontaneous preterm birth (SPB) represents a major cause of infant mortality and precursor to future morbidity, we conducted a prospective nested case-control study in Shanxi Province, China to investigate the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and SPB risk, as well as the associations with biomarkers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Among 4229 women enrolled during 2009-2013, 144 SPB cases and 375 controls were included in this study. Seventeen PFASs, as well as monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), were measured in maternal plasma or serum collected during 4th-22nd gestational weeks. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and its alternative chlorinated polyfluoroether sulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA) were detected in more than 90% samples with a median concentration of 0.79, 1.79, and 0.34 ng/mL, respectively. The analyses revealed no significant associations between plasma PFASs and the SPB risk after adjusting for potential confounders. However, concentrations of PFOS and 6:2 Cl-PFESA were both significantly and positively associated with MCP-1 levels, while PFOA was inversely associated with IL-8. Our findings suggested that maternal exposure to the determined low levels of PFAS did not induce an elevated risk of SPB, but the exposure may disturb potential biochemical pathways of inflammation. The latter has important implications for possible birth outcome effects and developmental effects in fetuses and newborns, which warrants close attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotu Liu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Da Chen
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Fangping Xu
- School of Environment, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Yiming Pang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Le Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yali Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Lei Jin
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhiwen Li
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Aiguo Ren
- Institute of Reproductive and Child Health, Peking University/Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Beijing 100191, China
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
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66
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Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lohmann R, Miller M, Ng CA, Scheringer M, Vierke L, Wang Z. Strategies for grouping per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to protect human and environmental health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2020; 22:1444-1460. [PMID: 32495786 PMCID: PMC7585739 DOI: 10.1039/d0em00147c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Grouping strategies are needed for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in part, because it would be time and resource intensive to test and evaluate the more than 4700 PFAS on the global market on a chemical-by-chemical basis. In this paper we review various grouping strategies that could be used to inform actions on these chemicals and outline the motivations, advantages and disadvantages for each. Grouping strategies are subdivided into (1) those based on the intrinsic properties of the PFAS (e.g. persistence, bioaccumulation potential, toxicity, mobility, molecular size) and (2) those that inform risk assessment through estimation of cumulative exposure and/or effects. The most precautionary grouping approach of those reviewed within this article suggests phasing out PFAS based on their high persistence alone (the so-called "P-sufficient" approach). The least precautionary grouping approach reviewed advocates only grouping PFAS for risk assessment that have the same toxicological effects, modes and mechanisms of action, and elimination kinetics, which would need to be well documented across different PFAS. It is recognised that, given jurisdictional differences in chemical assessment philosophies and methodologies, no one strategy will be generally acceptable. The guiding question we apply to the reviewed grouping strategies is: grouping for what purpose? The motivation behind the grouping (e.g. determining use in products vs. setting guideline levels for contaminated environments) may lead to different grouping decisions. This assessment provides the necessary context for grouping strategies such that they can be adopted as they are, or built on further, to protect human and environmental health from potential PFAS-related effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sheriff I, Debela SA, Kabia OA, Ntoutoume CE, Turay MJ. The phase out of and restrictions on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Time for a rethink. CHEMOSPHERE 2020; 251:126313. [PMID: 32143075 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.126313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Industrial manufacture boom in the past decades had resulted in the release of new chemicals to the environment. A group of manmade chemicals called per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are among these chemicals that have gained traction in recent years which are used in myriad consumer and industrial products worldwide. Since some PFASs are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic in nature, series of programs and regulatory initiatives have been introduced to end their production; and gradually replacing them with short chain alternatives. However, concerns have been expressed in the scientific literature about the characteristics and effects of some of these short chain alternatives on environmental and living systems. Here, we suggest that professional scientific bodies should be part of the review process of alternatives short chain PFASs, owing to their immeasurable contribution to knowledge and understanding of these chemicals. Per and poly fluoroalkyl substances are understudied and poorly regulated in developing countries. Therefore, in order for these countries to contribute meaningfully to the global regulatory initiatives on PFASs, transfer of technology and capacity building must be explicitly considered, given the developed competencies, technical expertise and skills that are required for evidence-based policy development and implementation. Furthermore, the issue of transparency of the production and use of PFASs which some companies consider as confidential business information (CBI) must be closely paid attention to by regulators. Confidential business information if not properly addressed may undermine regulatory and risk reduction measures as it may limit most of the relevant information pertaining to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmail Sheriff
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Shihu Campus, 215011, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sisay Abebe Debela
- School of Public and Environmental Health, Hawassa University College of Medicine and Health Science, Hawassa, Ethiopia.
| | - Osman Alhaji Kabia
- Department of Geography and Rural Development, Faculty of Social Sciences, Ernest Bai Koroma University of Science and Technology, Makeni Campus, Sierra Leone.
| | - Charles Evrard Ntoutoume
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Shihu Campus, 215011, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Matthew James Turay
- School of Economics, Beijing Technology and Business University, Haidain Province, People's Republic of China.
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Galloway JE, Moreno AVP, Lindstrom AB, Strynar MJ, Newton S, May AA, Weavers LK. Evidence of Air Dispersion: HFPO-DA and PFOA in Ohio and West Virginia Surface Water and Soil near a Fluoropolymer Production Facility. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7175-7184. [PMID: 32458687 PMCID: PMC8015386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was used as a fluoropolymer manufacturing aid at a fluoropolymer production facility in Parkersburg, WV from 1951 to 2013. The manufacturer introduced a replacement surfactant hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) that has been in use at this site since 2013. Historical releases of PFOA and related epidemiological work in this area has been primarily focused on communities downstream. To provide an update on the ongoing impacts from this plant, 94 surface water samples and 13 soil samples were collected mainly upstream and downwind of this facility. PFOA was detected in every surface water sample with concentrations exceeding 1000 ng/L at 13 sample sites within an 8 km radius of the plant. HFPO-DA was also found to be widespread with the highest levels (>100 ng/L) found in surface water up to 6.4 km north of the plant. One sample site, 28 km north of the plant, had PFOA at 143 ng/L and HFPO-DA at 42 ng/L. Sites adjacent to landfills containing fluorochemical waste had PFOA concentrations ranging up to >1000 ng/L. These data indicate that downwind atmospheric transport of both compounds has occurred and that the boundaries of the impact zone have yet to be fully delineated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason E Galloway
- Department of Molecular Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Anjelica V P Moreno
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Andrew B Lindstrom
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Mark J Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Seth Newton
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Andrew A May
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2070 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Linda K Weavers
- Environmental Science Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geodetic Engineering, The Ohio State University, 2070 Neil Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Zhang X, Sun X, Jiang R, Zeng EY, Sunderland EM, Muir DCG. Screening New Persistent and Bioaccumulative Organics in China's Inventory of Industrial Chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:7398-7408. [PMID: 32422038 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Over a third of the world's annual chemical production and sales occur in China. Thus, knowledge of the properties of the substances produced and emitted there is important from a global perspective. The chemical Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances of China (IECSC) lists over 45 000 chemicals. When compared to the North American and European chemical inventories, 6916 substances were found to be unique to the IECSC. We retrieved structural information for 14 938 organic chemicals in the IECSC and determined their overall environmental persistence , bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and long-range transport potential (transfer efficiency) using in silico approaches with the goal of identifying new chemicals with properties that might lead to global contamination issues. Overall, 10% of the 14 938 chemicals were unique to the IECSC and their environmental persistence and BAF were statistically higher than the values for the rest of the IECSC chemicals. We prioritized 27 neutral organic compounds predicted to have prolonged environmental persistence, and high potential for bioaccumulation and long-range transport when compared with polychlorinated biphenyls as a benchmark. We also identified 69 organofluorine compounds with three or more perfluorinated moieties, unique to the IECSC. Screening approaches and results from this study help to identify and prioritize those to be considered in further environmental modeling and monitoring assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianming Zhang
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Xiangfei Sun
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Ruifen Jiang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M1C 1A4, Canada
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
- Environment and Climate Change Canada, Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario L7S 1A1 Canada
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Lebeaux RM, Doherty BT, Gallagher LG, Zoeller RT, Hoofnagle AN, Calafat AM, Karagas MR, Yolton K, Chen A, Lanphear BP, Braun JM, Romano ME. Maternal serum perfluoroalkyl substance mixtures and thyroid hormone concentrations in maternal and cord sera: The HOME Study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 185:109395. [PMID: 32222633 PMCID: PMC7657649 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous. Previous studies have found associations between PFAS and thyroid hormones in maternal and cord sera, but the results are inconsistent. To further address this research question, we used mixture modeling to assess the associations with individual PFAS, interactions among PFAS chemicals, and the overall mixture. METHODS We collected data through the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study, a prospective cohort study that between 2003 and 2006 enrolled 468 pregnant women and their children in the greater Cincinnati, Ohio region. We assessed the associations of maternal serum PFAS concentrations measured during pregnancy with maternal (n = 185) and cord (n = 256) sera thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (TT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and free triiodothyronine (FT3) using two mixture modeling approaches (Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and quantile g-computation) and multivariable linear regression. Additional models considered thyroid autoantibodies, other non-PFAS chemicals, and iodine deficiency as potential confounders or effect measure modifiers. RESULTS PFAS, considered individually or as mixtures, were generally not associated with any thyroid hormones. A doubling of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) had a positive association with cord serum TSH in BKMR models but the 95% Credible Interval included the null (β = 0.09; 95% CrI: -0.08, 0.27). Using BKMR and multivariable models, we found that among children born to mothers with higher thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), PFOS, and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) were associated with decreased cord FT4 suggesting modification by maternal TPOAb status. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that maternal serum PFAS concentrations measured in the second trimester of pregnancy are not strongly associated with thyroid hormones in maternal and cord sera. Further analyses using robust mixture models in other cohorts are required to corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M Lebeaux
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Brett T Doherty
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - R Thomas Zoeller
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Andrew N Hoofnagle
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aimin Chen
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's and Women's Hospital and Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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Holmquist H, Fantke P, Cousins IT, Owsianiak M, Liagkouridis I, Peters GM. An (Eco)Toxicity Life Cycle Impact Assessment Framework for Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:6224-6234. [PMID: 32364377 PMCID: PMC7304862 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b07774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
A framework for characterizing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is proposed. Thousands of PFASs are used worldwide, with special properties imparted by the fluorinated alkyl chain. Our framework makes it possible to characterize a large part of the family of PFASs by introducing transformation fractions that translate emissions of primary emitted PFASs into the highly persistent terminal degradation products: the perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Using a PFAA-adapted characterization model, human toxicity as well as marine and freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity characterization factors are calculated for three PFAAs, namely perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS). The model is evaluated to adequately capture long-term fate, where PFAAs are predicted to accumulate in open oceans. The characterization factors of the three PFAAs are ranked among the top 5% for marine ecotoxicity, when compared to 3104 chemicals in the existing USEtox results databases. Uncertainty analysis indicates potential for equally high ranks for human health impacts. Data availability constitutes an important limitation creating uncertainties. Even so, a life cycle assessment (LCA) case study illustrates practical application of our proposed framework, demonstrating that even low emissions of PFASs can have large effects on LCA results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Holmquist
- Division
of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Fantke
- Quantitative
Sustainability Assessment, Department of Technology, Management and
Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet 424, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikołaj Owsianiak
- Quantitative
Sustainability Assessment, Department of Technology, Management and
Economics, Technical University of Denmark, Produktionstorvet 424, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ioannis Liagkouridis
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gregory M. Peters
- Division
of Environmental Systems Analysis, Chalmers
University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Liberatore HK, Jackson SR, Strynar MJ, McCord JP. Solvent Suitability for HFPO-DA ("GenX" Parent Acid) in Toxicological Studies. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2020; 7:477-481. [PMID: 32944590 PMCID: PMC7490830 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are of significant interest because of their prevalence and environmental persistence. Further, for many PFAS, including fluorinated ethers, such as hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or the parent acid of "GenX"), toxicological data are sparse. In general, in vitro testing frequently uses dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as a carrier solvent due to its low toxicity, solubility across vast chemical space, and permeation across biological barriers. For PFAS, laboratory practice has assumed that the materials are stable across a wide range of solvents, pHs, and temperatures. In this study, HFPO-DA stability was evaluated with DMSO and other commonly used solvents to determine each solvent's suitability for use in toxicity assays. The formation of HFPO-DA's degradation product, heptafluoropropyl 1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (Fluoroether E-1), was monitored by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) over time. These experiments revealed degradation of HFPO-DA to Fluoroether E-1 in DMSO and other aprotic, polar solvents, with half-lives on the order of hours (1 h, 1.25 h, and 5.2 h for DMSO, acetone, and acetonitrile, respectively). This rapid degradation suggests the need for caution when performing or using data from toxicity assessments on HFPO-DA and closely related PFAS compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Liberatore
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Stephen R. Jackson
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - Mark J. Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
| | - James P. McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27711, United States
- ; Phone: 919-541-2137
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73
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Lin HW, Feng HX, Chen L, Yuan XJ, Tan Z. Maternal exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors during pregnancy is associated with pediatric germ cell tumors. NAGOYA JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 32581411 PMCID: PMC7276419 DOI: 10.18999/nagjms.82.2.323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Environmental endocrine disruptors (EEDs) are natural or synthetic chemical compounds that interfere with normal endocrine function in both wildlife and humans. Previous studies have indicated that EEDs may contribute to oncogenesis. This study explores the relationship between EEDs and pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs). A case-control study was conducted in 84 pediatric patients from 2014 to 2017, including 42 subjects with immature teratoma, yolk sac tumor, or germinoma, and 42 controls who experienced pneumonia or trauma. Serum PFASs, including PFBS, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFUA, PFOSA, and PFDoA, were measured in each subject, and their history of possible EED exposure was reviewed. Six of the 10 measured PFASs were significantly increased in the GCT group relative to the control group. With respect to lifestyle history, only PFHxS levels were statistically significantly associated with GCTs as determined by logistic regression analysis. The odds ratio for a 1 ng/L increase in PFHxS was 19.47 (95% CI: 4.20-90.26). Furthermore, in the GCT and control groups, both parental consumption of barbecued foods and hair dye use among parents were significantly correlated with elevated serum PFHxS levels (ρ = 0.383, 0.325 in the patient group and ρ = 0.370, 0.339 in the control group; p < 0.05). Our study confirmed that children with GCTs from our institute had relatively high serum levels of PFASs relative to those of tumor-free pediatric patients. Serum PFHxS levels were independently associated with germ cell tumor occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Wei Lin
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai
Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China,Department of Pediatric Surgery, Jiaxing Maternity and Child Health Care
Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hai-Xia Feng
- Department of Pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition, Xinhua Hospital
Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental
Health, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine,
Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Tan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to
Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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74
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Gaballah S, Swank A, Sobus JR, Howey XM, Schmid J, Catron T, McCord J, Hines E, Strynar M, Tal T. Evaluation of Developmental Toxicity, Developmental Neurotoxicity, and Tissue Dose in Zebrafish Exposed to GenX and Other PFAS. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:47005. [PMID: 32271623 PMCID: PMC7228129 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of industrial chemicals with widespread environmental occurrence. Exposure to long-chain PFAS is associated with developmental toxicity, prompting their replacement with short-chain and fluoroether compounds. There is growing public concern over the safety of replacement PFAS. OBJECTIVE We aimed to group PFAS based on shared toxicity phenotypes. METHODS Zebrafish were developmentally exposed to 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoate (ADONA), perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid (GenX Free Acid), perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octene-1-sulfonic acid (PFESA1), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluoro-n-octanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), or 0.4% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) daily from 0-5 d post fertilization (dpf). At 6 dpf, developmental toxicity and developmental neurotoxicity assays were performed, and targeted analytical chemistry was used to measure media and tissue doses. To test whether aliphatic sulfonic acid PFAS cause the same toxicity phenotypes, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS; 4-carbon), perfluoropentanesulfonic acid (PFPeS; 5-carbon), PFHxS (6-carbon), perfluoroheptanesulfonic acid (PFHpS; 7-carbon), and PFOS (8-carbon) were evaluated. RESULTS PFHxS or PFOS exposure caused failed swim bladder inflation, abnormal ventroflexion of the tail, and hyperactivity at nonteratogenic concentrations. Exposure to PFHxA resulted in a unique hyperactivity signature. ADONA, PFESA1, or PFOA exposure resulted in detectable levels of parent compound in larval tissue but yielded negative toxicity results. GenX was unstable in DMSO, but stable and negative for toxicity when diluted in deionized water. Exposure to PFPeS, PFHxS, PFHpS, or PFOS resulted in a shared toxicity phenotype characterized by body axis and swim bladder defects and hyperactivity. CONCLUSIONS All emerging fluoroether PFAS tested were negative for evaluated outcomes. Two unique toxicity signatures were identified arising from structurally dissimilar PFAS. Among sulfonic acid aliphatic PFAS, chemical potencies were correlated with increasing carbon chain length for developmental neurotoxicity, but not developmental toxicity. This study identified relationships between chemical structures and in vivo phenotypes that may arise from shared mechanisms of PFAS toxicity. These data suggest that developmental neurotoxicity is an important end point to consider for this class of widely occurring environmental chemicals. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5843.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaza Gaballah
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adam Swank
- Research Cores Unit, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jon R. Sobus
- Exposure Methods and Measurement Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Xia Meng Howey
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Judith Schmid
- Toxicology Assessment Division, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tara Catron
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division (ISTD), National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL), Office of Research and Development (ORD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - James McCord
- Exposure Methods and Measurement Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Erin Hines
- National Center for Environmental Assessment, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- Exposure Methods and Measurement Division, National Exposure Research Laboratory, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Tamara Tal
- ISTD, NHEERL, ORD, U.S. EPA, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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75
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Padula AM, Monk C, Brennan PA, Borders A, Barrett ES, McEvoy C, Foss S, Desai P, Alshawabkeh A, Wurth R, Salafia C, Fichorova R, Varshavsky J, Kress A, Woodruff TJ, Morello-Frosch R. A review of maternal prenatal exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors-implications for research on perinatal outcomes in the ECHO program. J Perinatol 2020; 40:10-24. [PMID: 31616048 PMCID: PMC6957228 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-019-0510-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Exposures to environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors during pregnancy have been individually associated with adverse perinatal outcomes related to birthweight and gestational age, but are not often considered in combination. We review types of psychosocial stressors and instruments used to assess them and classes of environmental chemical exposures that are known to adversely impact perinatal outcomes, and identify studies relevant studies. We discuss the National Institutes of Health's Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program that has combined existing longitudinal cohorts that include more than 50,000 children across the U.S. We describe future opportunities for investigators to use this important new resource for addressing relevant and critical research questions to maternal health. Of the 84 cohorts in ECHO, 38 collected data on environmental chemicals and psychosocial stressors and perinatal outcomes. The diverse ECHO pregnancy cohorts provide capacity to compare regions with distinct place-based environmental and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Padula
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
USA
| | | | | | - Ann Borders
- North Shore University Health System, Evanston, IL,
USA
| | | | | | - Sophie Foss
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Preeya Desai
- Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Raina Fichorova
- Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical
School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Amii Kress
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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76
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Zhang D, Zhang W, Liang Y. Distribution of eight perfluoroalkyl acids in plant-soil-water systems and their effect on the soil microbial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 697:134146. [PMID: 31484094 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.134146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Phytoremediation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) appears to be a green remediation technique. To understand distribution of PFAS in plant-soil-water systems, eight perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) at three different concentrations were spiked to Juncus effusus grown in a greenhouse for 21 days. Results from this study demonstrated that mass-based plant uptake of PFAAs correlated positively with concentrations and time. On the basis of removal percentages, the higher the initial PFAA concentrations, the less removal by plant was observed. With the low level of PFAA spike, J. effusus roots and shoots accumulated 30-40% of PFAAs (C4 to C8) except PFOS with a lower uptake of approximately 20%. Together with soil sorption, >82.8% of PFAAs were removed from the aqueous solution in 21 days. Uptake of PFAAs also depended on their carbon chain length and plant compartments (roots or shoots). This dependence resulted in different bioaccumulation factors and translocation factors for different PFAAs. Besides physical and chemical distribution, PFAAs, especially those added at the high level led to significant change of soil bacterial communities in terms of composition and structure. Potential impact to the community's functions warrants further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Zhang
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology, Maoming 525000, China
| | - Weilan Zhang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222, United States of America
| | - Yanna Liang
- Department of Environmental and Sustainable Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University at Albany, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222, United States of America.
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77
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Kowalczyk J, Flor M, Karl H, Lahrssen-Wiederholt M. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in beaked redfish (Sebastes mentella) and cod (Gadus morhua) from arctic fishing grounds of Svalbard. FOOD ADDITIVES & CONTAMINANTS PART B-SURVEILLANCE 2019; 13:34-44. [DOI: 10.1080/19393210.2019.1690052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Kowalczyk
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - M. Flor
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Berlin, Germany
| | - H. Karl
- Department of Safety and Quality of Milk and Fish Products, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Hamburg, Germany
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78
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Allendorf F, Berger U, Goss KU, Ulrich N. Partition coefficients of four perfluoroalkyl acid alternatives between bovine serum albumin (BSA) and water in comparison to ten classical perfluoroalkyl acids. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1852-1863. [PMID: 31475719 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00290a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are persistent, ubiquitous environmental contaminants and their long-chain representatives are bioaccumulative. The phase-out of these compounds (e.g. PFOA and PFOS) shifted the production to alternatives. However, little is known about the bioaccumulative behaviour of the alternatives, which are still highly fluorinated. PFAAs are predominantly detected in blood, where they bind to the transport protein serum albumin. This sorption can be described by the albumin/water partition coefficient. It is unclear whether the partition coefficients of the alternatives are lower than or in the same range as those of classical PFAAs. We determined albumin/water partition coefficients for seven perfluoroalkyl carboxylates, three perfluoroalkane sulfonates and four alternatives by dialysis experiments in a physiologically representative system. Quantification was done by LC-MS/MS and a mass balance approach. Logarithmic albumin/water partition coefficients for PFAAs range from 2.8 to 4.8 [Lwater kgalbumin-1] and increase with increasing chain length. Perfluorinated sulfonates sorb more strongly than their carboxylate counterparts. The albumin/water partition coefficients for the alternatives (HFPO-DA, DONA, 9Cl-PF3ONS and PFECHS) are in the same range as for classical PFAAs. Structural modifications such as the introduction of ether groups into the chain do not reduce sorption to albumin, whereas the chlorine atom in 9Cl-PF3ONS seems to even increase the sorption to albumin. We further investigated whether the sorption strength could be affected in the presence of medium- or long-chain fatty acids. Binding competition between medium-chain fatty acids and PFAAs appeared to be possible. However, the presence of physiologically more relevant long-chain fatty acids should not alter the albumin/water partition coefficients of PFAAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Allendorf
- Department of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Urs Berger
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Kai-Uwe Goss
- Department of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany. and Institute of Chemistry, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Kurt-Mothes-Strasse 2, D-06120 Halle, Germany
| | - Nadin Ulrich
- Department of Analytical Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Permoserstrasse 15, D-04318 Leipzig, Germany.
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Cousins IT, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lohmann R, Miller M, Ng CA, Patton S, Scheringer M, Trier X, Vierke L, Wang Z, DeWitt JC. The concept of essential use for determining when uses of PFASs can be phased out. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE. PROCESSES & IMPACTS 2019; 21:1803-1815. [PMID: 31204421 PMCID: PMC6992415 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00163h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Because of the extreme persistence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and their associated risks, the Madrid Statement argues for stopping their use where they are deemed not essential or when safer alternatives exist. To determine when uses of PFASs have an essential function in modern society, and when they do not, is not an easy task. Here, we: (1) develop the concept of "essential use" based on an existing approach described in the Montreal Protocol, (2) apply the concept to various uses of PFASs to determine the feasibility of elimination or substitution of PFASs in each use category, and (3) outline the challenges for phasing out uses of PFASs in society. In brief, we developed three distinct categories to describe the different levels of essentiality of individual uses. A phase-out of many uses of PFASs can be implemented because they are not necessary for the betterment of society in terms of health and safety, or because functional alternatives are currently available that can be substituted into these products or applications. Some specific uses of PFASs would be considered essential because they provide for vital functions and are currently without established alternatives. However, this essentiality should not be considered as permanent; rather, constant efforts are needed to search for alternatives. We provide a description of several ongoing uses of PFASs and discuss whether these uses are essential or non-essential according to the three essentiality categories. It is not possible to describe each use case of PFASs in detail in this single article. For follow-up work, we suggest further refining the assessment of the use cases of PFASs covered here, where necessary, and expanding the application of this concept to all other uses of PFASs. The concept of essential use can also be applied in the management of other chemicals, or groups of chemicals, of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691, Sweden.
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU, Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | - Mark Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carla A Ng
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | | | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xenia Trier
- DTU Technical University of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lena Vierke
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Dessau-Roßlau, Germany
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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80
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Pelch KE, Reade A, Wolffe TAM, Kwiatkowski CF. PFAS health effects database: Protocol for a systematic evidence map. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 130:104851. [PMID: 31284092 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) confer waterproof, greaseproof, and non-stick properties when added to consumer products. They are also used for industrial purposes including in aqueous film forming foams for firefighting. PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment, are widely detected in human biomonitoring studies, and are of growing regulatory concern across federal, state, and local governments. Regulators, scientists, and citizens need to stay informed on the growing health and toxicology literature related to PFAS. OBJECTIVES The goal of this systematic evidence map is to identify and organize the available health and toxicology related literature on a set of 29 PFAS of emerging and growing concern. SEARCH AND STUDY ELIGIBILITY We will search the electronic database PubMed for health or toxicological studies on 29 PFAS of emerging concern. Eligible studies must contain primary research investigating the link between one or more of the PFAS of interest and a health effect, toxicological, or biological mechanistic endpoint. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Title and abstract screening and full text review will require a single reviewer for inclusion to the next level and two independent reviewers for exclusion. Study quality will not be conducted for this evidence mapping. Study characteristics will be extracted and coded from the included studies and checked for accuracy by a second reviewer. The extracted and coded information will be visualized in a publicly available, interactive database hosted on Tableau Public. Results of the evidence mapping will be published in a narrative summary.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Reade
- Healthy People & Thriving Communities Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter Street, Floor 21, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Taylor A M Wolffe
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK.
| | - Carol F Kwiatkowski
- The Endocrine Disruption Exchange, PO Box 54, Eckert, CO, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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81
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Rivière G, Jean J, Gorecki S, Hulin M, Kolf-Clauw M, Feidt C, Picard-Hagen N, Vasseur P, Le Bizec B, Sirot V. Dietary exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids, brominated flame retardants and health risk assessment in the French infant total diet study. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 131:110561. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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82
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Lewis SE, Wilhelmy BE, Leibfarth FA. Upcycling aromatic polymers through C-H fluoroalkylation. Chem Sci 2019; 10:6270-6277. [PMID: 31341579 PMCID: PMC6601422 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc01425j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique properties imparted by planar, rigid aromatic rings in synthetic polymers make these macromolecules useful in a range of applications, including disposable packaging, aerospace materials, flexible electronics, separation membranes, and engineering thermoplastics. The thermal and chemical stability of aromatic polymers, however, makes it difficult to alter their bulk and/or surface properties and results in challenges during recycling. In response, we report a platform approach for the C-H functionalization of aromatic polymers by taking advantage of their innate reactivity with electrophilic radical intermediates. The method uses mild reaction conditions to photocatalytically generate electrophilic fluoroalkyl radicals for the functionalization of an array of commercially relevant polyaromatic substrates, including post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste, without altering their otherwise attractive thermomechanical properties. The density of fluorination, and thus the material properties, is tuned by either increasing the reagent concentration or incorporating longer perfluoroalkyl species. Additionally, the installation of versatile chemical functionality to aromatic polymers is demonstrated through the addition of a bromodifluoromethyl group, which acts as an initiator for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) grafting of vinyl polymers. The method described herein imparts new and versatile chemical functionality to aromatic polymers, enabling an efficient approach to diversify the properties of these otherwise recalcitrant commodity plastics and demonstrating a viable pathway to upcycle post-consumer plastic waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally E Lewis
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , 125 South Rd , Chapel Hill , NC 27599 , USA .
| | - Bradley E Wilhelmy
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , 125 South Rd , Chapel Hill , NC 27599 , USA .
| | - Frank A Leibfarth
- Department of Chemistry , University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , 125 South Rd , Chapel Hill , NC 27599 , USA .
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83
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Characterization of the binding of per- and poly-fluorinated substances to proteins: A methodological review. Trends Analyt Chem 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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84
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Hu XC, Tokranov AK, Liddie J, Zhang X, Grandjean P, Hart JE, Laden F, Sun Q, Yeung LWY, Sunderland EM. Tap Water Contributions to Plasma Concentrations of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in a Nationwide Prospective Cohort of U.S. Women. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2019; 127:67006. [PMID: 31170009 PMCID: PMC6792361 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 2013 and 2015, concentrations of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public drinking water supplies serving at least six million individuals exceeded the level set forth in the health advisory established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Other than data reported for contaminated sites, no systematic or prospective data exist on the relative source contribution (RSC) of drinking water to human PFAS exposures. OBJECTIVES This study estimates the RSC of tap water to overall PFAS exposure among members of the general U.S. POPULATION METHODS We measured concentrations of 15 PFAS in home tap water samples collected in 1989-1990 from 225 participants in a nationwide prospective cohort of U.S. women: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS). We used a one-compartment toxicokinetic model to estimate plasma concentrations corresponding to tap water intake of PFAS. We compared modeled results with measured plasma PFAS concentrations among a subset of 110 NHS participants. RESULTS Tap water perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were statistically significant predictors of plasma concentrations among individuals who consumed [Formula: see text] cups of tap water per day. Modeled median contributions of tap water to measured plasma concentrations were: PFOA 12% (95% probability interval 11%-14%), PFNA 13% (8.7%-21%), linear perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (nPFOS) 2.2% (2.0%-2.5%), branched perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (brPFOS) 3.0% (2.5%-3.2%), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) 34% (29%-39%). In five locations, comparisons of PFASs in community tap water collected in the period 2013-2016 with samples from 1989-1990 indicated increases in quantifiable PFAS and extractable organic fluorine (a proxy for unquantified PFAS). CONCLUSIONS Our results for 1989-1990 compare well with the default RSC of 20% used in risk assessments for legacy PFAS by many agencies. Future evaluation of drinking water exposures should incorporate emerging PFAS. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4093.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xindi C. Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrea K. Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jahred Liddie
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Xianming Zhang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jaime E. Hart
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Francine Laden
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Qi Sun
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Leo W. Y. Yeung
- MTM Research Centre, School of Science and Technology, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Elsie M. Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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85
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Liu X, Zhang L, Chen L, Li J, Wang Y, Wang J, Meng G, Chi M, Zhao Y, Chen H, Wu Y. Structure-based investigation on the association between perfluoroalkyl acids exposure and both gestational diabetes mellitus and glucose homeostasis in pregnant women. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 127:85-93. [PMID: 30909097 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biomonitoring studies have shown the presence of structurally diverse perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in humans but only a few studies are available regarding the differential structural effects of PFAAs on human health. OBJECTIVE The specific association between different structural PFAAs and both gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and glucose homeostasis in pregnant women was investigated. METHODS A prospective nested case-control study including 439 women was conducted during 2013-2015 in Beijing, China. First trimester maternal serum was collected and analyzed for 25 diverse PFAAs with varying carbon chain lengths, linear/branched isomers and carboxylate or sulfonate functional groups. The analyzed PFAAs were grouped into different exposure variables depending on structure characteristics. GDM cases were diagnosed at 24-28 weeks of gestation and individually matched in a 1:2 ratio to controls. Conditional logistic and linear regression was used to evaluate the association between structurally grouped PFAAs and both GDM risk and glucose homeostasis parameters. RESULTS Among the 25 PFAAs, 12 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs) and 8 perfluoroalkyl sulfonates (PFSAs) were detected in >55.0% of samples and were respectively grouped into different structural groups. The structural-based effect was observed for PFCAs, where short-chain (C4-C7) PFCAs continuous level was significantly associated with GDM with an estimated odds ratio (OR) of 1.99 (95% CI: 1.29, 3.09), and the multivariable-adjusted ORs (95% CI) of GDM for increasing tertiles of short-chain PFCAs were 1.00 (ref.), 1.82 (0.80, 4.16) and 3.01 (1.31, 6.94), P trend = 0.011. Additionally, increased concentration of short-chain PFCAs was significantly associated with higher postprandial glucose levels (P < 0.05). Non-significant association was observed between structure grouped PFSAs and GDM as well as glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSION This investigation suggests a structure-specific association between short-chain PFCAs exposure and both GDM risk and impaired glucose homeostasis in pregnant women. These findings warrant further investigation with larger samples and a wide range of short-chain PFCAs exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Liangkai Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuxin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Shenzhen Center for Chronic Disease Control, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guimin Meng
- Beijing Fengtai Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chi
- Taiyuan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
| | - Hongbing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yongning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing, China
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86
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Cousins EM, Richter L, Cordner A, Brown P, Diallo S. Risky Business? Manufacturer and Retailer Action to Remove Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemicals From Consumer Products. New Solut 2019; 29:242-265. [PMID: 31126215 DOI: 10.1177/1048291119852674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the absence of comprehensive environmental regulation, under what conditions can social movement pressure on the private sector generate substantive change? We explore this question in relation to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals that are widely used in consumer products and industrial processes yet remain largely understudied and weakly regulated. This paper focuses on the strengths and limitations of one high-profile shame campaign by Greenpeace that has called for clothing and outdoor brands to eliminate PFAS from their products. We find that while the campaign appears to have spurred widespread awareness of PFAS in the apparel industry, corporate action remains fragmented and leaves broader environmental and social justice concerns unaddressed. We highlight the urgent need for comprehensive federal regulation for toxic chemicals, increased funding for green chemistry, and collaborative governance of global production networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alissa Cordner
- 2 Department of Sociology, Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA, USA
| | - Phil Brown
- 1 Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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87
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McCord J, Strynar M. Identification of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Cape Fear River by High Resolution Mass Spectrometry and Nontargeted Screening. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:4717-4727. [PMID: 30993978 PMCID: PMC7478245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing chemical development in response to regulation of historical perfluorinated compounds, (i.e., perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS)) has resulted in a proliferation of novel per- and polyfluorinated species. Screening and monitoring for these emerging chemicals benefit from a nontargeted approach due to a lack of necessary standards and a paucity of information about the replacement chemistries. In this paper, we apply nontargeted screening to the Cape Fear River of North Carolina, a fluorochemically impacted watershed. The continued presence of perfluorinated ether acids was confirmed, with a total of 37 unique chemical formulas comprising 58 isomers detected. Structural determination was carried out by LC-MS/MS to determine isomeric structures where possible. Novel structures determined included perfluorinated ether acid species containing two acidic sites, polyfluorinated ether acids containing a single hydrogenation, and previously unreported perfluorinated ether acids. Compounds identified by an initial nontargeted screen were monitored over repeated sampling to track long-term reductions in PFAS content during emission source control. Hierarchical clustering of the time course data was used to associate groups of chemicals based on their trends over time. Six clusters were identified and showed some similarity in chemical class; they are believed to represent the byproducts of different fluorochemical production lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McCord
- National Exposure Research Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education , Research Triangle Park , Durham , North Carolina 27711 , United States
| | - Mark Strynar
- National Exposure Research Laboratory , U.S. Environmental Protection Agency , Research Triangle Park , Durham , North Carolina 27711 , United States
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88
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Hepburn E, Madden C, Szabo D, Coggan TL, Clarke B, Currell M. Contamination of groundwater with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from legacy landfills in an urban re-development precinct. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:101-113. [PMID: 30784829 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The extent of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater surrounding legacy landfills is currently poorly constrained. Seventeen PFAS were analysed in groundwater surrounding legacy landfills in a major Australian urban re-development precinct. Sampling locations (n = 13) included sites installed directly in waste material and down-gradient from landfills, some of which exhibited evidence of leachate contamination including elevated concentrations of ammonia-N (≤106 mg/L), bicarbonate (≤1,740 mg/L) and dissolved methane (≤10.4 mg/L). Between one and fourteen PFAS were detected at all sites and PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA and PFBS were detected in all samples. The sum of detected PFAS (∑14PFAS) varied from 26 ng/L at an ambient background site to 5,200 ng/L near a potential industrial point-source. PFHxS had the highest median concentration (34 ng/L; range: 2.6-280 ng/L) followed by PFOS (26 ng/L; range: 1.3-4,800 ng/L), PFHxA (19 ng/L; range: <LOQ - 46 ng/L) and PFOA (12 ng/L; range: 1.7-74 ng/L). Positive correlations between ∑14PFAS, PFOA and other perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) (e.g. PFHxA) with typical leachate indicators including ammonia-N and bicarbonate were observed. In contrast, no such correlations were found with perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids (PFSAs) (e.g., PFOS and PFHxS). In addition, a strong positive linear correlation (R2 = 0.69) was found between the proportion of PFOA in the sum of detected perfluorinated alkylated acids (PFOA/∑PFAA) and ammonia-N concentrations in groundwater. This is consistent with previous research showing relatively high PFOA/∑PFAA in municipal landfill leachates, and more conservative behaviour (e.g. less sorption and reactivity) of PFCAs during subsurface transport compared to PFSAs. PFOA/∑PFAA in groundwater may therefore be a useful indicator of municipal landfill-derived PFAA. One site with significantly elevated PFOS and PFHxS concentrations (4,800 and 280 ng/L, respectively) appears to be affected by point-source industrial contamination, as landfill leachate indicators were absent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Hepburn
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Casey Madden
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Timothy L Coggan
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Bradley Clarke
- Centre for Environmental Sustainability and Remediation (EnSuRE), School of Science, RMIT University, GPO Box 2476, Melbourne, Victoria, 3001, Australia
| | - Matthew Currell
- School of Engineering, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
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89
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Ramhøj L, Hass U, Boberg J, Scholze M, Christiansen S, Nielsen F, Axelstad M. Perfluorohexane Sulfonate (PFHxS) and a Mixture of Endocrine Disrupters Reduce Thyroxine Levels and Cause Antiandrogenic Effects in Rats. Toxicol Sci 2019. [PMID: 29518214 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The developmental toxicity of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) is largely unknown despite widespread environmental contamination and presence in human serum, tissues and milk. To thoroughly investigate PFHxS toxicity in developing rats and to mimic a realistic human exposure situation, we examined a low dose close to human relevant PFHxS exposure, and combined the dose-response studies of PFHxS with a fixed dose of 12 environmentally relevant endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDmix). Two reproductive toxicity studies in time-mated Wistar rats exposed throughout gestation and lactation were performed. Study 1 included control, two doses of PFHxS, and two doses of PFHxS + EDmix (n = 5-7). Study 2 included control, 0.05, 5, or 25 mg/kg body weight/day PFHxS, EDmix-only, 0.05, 5, or 25 mg PFHxS/kg plus EDmix (n = 13-20). PFHxS caused no overt toxicity in dams and offspring but decreased male pup birth weight and slightly increased liver weights at high doses and in combination with the EDmix. A marked effect on T4 levels was seen in both dams and offspring, with significant reductions from 5 mg/kg/day. The EDmix caused antiandrogenic effects in male offspring, manifested as slight decreases in anogenital distance, increased nipple retention and reductions of the weight of epididymides, ventral prostrate, and vesicular seminalis. PFHxS can induce developmental toxicity and in addition results of the co-exposure studies indicated that PFHxS and the EDmix potentiate the effect of each other on various endpoints, despite their different modes of action. Hence, risk assessment may underestimate toxicity when mixture toxicity and background exposures are not taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Ramhøj
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hass
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Julie Boberg
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Martin Scholze
- Institute of Environment, Health and Societies, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Lyngby, Denmark
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90
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Abstract
The concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Finnish aquatic environment were measured in riverine waters and in inland, coastal and open sea fish. In addition, the PFAS load to the Baltic Sea from 11 rivers was calculated. Measurements show that PFASs, including restricted perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), are widely present in the Finnish aquatic environment. At three out of 45 sampling sites, the concentration of PFOS in fish exceeded the environmental quality standard (EQS) of the Water Framework Directive (WFD). The annual average (AA) ∑23PFAS concentration in surface waters ranged from 1.8 to 42 ng L−1 and the concentration of PFOS exceeded the AA-EQS in three out of 13 water bodies. In European perch (Perca fluviatilis) and Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras), the ∑PFAS concentration ranged from 0.98 to 1 µg kg−1 f.w. (fresh weight) and from 0.2 to 2.4 µg kg−1 f.w., respectively. The highest concentrations in both surface water and fish were found in waters of southern Finland. The riverine export of ∑10PFAS to the Baltic Sea from individual rivers ranged from 0.4 kg yr−1 to 18 kg yr−1. PFAS concentrations in fish of point-source-polluted sites and coastal sites were higher compared to fish of open sea or diffusely polluted sites. The PFAS profiles in surface waters of background sites were different from other sites. This study shows that PFASs are widely found in the Finnish aquatic environment. Different PFAS profiles in samples from background areas and densely populated areas indicate diverse sources of PFASs. Although atmospheric deposition has a substantial influence on PFAS occurrence in remote areas, it is not the dominant source of all PFASs to the aquatic environment of Finland. Rather, wastewaters and presumably contaminated land areas are major sources of PFASs to this aquatic environment.
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91
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Sunderland EM, Hu XC, Dassuncao C, Tokranov AK, Wagner CC, Allen JG. A review of the pathways of human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and present understanding of health effects. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:131-147. [PMID: 30470793 PMCID: PMC6380916 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0094-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1102] [Impact Index Per Article: 220.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Here, we review present understanding of sources and trends in human exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and epidemiologic evidence for impacts on cancer, immune function, metabolic outcomes, and neurodevelopment. More than 4000 PFASs have been manufactured by humans and hundreds have been detected in environmental samples. Direct exposures due to use in products can be quickly phased out by shifts in chemical production but exposures driven by PFAS accumulation in the ocean and marine food chains and contamination of groundwater persist over long timescales. Serum concentrations of legacy PFASs in humans are declining globally but total exposures to newer PFASs and precursor compounds have not been well characterized. Human exposures to legacy PFASs from seafood and drinking water are stable or increasing in many regions, suggesting observed declines reflect phase-outs in legacy PFAS use in consumer products. Many regions globally are continuing to discover PFAS contaminated sites from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF) use, particularly next to airports and military bases. Exposures from food packaging and indoor environments are uncertain due to a rapidly changing chemical landscape where legacy PFASs have been replaced by diverse precursors and custom molecules that are difficult to detect. Multiple studies find significant associations between PFAS exposure and adverse immune outcomes in children. Dyslipidemia is the strongest metabolic outcome associated with PFAS exposure. Evidence for cancer is limited to manufacturing locations with extremely high exposures and insufficient data are available to characterize impacts of PFAS exposures on neurodevelopment. Preliminary evidence suggests significant health effects associated with exposures to emerging PFASs. Lessons learned from legacy PFASs indicate that limited data should not be used as a justification to delay risk mitigation actions for replacement PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsie M Sunderland
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Xindi C Hu
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Clifton Dassuncao
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrea K Tokranov
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Charlotte C Wagner
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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92
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Groh KJ, Backhaus T, Carney-Almroth B, Geueke B, Inostroza PA, Lennquist A, Leslie HA, Maffini M, Slunge D, Trasande L, Warhurst AM, Muncke J. Overview of known plastic packaging-associated chemicals and their hazards. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:3253-3268. [PMID: 30463173 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Global plastics production has reached 380 million metric tons in 2015, with around 40% used for packaging. Plastic packaging is diverse and made of multiple polymers and numerous additives, along with other components, such as adhesives or coatings. Further, packaging can contain residues from substances used during manufacturing, such as solvents, along with non-intentionally added substances (NIAS), such as impurities, oligomers, or degradation products. To characterize risks from chemicals potentially released during manufacturing, use, disposal, and/or recycling of packaging, comprehensive information on all chemicals involved is needed. Here, we present a database of Chemicals associated with Plastic Packaging (CPPdb), which includes chemicals used during manufacturing and/or present in final packaging articles. The CPPdb lists 906 chemicals likely associated with plastic packaging and 3377 substances that are possibly associated. Of the 906 chemicals likely associated with plastic packaging, 63 rank highest for human health hazards and 68 for environmental hazards according to the harmonized hazard classifications assigned by the European Chemicals Agency within the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) regulation implementing the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System (GHS). Further, 7 of the 906 substances are classified in the European Union as persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), or very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB), and 15 as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC). Thirty-four of the 906 chemicals are also recognized as EDC or potential EDC in the recent EDC report by the United Nations Environment Programme. The identified hazardous chemicals are used in plastics as monomers, intermediates, solvents, surfactants, plasticizers, stabilizers, biocides, flame retardants, accelerators, and colorants, among other functions. Our work was challenged by a lack of transparency and incompleteness of publicly available information on both the use and toxicity of numerous substances. The most hazardous chemicals identified here should be assessed in detail as potential candidates for substitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia J Groh
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bethanie Carney-Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Birgit Geueke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pedro A Inostroza
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Lennquist
- International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec), Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Heather A Leslie
- Department of Environment & Health, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Slunge
- Centre for Sustainable Development (GMV), University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, Zurich, Switzerland
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93
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Vincent JM, Contel M, Pozzi G, Fish RH. How the Horváth paradigm, Fluorous Biphasic Catalysis, affected oxidation chemistry: Successes, challenges, and a sustainable future. Coord Chem Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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94
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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Colin A, Bach C, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Runoff Water and Wastewater Sampled at a Firefighter Training Area. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:206-215. [PMID: 30515647 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are key ingredients of firefighting foams designed to suppress fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. Such foams are used by firefighters during fire training at dedicated sites. Because PFASs are very persistent chemicals, substantial soil and groundwater contamination has been observed in the vicinity of firefighter training areas. However, very few data are available on PFAS contamination of wastewater and runoff water on such sites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of more than 50 PFASs in 43 water samples (effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), lagoon, runoff water, and wastewater drained from firefighter training areas) collected from a large firefighter training site, using target and suspect screening. A comparison of the PFAS classes analyzed revealed the overwhelming contribution of fluorotelomers. This indicates that the PFAS emission from the use of firefighting foams cannot be monitored only by measuring perfluoroalkyl acids. Based on the PFAS concentrations measured through target screening, the PFAS mass discharged into the river receiving WWTP effluent and the lagoon was on average 387 ± 183 kg and 56 ± 15 kg per year respectively. Due to the unavailability of standards, it was impossible to take into account the PFASs detected with suspect screening. The present study emphasizes that, above and beyond soil and groundwater contamination, such sites also contribute to the PFAS burden of surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
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95
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Perfluorohexanoic acid toxicity, part I: Development of a chronic human health toxicity value for use in risk assessment. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2019; 103:41-55. [PMID: 30639337 DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) is a short-chain, six-carbon perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) and is a primary impurity, degradant, and metabolite associated with the short-chain fluorotelomer-based chemistry used globally today. The transition to short-chain fluorotelomer-based products as a cornerstone in replacement fluorochemistry has raised questions regarding potential human health risks associated with exposure to fluorotelomer-based substances and therefore, PFHxA. Here, we present a critical review of data relevant to such a risk assessment, including epidemiological studies and in vivo and in vitro toxicity studies that examined PFHxA acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity. Key findings from toxicokinetic and mode-of-action studies are also evaluated. Sufficient data exist to conclude that PFHxA is not carcinogenic, is not a selective reproductive or developmental toxicant, and does not disrupt endocrine activity. Collectively, effects caused by PFHxA exposure are largely limited to potential kidney effects, are mild and/or reversible, and occur at much higher doses than observed for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). A chronic human-health-based oral reference dose (RfD) for PFHxA of 0.25 mg/kg-day was calculated using benchmark dose modeling of renal papillary necrosis from a chronic rat bioassay. This RfD is four orders of magnitude greater than the chronic oral RfD calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for PFOA. The PFHxA RfD can be used to inform public health decisions related to PFHxA and fluorotelomer precursors for which PFHxA is a terminal degradant. These findings clearly demonstrate that PFHxA is less hazardous to human health than PFOA. The analyses presented support site-specific risk assessments as well as product stewardship initiatives for current and future short-chain fluorotelomer-based products.
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96
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Tereshatov EE, Boltoeva M, Mazan V, Baley C, Folden CM. Hydrophobic polymerized ionic liquids for trace metal solid phase extraction: thallium transfer from hydrochloric acid media. NEW J CHEM 2019. [DOI: 10.1039/c9nj00689c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To our knowledge, there are a few articles on the application of polymerized ionic liquids for metal extraction from aqueous solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria Boltoeva
- Université de Strasbourg
- CNRS
- IPHC
- UMR 7178
- F-67000 Strasbourg
| | - Valérie Mazan
- Université de Strasbourg
- CNRS
- IPHC
- UMR 7178
- F-67000 Strasbourg
| | - Colton Baley
- Cyclotron Institute
- Texas A&M University
- College Station
- USA
- Department of Nuclear Engineering
| | - Charles M. Folden
- Cyclotron Institute
- Texas A&M University
- College Station
- USA
- Department of Chemistry
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97
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Wu T, Wu Z, Ma D, Xiang W, Zhang J, Liu H, Deng Y, Tan S, Cai X. Fabrication of Few-Layered Porous Graphite for Removing Fluorosurfactant from Aqueous Solution. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2018; 34:15181-15188. [PMID: 30398350 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Due to the persistence, toxicity, and widespread occurrence of fluorosurfactants in the blood of general population, it is very important to develop recyclable and highly effective adsorbent material for their removal from aqueous solution. Herein, a new type of few-layered porous graphite (FPG) was fabricated as an adsorbent, and the adsorption characteristics of FPG toward potassium perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS), potassium perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and potassium perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in environmental cleanup were evaluated under laboratory condition. The results indicated that the as-prepared FPG had sorption capacities of 1.22, 1.52, and 2.48 mmol g-1 for PFBS, PFHxS, and PFOS, respectively, which were the highest adsorption values of PFHxS, PFBS, and PFOS on different kinds of today's carbon materials. The efficiency of FPG remained almost constant during the first five cycles of the adsorption-desorption process after heating. The outstanding adsorption performance of FPG was attributed to its unique physical properties, such as high porosity, high hydrophobicity, low density, and excellent heat stability. The findings presented herein indicated that FPG could serve as a promising adsorbent for the removal of fluorosurfactant in waste water.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Weibing Xiang
- Guangdong Gaoming Industrial Innovation Research Institute , Foshan 528500 , P. R. China
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiang Cai
- Guangdong Gaoming Industrial Innovation Research Institute , Foshan 528500 , P. R. China
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98
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Szabo D, Coggan TL, Robson TC, Currell M, Clarke BO. Investigating recycled water use as a diffuse source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to groundwater in Melbourne, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 644:1409-1417. [PMID: 30743853 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.07.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the contribution of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to groundwater at a location where recycled water from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is used to irrigate crops. Groundwater from Werribee South, located west of Melbourne, Australia, was sampled over two campaigns in 2017 and 2018, extracted using solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS-QQQ). PFASs were detected in 100% of the groundwater samples. The sum total of twenty PFAS compounds (∑20PFASs) for all sites in the study ranged from <0.03 to 74 ng/L (n = 28) and the highest levels of which were observed in the centre of the irrigation district. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) was the most detected compound overall (96%) with a mean concentration of 11 ng/L (<0.03-34 ng/L), followed by perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS; 86%, 4.4 ng/L), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA; 82%, 2.2 ng/L) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA; 77%, 6.1 ng/L). Concentrations of PFASs found in this study are greater than background levels of PFASs detected in groundwater and are in the range of concentrations typically detected in wastewater effluent. This study presents evidence that the use of recycled water can be a source of PFAS contamination to groundwater.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Szabo
- School of Science, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy L Coggan
- School of Science, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Timothy C Robson
- Australian Contaminated Land Consultants Association, PO Box 362, Malvern, Victoria 3144, Australia
| | - Matthew Currell
- School of Science, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- School of Science, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne 3000, Australia.
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99
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Koponen J, Winkens K, Airaksinen R, Berger U, Vestergren R, Cousins IT, Karvonen AM, Pekkanen J, Kiviranta H. Longitudinal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in children's serum. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:591-599. [PMID: 30308470 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest negative health impacts from early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, information on longitudinal exposure to PFASs during childhood is scarce for background-exposed individuals. This study sought to fill this gap by investigating children's longitudinal exposure trends through measurement of PFAS serum concentrations and calculation of body burdens (μg, total in body). Blood of 54 Finnish children was sampled 2005-2015 and analyzed for 20 PFASs at 1, 6 and 10.5 years of age. The body burden was calculated by multiplying the serum concentration by the volume of distribution and the bodyweight for each individual. Associations between serum concentrations or body burdens and parameters, such as sex, breastfeeding duration, body mass index as well as indoor dust and air PFAS concentrations, were evaluated. Serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with age. In contrast to serum concentrations, body burdens stayed unchanged or even increased significantly (p < 0.05), except for PFOA in female children. Breastfeeding duration was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with serum concentrations of PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA and PFNA at 1 year of age. Some associations were found at 10.5 years with sex and indoor PFAS concentrations. Observations of longitudinal decreasing trends of serum concentrations can be misleading for understanding exposure levels from external media during childhood, as the serum concentration is influenced by parallel temporal changes and growth dilution. Body burdens account for growth dilution and thus better reflect differences in early-life to adolescence exposure than serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Koponen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Kerstin Winkens
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Riikka Airaksinen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Urs Berger
- Department Analytical Chemistry, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), DE-04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robin Vestergren
- IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, SE-10031 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry (ACES), Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anne M Karvonen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Juha Pekkanen
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland; Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, FI-00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- Department of Health Security, National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), FI-70150 Kuopio, Finland
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100
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Mulabagal V, Liu L, Qi J, Wilson C, Hayworth JS. A rapid UHPLC-MS/MS method for simultaneous quantitation of 23 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in estuarine water. Talanta 2018; 190:95-102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2018.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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