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Medina H, Farmer C. Current Challenges in Monitoring Low Contaminant Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Water Matrices in the Field. TOXICS 2024; 12:610. [PMID: 39195712 PMCID: PMC11358922 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12080610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the United States recently released the first-ever federal regulation on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) for drinking water. While this represents an important landmark, it also brings about compliance challenges to the stakeholders in the drinking water industry as well as concerns to the general public. In this work, we address some of the most important challenges associated with measuring low concentrations of PFASs in drinking water in the field in real drinking water matrices. First, we review the "continuous monitoring for compliance" process laid out by the EPA and some of the associated hurdles. The process requires measuring, with some frequency, low concentrations (e.g., below 2 ppt or 2 ng/L) of targeted PFASs, in the presence of many other co-contaminants and in various conditions. Currently, this task can only (and it is expected to) be accomplished using specific protocols that rely on expensive, specialized, and laboratory-scale instrumentation, which adds time and increases cost. To potentially reduce the burden, portable, high-fidelity, low-cost, real-time PFAS sensors are desirable; however, the path to commercialization of some of the most promising technologies is confronted with many challenges, as well, and they are still at infant stages. Here, we provide insights related to those challenges based on results from ab initio and machine learning studies. These challenges are mainly due to the large amount and diversity of PFAS molecules and their multifunctional behaviors that depend strongly on the conditions of the media. The impetus of this work is to present relevant and timely insights to researchers and developers to accelerate the development of suitable PFAS monitoring systems. In addition, this work attempts to provide water system stakeholders, technicians, and even regulators guidelines to improve their strategies, which could ultimately translate in better services to the public.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Medina
- School of Engineering, Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA 24515, USA
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2
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Kim NY, Loganathan BG, Kim GB. Assessment of toxicity potential of freely dissolved PAHs using passive sampler in Kentucky Lake and Ohio River. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 207:116833. [PMID: 39159572 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are characterized with high KOW values, which lead to their recalcitrant nature, bioaccumulation, and biotoxicity, adversely affects the environment. Passive samplers (PS) have proven effective in measuring bioavailable PAH concentrations for toxicity assessments. In this study, we used low-density polyethylene (LDPE) to measure freely dissolved PAH concentrations (Cfree) in Kentucky Lake (KL) and Ohio River (OH), USA. PAHs toxicity potential in sediment was assessed using equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks toxic units (ESBTUs) and the interstitial water toxic units (IWTUs) that were derived from OC-normalized concentration (COC) and Cfree, respectively. The Cfree in April and June were 127 and 97 times higher in OH than in KL, respectively. Moreover, ESBTUs were higher in both the KL and OH compared to the IWTUs, suggesting that ESBTUs overestimate the toxicity potential to organisms. These results indicate that PS provides a reliable method for assessing the toxicity potential in sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Yeong Kim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong 53064, Republic of Korea
| | - Bommanna G Loganathan
- Department of Chemistry and Watershed Studies Institue, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071, USA
| | - Gi Beum Kim
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, Gyeongsang National University, Tongyeong 53064, Republic of Korea.
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3
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Hohweiler K, Krometis LA, Ling EJ, Xia K. Incidence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in private drinking water supplies in Southwest Virginia, USA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 929:172539. [PMID: 38649039 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of man-made contaminants of human health concern due to their resistance to degradation, widespread environmental occurrence, bioaccumulation in living organisms, and potential negative health impacts. Private drinking water supplies may be uniquely vulnerable to PFAS contamination in impacted areas, as these systems are not protected under federal regulations and often include limited treatment or remediation, if contaminated, prior to use. The goal of this study was to determine the incidence of PFAS contamination in private drinking water supplies in two counties in Southwest Virginia, USA (Floyd and Roanoke) that share similar bedrock geologies, are representative of different state Department of Health risk categories, and to examine the potential for reliance on citizen-science based strategies for sample collection in subsequent efforts. Samples for inorganic ions, bacteria, and PFAS analysis were collected on separate occasions by participants and experts at the home drinking water point of use (POU) for comparison. Experts also collected outside tap samples for analysis of 30 PFAS compounds. At least one PFAS was detectable in 95 % of POU samples collected (n = 60), with a mean total PFAS concentration of 23.5 ± 30.8 ppt. PFOA and PFOS, two PFAS compounds which presently have EPA health advisories, were detectable in 13 % and 22 % of POU samples, respectively. On average, each POU sample contained >3 PFAS compounds, and one sample contained as many as 8 compounds, indicating that exposure to a mixture of PFAS in drinking water may be occurring. Although there were significant differences in total PFAS concentrations between expert and participant collected samples (Wilcoxon, alpha = 0.05), collector bias was inconsistent, and may be due to the time of day of sampling (i.e. morning, afternoon) or specific attributes of a given home. Further research is required to resolve sources of intra-sample variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen Hohweiler
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Leigh-Anne Krometis
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Erin J Ling
- Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 155 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
| | - Kang Xia
- Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture, School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 185 Ag Quad Lane, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0303, United States of America.
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Haruna I, Obeng-Gyasi E. Association of Combined Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Metals with Chronic Kidney Disease. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:468. [PMID: 38673379 PMCID: PMC11050583 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21040468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background: Exposure to environmental pollutants such as metals and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has become common and increasingly associated with a decrease in the estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), which is a marker often used to measure chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, there are limited studies involving the use of both eGFR and the urine albumin creatinine ratio (uACR), which are more comprehensive markers to determine the presence of CKD and the complexity of pollutant exposures and response interactions, especially for combined metals and PFAS, which has not been comprehensively elucidated. Objective: This study aims to assess the individual and combined effects of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), and Lead (Pb) exposure on CKD using data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2018. Methods: We employed the use of bivariate logistic regression and Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) in our analysis of the data. Results: Logistic regression results revealed a positive association between PFOA and CKD. Our BKMR analysis revealed a non-linear and bi-phasic relationship between the metal exposures and CKD. In our univariate exposure-response function plot, Cd and Hg exhibited a U and N-shaped interaction, which indicated a non-linear and non-additive relationship with both low and high exposures associated with CKD. In addition, the bivariate exposure-response function between two exposures in a mixture revealed that Cd had a U-shaped relationship with CKD at different quantiles of Pb, Hg, PFOA, and PFOS, indicating that both low and high levels of Cd is associated with CKD, implying a non-linear and complex biological interaction. Hg's interaction plot demonstrated a N-shaped association across all quantiles of Cd, with the 75th quantile of Pb and the 50th and 75th quantiles of PFOA and PFOS. Furthermore, the PIP results underscored Cd's consistent association with CKD (PIP = 1.000) followed by Hg's (PIP = 0.9984), then PFOA and PFOS with a closely related PIP of 0.7880 and 0.7604, respectively, and finally Pb (PIP = 0.6940), contributing the least among the five environmental pollutants on CKD, though significant. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that exposure to environmental pollutants, particularly Hg and Cd, are associated with CKD. These findings highlight the need for public health interventions and strategies to mitigate the cumulative effect of PFAS and metal exposure and elucidate the significance of utilizing advanced statistical methods and tools to understand the impact of environmental pollutants on human health. Further research is needed to understand the mechanistic pathways of PFAS and metal-induced kidney injury and CKD, and longitudinal studies are required to ascertain the long-term impact of these environmental exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Issah Haruna
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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Schäffer A, Groh KJ, Sigmund G, Azoulay D, Backhaus T, Bertram MG, Carney Almroth B, Cousins IT, Ford AT, Grimalt JO, Guida Y, Hansson MC, Jeong Y, Lohmann R, Michaels D, Mueller L, Muncke J, Öberg G, Orellana MA, Sanganyado E, Schäfer RB, Sheriff I, Sullivan RC, Suzuki N, Vandenberg LN, Venier M, Vlahos P, Wagner M, Wang F, Wang M, Soehl A, Ågerstrand M, Diamond ML, Scheringer M. Conflicts of Interest in the Assessment of Chemicals, Waste, and Pollution. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:19066-19077. [PMID: 37943968 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c04213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Pollution by chemicals and waste impacts human and ecosystem health on regional, national, and global scales, resulting, together with climate change and biodiversity loss, in a triple planetary crisis. Consequently, in 2022, countries agreed to establish an intergovernmental science-policy panel (SPP) on chemicals, waste, and pollution prevention, complementary to the existing intergovernmental science-policy bodies on climate change and biodiversity. To ensure the SPP's success, it is imperative to protect it from conflicts of interest (COI). Here, we (i) define and review the implications of COI, and its relevance for the management of chemicals, waste, and pollution; (ii) summarize established tactics to manufacture doubt in favor of vested interests, i.e., to counter scientific evidence and/or to promote misleading narratives favorable to financial interests; and (iii) illustrate these with selected examples. This analysis leads to a review of arguments for and against chemical industry representation in the SPP's work. We further (iv) rebut an assertion voiced by some that the chemical industry should be directly involved in the panel's work because it possesses data on chemicals essential for the panel's activities. Finally, (v) we present steps that should be taken to prevent the detrimental impacts of COI in the work of the SPP. In particular, we propose to include an independent auditor's role in the SPP to ensure that participation and processes follow clear COI rules. Among others, the auditor should evaluate the content of the assessments produced to ensure unbiased representation of information that underpins the SPP's activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Schäffer
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, 210023 Nanjing, China
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Chongqing University, 400045 Chongqing, China
| | - Ksenia J Groh
- Eawag, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Sigmund
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University and Research, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - David Azoulay
- Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Washington, D.C. 20005, United States
| | - Thomas Backhaus
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Michael G Bertram
- Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Environmental Studies, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Umeå 907 36, Sweden
- Department of Zoology, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 18, Sweden
- School of Biological Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Bethanie Carney Almroth
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ian T Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex T Ford
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO4 9LY, United Kingdom
| | - Joan O Grimalt
- Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, 08034 Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Yago Guida
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Maria C Hansson
- The Centre for Environmental and Climate Science (CEC), Lund University, 22362 Lund, Sweden
| | - Yunsun Jeong
- Division of Environmental Health, Korea Environment Institute (KEI), 30147 Sejong, Republic of Korea
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island 02881, United States
| | - David Michaels
- Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. 20052, United States
| | - Leonie Mueller
- Institute for Environmental Research, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Jane Muncke
- Food Packaging Forum Foundation, 8045 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gunilla Öberg
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marcos A Orellana
- Global Toxics and Human Rights Project, American University Washington College of Law, Washington, D.C. 20016, United States
| | - Edmond Sanganyado
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Ralf Bernhard Schäfer
- Institute for Environmental Sciences Landau, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, 76829 Landau, Germany
| | - Ishmail Sheriff
- School of Civil Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia
| | - Ryan C Sullivan
- Department of Chemistry and Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15217, United States
| | - Noriyuki Suzuki
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba 305-8506, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Laura N Vandenberg
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health & Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Marta Venier
- Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana 47405, United States
| | - Penny Vlahos
- Marine Sciences, University of Connecticut, Groton, Connecticut 06340, United States
| | - Martin Wagner
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Soil and Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Soil Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Mengjiao Wang
- Greenpeace Research Laboratories, Department of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4RN, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Soehl
- International Panel on Chemical Pollution, 8044 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marlene Ågerstrand
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, 10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Miriam L Diamond
- Department of Earth Sciences and School of the Environment, University of Toronto, Toronto M5S 3B1, Canada
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Siegel HG, Nason SL, Warren JL, Prunas O, Deziel NC, Saiers JE. Investigation of Sources of Fluorinated Compounds in Private Water Supplies in an Oil and Gas-Producing Region of Northern West Virginia. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:17452-17464. [PMID: 37923386 PMCID: PMC10653085 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c05192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of toxic organic compounds that have been widely used in consumer applications and industrial activities, including oil and gas production. We measured PFAS concentrations in 45 private wells and 8 surface water sources in the oil and gas-producing Doddridge, Marshall, Ritchie, Tyler, and Wetzel Counties of northern West Virginia and investigated relationships between potential PFAS sources and drinking water receptors. All surface water samples and 60% of the water wells sampled contained quantifiable levels of at least one targeted PFAS compound, and four wells (8%) had concentrations above the proposed maximum contaminant level (MCL) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Individual concentrations of PFOA and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid exceeded those measured in finished public water supplies. Total targeted PFAS concentrations ranged from nondetect to 36.8 ng/L, with surface water concentrations averaging 4-fold greater than groundwater. Semiquantitative, nontargeted analysis showed concentrations of emergent PFAS that were potentially higher than targeted PFAS. Results from a multivariate latent variable hierarchical Bayesian model were combined with insights from analyses of groundwater chemistry, topographic characteristics, and proximity to potential PFAS point sources to elucidate predictors of PFAS concentrations in private wells. Model results reveal (i) an increased vulnerability to contamination in upland recharge zones, (ii) geochemical controls on PFAS transport likely driven by adsorption, and (iii) possible influence from nearby point sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen G. Siegel
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
| | - Sara L. Nason
- Connecticut
Agricultural Experiment Station, 123 Huntington Street, New
Haven, Connecticut 06504, United States
| | - Joshua L. Warren
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - Ottavia Prunas
- Swiss
Tropical and Public Health Institute, 2 Kreuzstrasse, Allschwill, Basel 4123, Switzerland
| | - Nicole C. Deziel
- School
of Public Health, Yale University, 60 College Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06510, United States
| | - James E. Saiers
- School
of the Environment, Yale University, 195 Prospect Street, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, United States
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DeLuca NM, Thomas K, Mullikin A, Slover R, Stanek LW, Pilant AN, Cohen Hubal EA. Geographic and demographic variability in serum PFAS concentrations for pregnant women in the United States. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:710-724. [PMID: 36697764 PMCID: PMC10541323 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While major pathways of human PFAS exposure are thought to be drinking water and diet, other pathways and sources have also been shown to contribute to a person's cumulative exposure. However, the degree of contribution of these other sources to PFAS body burdens is still not well understood and occurrence data for PFAS in conssumer products and household materials are sparse. Questionnaire data concordant with biomonitoring may improve understanding of associations between other PFAS exposure pathways and exposure in human populations. OBJECTIVE This study aims to better understand maternal and early-life exposures to PFAS from various potential sources and pathways in the context of household and community level characteristics. METHODS PFAS data from the National Children's Study (NCS) Vanguard Data and Sample Archive Access System were analyzed from serum of 427 pregnant women residing in 7 counties throughout the United States. Location and self-reported questionnaire responses were used to analyze variability in serum concentrations based on demographics, housing characteristics, behaviors, and geography. Spatial mapping analyses incorporated publicly available data to further hypothesize potential sources of exposure in two NCS counties. RESULTS Location was associated with serum concentrations for all PFAS chemicals measured. Questionnaire responses for race/ethnicity, income, education level, number of household members, drinking water source, home age, and fast-food consumption were associated with PFAS levels. Statistical differences were observed between participants with the same questionnaire responses but in different locations. Spatial mapping analyses suggested that participants' proximity to local point sources can overshadow expected trends with demographic information. SIGNIFICANCE By increasing understanding of maternal and early-life PFAS exposures from various potential sources and pathways, as well as highlighting the importance of proximity to potential sources in identifying vulnerable populations and locations, this work reveals environmental justice considerations and contributes to risk management strategies that maximize public health protection. IMPACT This work increases understanding of maternal and early-life PFAS exposures, reveals environmental justice considerations, and contributes to study design and risk management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M DeLuca
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
| | - Kent Thomas
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ashley Mullikin
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Rachel Slover
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Lindsay W Stanek
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Andrew N Pilant
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Elaine A Cohen Hubal
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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Pinney SM, Fassler CS, Windham GC, Herrick RL, Xie C, Kushi LH, Biro FM. Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Associations with Pubertal Onset and Serum Reproductive Hormones in a Longitudinal Study of Young Girls in Greater Cincinnati and the San Francisco Bay Area. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:97009. [PMID: 37751325 PMCID: PMC10521915 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), endocrine disrupting chemicals with worldwide exposure, cause changes in mammary gland development in rodents. A few human studies report delay in pubertal events with increasing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure, but to our knowledge none have examined reproductive hormone levels at thelarche. METHODS In a cohort of Greater Cincinnati (GC) and San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) girls recruited at 6-8 years of age, clinical examinations were conducted annually or semiannually with sequential Tanner staging. PFAS concentrations were measured in the first serum sample of 704 girls. In 304 GC girls, estradiol (E 2 ), estrone (E 1 ), testosterone (T), and dihydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were measured in serum at four time points around puberty. Relationships between PFAS and age at thelarche, pubarche, and menarche were analyzed using survival and structural equation models. The association between PFAS and reproductive hormones was assessed using linear regression models. RESULTS Median PFOA serum concentrations in GC (N = 353 , 7.3 ng / mL ) and the SFBA (N = 351 , 5.8 ng / mL ) were higher than in the U.S. POPULATION In multivariable Cox proportional hazard models [adjusted for race, body mass index (BMI)], increasing serum log-transformed PFOA was associated with a delay in pubarche [hazard ratio ( HR ) = 0.83 ; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.99] and menarche (HR = 0.04 ; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.25). Structural equation models indicated a triangular relationship between PFOA, BMI percentile, and the age at the pubertal milestone. Increased PFOA had a statistically significant direct effect of delay on all three milestones, as did BMI. Perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA), and 2-(N -methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetic acid (Me-PFOSA-AcOH) also were associated with later thelarche, and Me-PFOSA-AcOH also with later pubarche. PFOA was inversely associated with DHEAS (p < 0.01 ), E 1 (p = 0.04 ), and T (p = 0.03 ) concentrations at 6 months prior to puberty. CONCLUSIONS PFAS may delay pubertal onset through the intervening effects on BMI and reproductive hormones. The decreases in DHEAS and E 1 associated with PFOA represent biological biomarkers of effect consistent with the delay in onset of puberty. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11811.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M. Pinney
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Cecily S. Fassler
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Gayle C. Windham
- California Department of Public Health, Richmond, California, USA
| | - Robert L. Herrick
- Health Division, Sutter County Human Services, Yuba City, California, USA
| | - Changchun Xie
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Frank M. Biro
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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9
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Zhuchen HY, Wang JY, Liu XS, Shi YW. Research Progress on Neurodevelopmental Toxicity in Offspring after Indirect Exposure to PFASs in Early Life. TOXICS 2023; 11:571. [PMID: 37505537 PMCID: PMC10386615 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental pollutants. There is increasing evidence that PFASs have various adverse health effects, including renal toxicity, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity. PFASs have been found to accumulate in the placenta, and some PFASs can cross the placental barrier and subsequently accumulate in the fetus via the maternal-fetal circulation. An increasing number of studies have shown that early life exposure to PFASs can affect fetal neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the characteristics of indirect exposure to PFASs in early life, the effects on neurodevelopment in offspring, and the possible mechanisms of toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Yu Zhuchen
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie-Yu Wang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yan-Wei Shi
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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Johanson G, Gyllenhammar I, Ekstrand C, Pyko A, Xu Y, Li Y, Norström K, Lilja K, Lindh C, Benskin JP, Georgelis A, Forsell K, Jakobsson K, Glynn A, Vogs C. Quantitative relationships of perfluoroalkyl acids in drinking water associated with serum concentrations above background in adults living near contamination hotspots in Sweden. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115024. [PMID: 36535390 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated drinking water (DW) is a major source of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at locations around PFAS production/use facilities and military airports. This study aimed to investigate quantitative relationships between concentrations in DW and serum of nine perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in Swedish adult populations living near contamination hotspots. Short-chained (PFPeA, PFHxA, PFHpA, and PFBS) and long-chained PFAAs (PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS and PFOS) were measured in DW and serum. We matched DW and serum concentrations for a total of 398 subjects living or working in areas receiving contaminated DW and in one non-contaminated area. Thereafter, linear regression analysis with and without adjustments for co-variates was conducted. This enabled to derive (i) serum concentrations at background exposure (CB) from sources other than local DW exposure (i.e. food, dust and textiles) at 0 ng/L DW concentration, (ii) population-mean PFAA serum:water ratios (SWR) and (iii) PFAA concentrations in DW causing observable elevated serum PFAA concentrations above background variability. Median concentrations of the sum of nine PFAAs ranged between 2.8 and 1790 ng/L in DW and between 7.6 and 96.9 ng/mL in serum. DW concentration was the strongest predictor, resulting in similar unadjusted and adjusted regression coefficients. Mean CB ranged from <0.1 (PFPeA, PFHpA, PFBS) to 5.1 ng/mL (PFOS). Serum concentrations increased significantly with increasing DW concentrations for all PFAAs except for PFPeA with SWRs ranging from <10 (PFHxA, PFHpA and PFBS) to 111 (PFHxS). Observed elevated serum concentrations above background variability were reached at DW concentrations between 24 (PFOA) and 357 ng/L (PFHxA). The unadjusted linear regression predictions agreed well with serum concentrations previously reported in various populations exposed to low and high DW levels of PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS. The quantitative relationships derived herein should be helpful to translate PFAA concentrations in DW to concentrations in serum at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Johanson
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Unit of Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, P.O. Box 210, SE 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina Gyllenhammar
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish Food Agency, Box 622, 751 26, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carl Ekstrand
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Andrei Pyko
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Region Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yiyi Xu
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P.O Box 414, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ying Li
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P.O Box 414, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karin Norström
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Circular Economy Department, 106 48, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl Lilja
- Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, Circular Economy Department, 106 48, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Antonios Georgelis
- Center for Occupational and Environmental Health, Region Stockholm, Sweden; Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl Forsell
- Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Norrland University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, P.O Box 414, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden; Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Box 414, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Glynn
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carolina Vogs
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Box 7028, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
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East A, Dawson DE, Brady S, Vallero DA, Tornero-Velez R. A Scoping Assessment of Implemented Toxicokinetic Models of Per- and Polyfluoro-Alkyl Substances, with a Focus on One-Compartment Models. TOXICS 2023; 11:163. [PMID: 36851038 PMCID: PMC9964825 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11020163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Toxicokinetic (TK) models have been used for decades to estimate concentrations of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in serum. However, model complexity has varied across studies depending on the application and the state of the science. This scoping effort seeks to systematically map the current landscape of PFAS TK models by categorizing different trends and similarities across model type, PFAS, and use scenario. A literature review using Web of Science and SWIFT-Review was used to identify TK models used for PFAS. The assessment covered publications from 2005-2020. PFOA, the PFAS for which most models were designed, was included in 69 of the 92 papers, followed by PFOS with 60, PFHxS with 22, and PFNA with 15. Only 4 of the 92 papers did not include analysis of PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, or PFHxS. Within the corpus, 50 papers contained a one-compartment model, 17 two-compartment models were found, and 33 used physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBTK) models. The scoping assessment suggests that scientific interest has centered around two chemicals-PFOA and PFOS-and most analyses use one-compartment models in human exposure scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander East
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
- ToxStrategies LLC, 31B College Place, Asheville, NC 28801, USA
| | - Daniel E. Dawson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Sydney Brady
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
- Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Daniel A. Vallero
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
| | - Rogelio Tornero-Velez
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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12
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Ojha S, Li Y, Rezaei N, Robinson A, Hoover A, Pennell KG. A geospatial and binomial logistic regression model to prioritize sampling for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in public water systems. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:163-174. [PMID: 35373458 PMCID: PMC9888445 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As health-based drinking water standards for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) continue to evolve, public health and environmental protection decision-makers must assess exposure risks associated with all public drinking water systems in the United States (US). Unfortunately, current knowledge regarding the presence of PFAS in environmental systems is limited. In this study, a screening approach was established to: (1) identify and direct attention toward potential PFAS hot spots in drinking water sources, (2) prioritize sampling locations, and (3) provide insights regarding the potential PFAS sources that contaminate groundwater and surface water. Our approach incorporates geospatial data from public sources, including the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory, to identify locations where PFAS may be present in drinking water sources. An indicator factor (also known as "risk factor") was developed as a function of distance between potential past and/or present PFAS users (e.g., military bases, industrial sites, and airports) and the public water system, which generates a heat map that visualizes potential exposure risks. A binomial logistic regression model indicates whether PFAS are likely to be detected in public water systems. The results obtained using the developed screening approach aligned well (with a 76% overall model accuracy) with PFAS sampling and chemical analysis data from 81 public drinking water systems in the state of Kentucky. This study proposes this screening model as an effective decision aid to assist key decision-makers in identifying and prioritizing sampling locations for potential PFAS exposure risks in the public drinking water sources in their service areas. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:163-174. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ojha
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Ying Li
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Nader Rezaei
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Ariel Robinson
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Anna Hoover
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Kelly G. Pennell
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
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13
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Schmidt S. Marks and Mechanisms: Unraveling Potential Health Impacts of PFAS via DNA Methylation. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:54001. [PMID: 35503736 PMCID: PMC9064019 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
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14
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Tian H, Gaines C, Launi L, Pomales A, Vazquez G, Goharian A, Goodnight B, Haney E, Reh CM, Rogers RD. Understanding Public Perceptions of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Infodemiology Study of Social Media. J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e25614. [PMID: 35275066 PMCID: PMC8957009 DOI: 10.2196/25614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants that have received significant public attention. PFAS are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Human exposure to PFAS is a growing public health concern. Studies suggest that exposure to PFAS may increase the risk of some cancers and have negative health impacts on the endocrine, metabolic, and immune systems. Federal and state health partners are investigating the exposure to and possible health effects associated with PFAS. Government agencies can observe social media discourse on PFAS to better understand public concerns and develop targeted communication and outreach efforts. Objective The primary objective of this study is to understand how social media is used to share, disseminate, and engage in public discussions of PFAS-related information in the United States. Methods We investigated PFAS-related content across 2 social media platforms between May 1, 2017, and April 30, 2019, to identify how social media is used in the United States to seek and disseminate PFAS-related information. Our key variable of interest was posts that mentioned “PFAS,” “PFOA,” “PFOS,” and their hashtag variations across social media platforms. Additional variables included post type, time, PFAS event, and geographic location. We examined term use and post type differences across platforms. We used descriptive statistics and regression analysis to assess the incidence of PFAS discussions and to identify the date, event, and geographic patterns. We qualitatively analyzed social media content to determine the most prevalent themes discussed on social media platforms. Results Our analysis revealed that Twitter had a significantly greater volume of PFAS-related posts compared with Reddit (98,264 vs 3126 posts). PFAS-related social media posts increased by 670% over 2 years, indicating a marked increase in social media users’ interest in and awareness of PFAS. Active engagement varied across platforms, with Reddit posts demonstrating more in-depth discussions compared with passive likes and reposts among Twitter users. Spikes in PFAS discussions were evident and connected to the discovery of contamination events, media coverage, and scientific publications. Thematic analysis revealed that social media users see PFAS as a significant public health concern and seek a trusted source of information about PFAS-related public health efforts. Conclusions The analysis identified a prevalent theme—on social media, PFAS are perceived as an immediate public health concern, which demonstrates a growing sense of urgency to understand this emerging contaminant and its potential health impacts. Government agencies can continue using social media research to better understand the changing community sentiment on PFAS and disseminate targeted information and then use social media as a forum for dispelling misinformation, communicating scientific findings, and providing resources for relevant public health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Tian
- Office of Director, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Christy Gaines
- Office of Director, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Lori Launi
- Office of Associated Director, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Ana Pomales
- Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Germaine Vazquez
- Office of Director, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Christopher M Reh
- Office of Associated Director, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rachel D Rogers
- Office of Community Health Hazard Assessment, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, United States
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15
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Rickard BP, Rizvi I, Fenton SE. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease. Toxicology 2022; 465:153031. [PMID: 34774661 PMCID: PMC8743032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants frequently detected in drinking water supplies worldwide that have been linked to a variety of adverse reproductive health outcomes in women. Compared to men, reproductive health effects in women are generally understudied while global trends in female reproduction rates are declining. Many factors may contribute to the observed decline in female reproduction, one of which is environmental contaminant exposure. PFAS have been used in home, food storage, personal care and industrial products for decades. Despite the phase-out of some legacy PFAS due to their environmental persistence and adverse health effects, alternative, short-chain and legacy PFAS mixtures will continue to pollute water and air and adversely influence women's health. Studies have shown that both long- and short-chain PFAS disrupt normal reproductive function in women through altering hormone secretion, menstrual cyclicity, and fertility. Here, we summarize the role of a variety of PFAS and PFAS mixtures in female reproductive tract dysfunction and disease. Since these chemicals may affect reproductive tissues directly or indirectly through endocrine disruption, the role of PFAS in breast, thyroid, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function are also discussed as the interplay between these tissues may be critical in understanding the long-term reproductive health effects of PFAS in women. A major research gap is the need for mechanism of action data - the targets for PFAS in the female reproductive and endocrine systems are not evident, but the effects are many. Given the global decline in female fecundity and the ability of PFAS to negatively impact female reproductive health, further studies are needed to examine effects on endocrine target tissues involved in the onset of reproductive disorders of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Rm E121A, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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16
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Dasu K, Xia X, Siriwardena D, Klupinski TP, Seay B. Concentration profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in major sources to the environment. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2022; 301:113879. [PMID: 34619593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
A review of published literature was conducted to present the concentrations and composition profiles of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from significant sources to the environment. The major sources of PFAS to the environment are categorized under direct and indirect sources. The characteristic compounds and concentrations are summarized as found from direct sources such as manufacturing facilities, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) applications, metal coating operations, and textile and paper coating operations; and from indirect sources such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). The major findings are: 1) among the aqueous matrices for which data were reviewed, groundwater impacted by AFFF contamination showed the highest median concentrations for both perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), while the second-highest median concentrations were associated with landfill leachates for PFOA and metal-plating sources for PFOS; 2) many of the unknown polyfluorinated precursors present in AFFF-impacted sites could potentially convert to persistent PFAS by abiotic or biotic transformation, and therefore could act as the long-term source of contamination to the environment; 3) part per billion (ppb) concentrations of PFAS were detected in water bodies surrounding fluorochemical manufacturing plants; 4) in consumer products such as textile, paper, and personal care products, PFOA concentrations were an order of magnitude higher compared to other PFAS; 5) biotransformation products such as fluorotelomer carboxylic acids (FTCAs) and perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are detected in landfill leachates and WWTP effluents; and 6) many studies have shown increased PFAA concentrations in WWTP effluents compared to influents. This work provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the PFAS concentration and composition trends of select non-polymeric PFAS in different sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kavitha Dasu
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA.
| | - Xiaoyan Xia
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
| | | | | | - Brannon Seay
- Battelle Memorial Institute, 505 King Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43201, USA
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17
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Wise LA, Wesselink AK, Schildroth S, Calafat AM, Bethea TN, Geller RJ, Coleman CM, Fruh V, Claus Henn B, Botelho JC, Harmon QE, Thirkill M, Wegienka GR, Baird DD. Correlates of plasma concentrations of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances among reproductive-aged Black women. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 203:111860. [PMID: 34403666 PMCID: PMC8616815 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in commercial and consumer goods. Black women are underrepresented in studies of PFAS exposure. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of correlates of plasma PFAS concentrations among 1499 Black women aged 23-35 participating in the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), a Detroit-based cohort study. At baseline (2010-2012), participants provided questionnaire data on socio-demographics; behaviors; diet; and menstrual, contraceptive, and reproductive histories. Using mass spectrometry in non-fasting plasma samples collected at enrollment, we quantified several PFAS, including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA), and 2-N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetate (MeFOSAA). We used linear regression to calculate percentage differences (%D) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between selected correlates and PFAS concentrations, adjusting for all other correlates. RESULTS PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA were detected in ≥97 % of women; PFDA in 86 %; MeFOSAA in 70 %; and PFUnDA in 52 %. Age, income, education, and intakes of water, alcohol, and seafood were positively associated with several PFAS. Current smoking was positively associated with MeFOSAA. Body mass index was inversely associated with most PFAS, except PFHxS. Strong inverse associations (%D; 95 % CI) were observed between parity (≥3 vs. 0 births) and PFHxS (-34.7; -43.0, -25.1) and PFOA (-33.1; -39.2, -26.3); breastfeeding duration (≥6 months vs. nulliparous) and PFOA (-31.1; -37.8, -23.7), PFHxS (-24.2; -34.5, -12.3), and PFOS (-18.4; -28.3, -7.1); recent birth (<2 years ago vs. nulliparous) and PFOA (-33.1; -39.6, -25.8), PFHxS (-29.3; -39.0, -18.1), PFNA (-25.2; -32.7, -16.8), and PFOS (-18.3; -28.3, -6.9); and intensity of menstrual bleed (heavy vs. light) and PFHxS (-18.8; -28.3, -8.2), PFOS (-16.4; -24.9, -7.1), PFNA (-10.5; -17.8, -2.6), and PFOA (-10.0; -17.2, -2.1). Current use of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) was positively associated with PFOS (20.2; 1.4, 42.5), PFOA (16.2; 1.5, 33.0), and PFNA (15.3; 0.4, 32.4). CONCLUSIONS Reproductive factors that influence PFAS elimination showed strong associations with several PFAS (reduced concentrations with parity, recent birth, lactation, heavy menstrual bleeding; increased concentrations with DMPA use).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Wise
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Amelia K Wesselink
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Samantha Schildroth
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Traci N Bethea
- Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities Research, Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ruth J Geller
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Chad M Coleman
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victoria Fruh
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julianne C Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Quaker E Harmon
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Maya Thirkill
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Donna D Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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18
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Lin PID, Cardenas A, Hauser R, Gold DR, Kleinman KP, Hivert MF, Calafat AM, Webster TF, Horton ES, Oken E. Temporal trends of concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances among adults with overweight and obesity in the United States: Results from the Diabetes Prevention Program and NHANES. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106789. [PMID: 34333293 PMCID: PMC8490287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the temporal trends and change of concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is important to evaluate the health impact of PFAS at both the individual- and population-level, however, limited information is available for pre-diabetic adults in the U.S. OBJECTIVES Determine trends and rate of change of plasma PFAS concentrations in overweight or obese U.S. adults and evaluate variation by sex, race/ethnicity, and age. METHODS We described temporal trends of plasma PFAS concentrations using samples collected in 1996-1998, 1999-2001, and 2011-2012 from 957 pre-diabetic adults enrolled in the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) trial and Outcomes Study (DPPOS) and compared to serum concentrations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999-2000, 2003-2016, adults with BMI ≥ 24 kg/m2). We examined associations between participants' characteristics and PFAS concentrations and estimated the rate of change using repeated measures in DPP/DPPOS assuming a first-order elimination model. RESULTS Longitudinal measures of PFAS concentrations in DPP/DPPOS individuals were comparable to NHANES cross-sectional populational means. Plasma concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), N-ethyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (EtFOSAA), and N-methylperfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (MeFOSAA) started to decline after the year 2000 and concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) increased after 2000 and, for NHANES, decreased after 2012. We consistently observed higher PFOS, PFHxS and PFNA among male, compared to female, and higher PFOS and PFNA among Black, compared to white, participants. The estimated time for concentrations to decrease by half ranged from 3.39 years for EtFOSAA to 17.56 years for PFHxS. DISCUSSION We observed a downward temporal trend in plasma PFOS concentrations that was consistent with the timing for U.S. manufacturers' phaseout. Male and Black participants consistently showed higher PFOS and PFNA than female and white participants, likely due to differences in exposure patterns, metabolism or elimination kinetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-I D Lin
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Center for Computational Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Diane R Gold
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Ken P Kleinman
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Human Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Thomas F Webster
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Edward S Horton
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Emily Oken
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
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Vuong AM, Webster GM, Yolton K, Calafat AM, Muckle G, Lanphear BP, Chen A. Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and neurobehavior in US children through 8 years of age: The HOME study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110825. [PMID: 33545124 PMCID: PMC7987860 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies of prenatal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related behaviors in children are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES To examine associations between maternal serum PFAS concentrations and child behavior in 241 mother-child dyads within the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study. METHODS We quantified perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) in maternal serum collected during pregnancy or at delivery. We evaluated a total of 17 outcomes of child behavior using the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 (BASC-2) at 5 and 8 years (n = 240) and ADHD diagnostic symptoms and criteria with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children-Young Child (DISC-YC) at 5 years (n = 190). We used linear mixed models and logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to assess associations between PFAS and continuous or dichotomous "at risk" BASC-2 scores; negative binomial regression to calculate incident rate ratios for counts of ADHD symptoms; and Poisson regression with robust standard errors to calculate relative risks of meeting ADHD diagnostic criteria. RESULTS Each ln-unit increase in PFOS, PFHxS, and PFNA was associated with higher BASC-2 scores and increased odds of "at-risk" scores for externalizing behaviors, including hyperactivity (PFOS: odds ratio [OR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2, 5.9; PFHxS: OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5, 4.3; PFNA: OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3, 8.0). PFHxS was also associated with internalizing problems (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1, 3.4) and somatization (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.2, 4.0). PFOS and PFNA were significantly associated with 50-80% more DISC-YC symptoms and diagnostic criteria related to hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD. Prenatal PFNA was associated with increased risk of any-type ADHD. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal PFOS and PFNA were consistently associated with measures related to hyperactive-impulsive type ADHD across two validated assessment instruments. PFHxS was associated with increased problems with both externalizing and internalizing behaviors. No associations were noted between PFOA and child neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Vuong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA.
| | - Glenys M Webster
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Québec, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute and Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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20
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De Silva AO, Armitage JM, Bruton TA, Dassuncao C, Heiger-Bernays W, Hu XC, Kärrman A, Kelly B, Ng C, Robuck A, Sun M, Webster TF, Sunderland EM. PFAS Exposure Pathways for Humans and Wildlife: A Synthesis of Current Knowledge and Key Gaps in Understanding. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:631-657. [PMID: 33201517 PMCID: PMC7906948 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
We synthesize current understanding of the magnitudes and methods for assessing human and wildlife exposures to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Most human exposure assessments have focused on 2 to 5 legacy PFAS, and wildlife assessments are typically limited to targeted PFAS (up to ~30 substances). However, shifts in chemical production are occurring rapidly, and targeted methods for detecting PFAS have not kept pace with these changes. Total fluorine measurements complemented by suspect screening using high-resolution mass spectrometry are thus emerging as essential tools for PFAS exposure assessment. Such methods enable researchers to better understand contributions from precursor compounds that degrade into terminal perfluoroalkyl acids. Available data suggest that diet is the major human exposure pathway for some PFAS, but there is large variability across populations and PFAS compounds. Additional data on total fluorine in exposure media and the fraction of unidentified organofluorine are needed. Drinking water has been established as the major exposure source in contaminated communities. As water supplies are remediated, for the general population, exposures from dust, personal care products, indoor environments, and other sources may be more important. A major challenge for exposure assessments is the lack of statistically representative population surveys. For wildlife, bioaccumulation processes differ substantially between PFAS and neutral lipophilic organic compounds, prompting a reevaluation of traditional bioaccumulation metrics. There is evidence that both phospholipids and proteins are important for the tissue partitioning and accumulation of PFAS. New mechanistic models for PFAS bioaccumulation are being developed that will assist in wildlife risk evaluations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:631-657. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Carla Ng
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Anna Robuck
- University of Rhode Island, Graduate School of Oceanography, Narragansett, RI USA
| | - Mei Sun
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC USA
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21
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Dalla Zuanna T, Savitz DA, Barbieri G, Pitter G, Zare Jeddi M, Daprà F, Fabricio ASC, Russo F, Fletcher T, Canova C. The association between perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid profile in exposed pregnant women in the Veneto region, Italy. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 209:111805. [PMID: 33360787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.111805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents of a large area of North-Eastern Italy were exposed for decades to high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) via drinking water. Serum PFAS levels have been consistently associated with elevated serum lipids, but few studies have been conducted among pregnant women, and none has stratified analyses by trimester of gestation. Elevated serum lipid levels during pregnancy can have both immediate and long-lasting effects on pregnant women and the developing fetus. We evaluated the association between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluoro-hexanesulfonate (PFHxS) levels in relation to lipid profiles in highly-exposed pregnant women. METHODS A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 319 pregnant women (age 14-48 years) enrolled in the Regional health surveillance program. Non-fasting blood samples were obtained in any trimester of pregnancy and analyzed for PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) was calculated. The associations between ln-transformed PFAS (and categorized into quartiles) and lipids were assessed using generalized additive models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and stratified according to pregnancy trimester. RESULTS The geometric means of PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS were 14.78 ng/mL, 2.67 ng/mL and 1.89 ng/mL, respectively. The plasma levels of TC, HDL-C and LDL-C increased steadily throughout the trimesters. In the 1st trimester, PFOS was positively associated with TC and PFHxS with HDL-C. In the 3rd trimester, instead, an inverse relationship was seen between PFOA and PFHxS and both TC and LDL-C. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the associations between PFAS concentrations and lipid profiles in pregnant women might differ by trimesters of pregnancy. In the first trimester, patterns are similar to those of non-pregnant women, while they differ late in pregnancy. Different independent behavior of PFAS and lipid levels throughout the pregnancy might explain our observations. These findings support the ubiquitous exposure to PFAS and possible influence on lipid metabolisms during pregnancy and suggest a careful evaluation of the timing of PFAS measurement, when examining effects of PFAS during pregnancy on gestational outcomes related to serum lipids amounts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Dalla Zuanna
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy.
| | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Gisella Pitter
- Screening and Health Impact Assessment Unit, Azienda Zero-Veneto Region, Passaggio L. Gaudenzio 1, 35100 Padova, Italy.
| | - Maryam Zare Jeddi
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Daprà
- Laboratory Department-Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection, Veneto Region, Verona, Italy.
| | - Aline S C Fabricio
- Regional Center for Biomarkers, Department of Clinical Pathology, Azienda ULSS 3 Serenissima, Venice, Italy.
| | - Francesca Russo
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health, Veneto Region, Dorsoduro, 3493 - Rio Nuovo, 30123 Venice, Italy.
| | - Tony Fletcher
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, Università di Padova, Via Loredan 18, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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22
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Roth K, Imran Z, Liu W, Petriello MC. Diet as an Exposure Source and Mediator of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Toxicity. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2020; 2:601149. [PMID: 35296120 PMCID: PMC8915917 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2020.601149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitously found in the environment due to their widespread commercial use and high chemical stability. Humans are exposed primarily through ingestion of contaminated water and food and epidemiological studies over the last several decades have shown that PFAS levels are associated with adverse chronic health effects, including cardiometabolic disorders such as hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Perhaps the most well-established effects, as demonstrated in animal studies and human epidemiological studies, are the metabolic alterations PFAS exposure can lead to, especially on lipid homeostasis and signaling. This altered lipid metabolism has often been linked to conditions such as dyslipidemia, leading to fatty liver disease and steatosis. Western diets enriched in high fat and high cholesterol containing foods may be an important human exposure route of PFAS and may also act as an important modulator of associated toxicities. In fact, the chemical structure of PFAS resemble fatty acids and may activate some of the same signaling cascades critical for endogenous metabolism. In this review we aim to outline known dietary exposure sources of PFAS, describe the detrimental metabolic health effects associated with PFAS exposure, and focus on studies examining emerging interaction of dietary effects with PFAS exposure that further alter the dysregulated metabolic state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Roth
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Zunaira Imran
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Wanqing Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Michael C. Petriello
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
- *Correspondence: Michael C. Petriello
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23
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Mottaleb MA, Petriello MC, Morris AJ. High-Throughput UHPLC-MS/MS Measurement of Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Alkyl Substances in Human Serum. J Anal Toxicol 2020; 44:339-347. [PMID: 31776573 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a large group of synthetic surfactant chemicals with widespread uses in food packaging and textile manufacturing and as the main constituent of aqueous film-forming firefighting foams. PFASs are highly persistent in the environment, and human exposures are extensive with these chemicals detectable in the blood of almost all adult Americans. PFASs exhibit a range of toxic effects in preclinical models. In humans, PFAS exposure has been associated with lower birth weights, decreased immune responses, cancer and impaired fertility and elevated circulating cholesterol levels. We have developed a sensitive high-throughput method for quantification of representative PFAS in human serum and plasma for biomonitoring and epidemiological studies of human health effects of PFAS exposure. The method combines robust and reproducible 96-well plate format sample preparation with ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The method was developed, validated and used for targeted measurements of eight short-/long-chain PFAS analytes in human serum. Targeted analytes were measured in 50 microliters of sample using mass-labeled internal standards. Mean spiked recoveries (n = 10) of target analytes for three tiers quality control (QC-low, QC-medium, QC-high) samples ranged from 70 to 127% with 2-14% relative standard deviation (RSD). The average spiked recoveries (n = 10) of surrogates were 79-115% with 8-12% RSD for QC-low, 90-123% with 7-12% RSD for QC-medium and 82-114% with 9-15% RSD for QC-high. The limit of detection for the target compounds was 0.05-0.04 ng/mL. The method was used to reveal regional differences in PFAS exposures in Kentucky residents receiving care at the University of Kentucky Hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Abdul Mottaleb
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Gill Heart and Vascular Institute, Superfund Research Center and Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Michael C Petriello
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Gill Heart and Vascular Institute, Superfund Research Center and Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA.,Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Andrew J Morris
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Gill Heart and Vascular Institute, Superfund Research Center and Center for Appalachian Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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24
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Pecquet AM, Maier A, Kasper S, Sumanas S, Yadav J. Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) decreases neutrophil migration response to injury in zebrafish embryos. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:408. [PMID: 32867820 PMCID: PMC7460781 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a ubiquitous environmental contaminant and a known immune suppressant in humans and experimental animal models. Studies on PFOA have focused on suppression of the adaptive immune response; however, little is known of the impact on innate immunity, especially during embryogenesis. Therefore, we utilized the zebrafish chemotaxis assay coupled with in situ hybridization for myeloperoxidase expression to determine the effects of PFOA exposure on neutrophil migration in the developing zebrafish embryo. Zebrafish embryos are a well-established in vivo model that exhibit high homology with the development of human innate immunity. Results Treatment of zebrafish with increasing concentrations of PFOA identified the lethal concentration in 50% of the embryos (LC50) to be 300 mg/L. Utilizing the zebrafish chemotaxis assay, this study showed that wounding induced significant neutrophil migration to the site of injury, and that neutrophil number in the wound region was significantly reduced in response to 48-h PFOA exposure (well below doses causing acute mortality). This study demonstrates that the developing embryo is sensitive to PFOA exposure and that PFOA can modify the innate immune system during embryonic development. These results lay the groundwork for future investigation on the mechanisms underlying PFOA-induced developmental immunotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Pecquet
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Andrew Maier
- Cardno ChemRisk, 9999 Carver Road, Suite 125, Blue Ash, OH, 45242, USA
| | - Susan Kasper
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Saulius Sumanas
- Division of Developmental Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
| | - Jagjit Yadav
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 160 Panzeca Way, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
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25
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Huff DK, Morris LA, Sutter L, Costanza J, Pennell KD. Accumulation of six PFAS compounds by woody and herbaceous plants: potential for phytoextraction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOREMEDIATION 2020; 22:1538-1550. [PMID: 32649223 DOI: 10.1080/15226514.2020.1786004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) consist of a large group of compounds used to make products more resistant to stains, grease, and water and for fire suppression. They have been widely detected in the environment and exposure has been linked to adverse human health effects. Phytoremediation could be used to remediate PFAS-impacted sites, but there is little information on herbaceous and woody plant species uptake of PFAS compounds from soil. A greenhouse study evaluated the potential for eight herbaceous and seven woody plant species to absorb PFAS compounds. Six PFAS compounds: PFPeA, PFHxA, PFOA, PFBS, PFHxS, and PFOS were added weekly to irrigation water, and the plants grown for up to 14 weeks after an initial establishment period. Significant accumulation of all PFAS compounds occurred in at least one plant species. Mass recovery in above-ground tissue by the best performing plant ranged from a low of 3.8% for PFOS by Festuca rubra to a high of 42% for PFPeA by Schedonorus arundinaceus. Hyperaccumulation, defined as tissue/soil concentrations >10/1, was observed for all six PFAS compounds in at least one plant species. These results demonstrate the potential use of phytoremediation as a tool for remediating PFAS-contaminated sites.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lawrence A Morris
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Lori Sutter
- Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jed Costanza
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Kurt D Pennell
- School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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26
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Pitter G, Da Re F, Canova C, Barbieri G, Zare Jeddi M, Daprà F, Manea F, Zolin R, Bettega AM, Stopazzolo G, Vittorii S, Zambelli L, Martuzzi M, Mantoan D, Russo F. Serum Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Adolescents and Young Adults Exposed to Contaminated Drinking Water in the Veneto Region, Italy: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on a Health Surveillance Program. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:27007. [PMID: 32068468 PMCID: PMC7064325 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spring 2013, groundwater of a vast area of the Veneto Region (northeastern Italy) was found to be contaminated by perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from a PFAS manufacturing plant active since the late 1960s. Residents were exposed to high concentrations of PFAS, particularly perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), through drinking water until autumn 2013. A publicly funded health surveillance program is under way to aid in the prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of chronic disorders possibly associated with PFAS exposure. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this paper are: a) to describe the organization of the health surveillance program, b) to report serum PFAS concentrations in adolescents and young adults, and c) to identify predictors of serum PFAS concentrations in the studied population. METHODS The health surveillance program offered to residents of municipalities supplied by contaminated waterworks includes a structured interview, routine blood and urine tests, and measurement of 12 PFAS in serum by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We studied 18,345 participants born between 1978 and 2002, 14-39 years of age at recruitment. Multivariable linear regression was used to identify sociodemographic, lifestyle, dietary, and reproductive predictors of serum PFAS concentrations. RESULTS The PFAS with the highest serum concentrations were PFOA [median 44.4 ng / mL , interquartile range (IQR) 19.3-84.9], perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) (median 3.9 ng / mL , IQR 1.9-7.4), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) (median 3.9 ng / mL , IQR 2.6-5.8). The major predictors of serum levels were gender, municipality, duration of residence in the affected area, and number of deliveries. Overall, the regression models explained 37%, 23%, and 43% of the variance of PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Serum PFOA concentrations were high relative to concentrations in populations with background residential exposures only. Interindividual variation of serum PFAS levels was partially explained by the considered predictors. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5337.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisella Pitter
- Screening and Health Impact Assessment Unit, Azienda Zero—Veneto Region, Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Da Re
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health—Veneto Region, Venice, Italy
| | - Cristina Canova
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health—University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Barbieri
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health—University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maryam Zare Jeddi
- Unit of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, and Public Health—University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca Daprà
- Laboratory Department—Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection—Veneto Region, Venice, Italy
| | - Flavio Manea
- Laboratory Department—Regional Agency for Environmental Prevention and Protection—Veneto Region, Venice, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Zolin
- PFAS Team—Local Health Unit “Azienda ULSS 8 Berica”, Vicenza, Italy
| | | | | | - Silvia Vittorii
- PFAS Team—Local Health Unit “Azienda ULSS 8 Berica”, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Lorena Zambelli
- Epidemiology, Prevention of Chronic Disorders, Screening and Health Promotion Unit—Local Health Unit “Azienda ULSS 9 Scaligera”, Verona, Italy
| | - Marco Martuzzi
- Regional Office for Western Pacific—World Health Organization, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Francesca Russo
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health—Veneto Region, Venice, Italy
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27
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Shane HL, Baur R, Lukomska E, Weatherly L, Anderson SE. Immunotoxicity and allergenic potential induced by topical application of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in a murine model. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 136:111114. [PMID: 31904477 PMCID: PMC7753950 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) once used as a surfactant in the polymerization of chemicals. Because of its ubiquitous nature and long half-life, PFOA is commonly detected in the environment, wildlife, and humans. While skin exposure to PFOA is of concern, studies evaluating the immunotoxicity of dermal exposure are lacking. These studies evaluated the immunotoxicity of PFOA (0.5-2% w/v, or 12.5-50 mg/kg/dose) following dermal exposure using a murine model. PFOA (0.5-2%) was not identified to be an irritant or sensitizer using the local lymph node assay. The IgM antibody response to sheep red blood cell. was significantly reduced in the spleen following 4-days of dermal exposure (2%). PFOA exposure produced a significant decrease in thymus (1 and 2%) and spleen (0.5-2%) weight along with an increase in liver weight (0.5-2%). Immune cell phenotyping identified a reduction in the frequency (1 and 2%) and number (0.5-2%) of splenic B-cells. To further define the mechanism of immunotoxicity, gene expression was also evaluated in the skin. The findings support a potential involvement of the nuclear receptor PPARα. These results demonstrate that dermal exposure to PFOA is immunotoxic and raise concern about potential adverse effects from dermal exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hillary L Shane
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA.
| | - Rachel Baur
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Ewa Lukomska
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Lisa Weatherly
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
| | - Stacey E Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, 26505, USA
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28
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Barton KE, Starling AP, Higgins CP, McDonough CA, Calafat AM, Adgate JL. Sociodemographic and behavioral determinants of serum concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in a community highly exposed to aqueous film-forming foam contaminants in drinking water. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2020; 223:256-266. [PMID: 31444118 PMCID: PMC6878185 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a chemical class widely used in industrial and commercial applications because of their unique physical and chemical properties. Between 2013 and 2016 PFAS were detected in public water systems and private wells in El Paso County, Colorado. The contamination was likely due to aqueous film forming foams used at a nearby Air Force base. OBJECTIVE To cross-sectionally describe the serum concentrations of PFAS in a highly exposed community, estimate associations with drinking water source, and explore potential demographic and behavioral predictors. METHODS In June 2018, serum PFAS concentrations were quantified and questionnaires administered in 213 non-smoking adult (ages 19-93) participants residing in three affected water districts. Twenty PFAS were quantified and those detected in >50% of participants were analyzed: perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA) and perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS). Unadjusted associations were estimated between serum PFAS concentrations and several predictors, including water consumption, demographics, personal behaviors and employment. A multiple linear regression model estimated adjusted associations with smoking history. RESULTS Study participants' median PFHxS serum concentration (14.8 ng/mL) was approximately 12 times as high as the U.S. national average. Median serum concentrations for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHpS were 9.7 ng/mL, 3.0 ng/mL, 0.4 ng/mL and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. Determinants of PFHxS serum concentrations were water district of residence, frequency of bottled water consumption, age, race/ethnicity, and smoking history. Determinants of serum concentrations for the other four PFAS evaluated included: water district of residence, bottled water consumption, age, sex, race/ethnicity, smoking history, and firefighter or military employment. CONCLUSIONS Determinants of serum concentrations for multiple PFAS, including PFHxS, included water district of residence and frequency of bottled water consumption. Participants' dominant PFAS exposure route was likely consumption of PFAS-contaminated water, but certain demographic and behavioral characteristics also predicted serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey E Barton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anne P Starling
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Carrie A McDonough
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John L Adgate
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Domingo JL, Nadal M. Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through drinking water: A review of the recent scientific literature. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108648. [PMID: 31421451 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 258] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of water-soluble chemical compounds with an important number of applications, which have been widely used during the last 60 years. Two of them, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), are the most known and well investigated. As for many other organic substances that are of environmental concern, the diet is the main route of human exposure to PFAS. However, in certain cases drinking water may also mean a significant contribution to human exposure, and to a lesser extent, dust and air (indoor exposure). In recent years, the environmental persistence of PFAS, their biomagnification in food webs, as well as their potential accumulation and toxicity, have generated a notable interest, which has been evidenced by the considerable number of publications in this regard. Recently, we carried out a wide revision on the levels of PFAS in food and human dietary intake. In the current review, we have summarized the recent information (last 10 years) published in the scientific literature (Scopus and PubMed) on the concentrations of PFAS in drinking water and the human health risks derived from the regular water consumption, when available. A large amount of data belongs to PFOS and PFOA and corresponds to studies mainly conducted in countries of the European Union, USA and China, although no information is available for most countries over the world. According to the toxicological information about PFAS that is so far available, the current health risks for the regular consumers of municipal/tap water do not seem to be of concern according to the levels considered as acceptable for various regulatory institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201, Reus, Catalonia, Spain
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Regulation of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) in Drinking Water: A Comprehensive Review. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w11102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) are receiving global attention due to their persistence in the environment through wastewater effluent discharges and past improper industrial waste disposal. They are resistant to biological degradation and if present in wastewater are discharged into the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) issued drinking water Health Advisories for PFOA and PFOS at 70 ng/L each and for the sum of the two. The need for an enforceable primary drinking water regulation under the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) is currently being assessed. The USEPA faces stringent legal constraints and technical barriers to develop a primary drinking water regulation for PFOA and PFOS. This review synthesizes current knowledge providing a publicly available, comprehensive point of reference for researchers, water utilities, industry, and regulatory agencies to better understand and address cross-cutting issues associated with regulation of PFOA and PFOS contamination of drinking water.
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Fassler CS, Pinney SE, Xie C, Biro FM, Pinney SM. Complex relationships between perfluorooctanoate, body mass index, insulin resistance and serum lipids in young girls. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 176:108558. [PMID: 31271921 PMCID: PMC6739842 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) has been used extensively in the manufacture of both commercial and household products. PFOA serum concentrations have been associated with adverse health effects, including lower body mass in children and infants. OBJECTIVE To determine if there is an association between serum PFOA concentration and body mass, serum insulin and lipid profile in exposed young girls. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study of PFAS environmental biomarkers and insulin resistance in 6 to 8 year-old girls from Greater Cincinnati (n=353). In 2004-2006, blood samples were obtained to measure polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), fasting insulin, glucose and lipids. Clinical exams included anthropometric measurements and pubertal maturation staging. Linear regression and mediation analyses, specifically structural equation modeling (SEM), were used to determine the strength and direction of the relationships between PFAS, pubertal maturation status, body mass index (BMI), cholesterol and insulin resistance. RESULTS The median PFOA (7.7ng/ml) was twice the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2005-2006). Only PFOA, a PFAS sub-species, showed statistically significant relationships with the outcomes. In regression models, PFOA was associated with decreased BMI and waist-to-height ratio (p=0.0008; p=0.0343), HDL-cholesterol (p=0.0046) and had a borderline inverse association with the HOMA Index of insulin resistance (p=0.0864). In SEM, PFOA retained an inverse relationship with BMI (p<0.0001) but the relationships with HOMA and HDL-cholesterol were no longer statistically significant. Pubertal initiation (Tanner breast or pubic stage 2 or greater) and BMI were associated with increased HOMA Index (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest PFOA exposure in young girls affects both BMI and ultimately insulin resistance. In mediation analysis with puberty in the model, the direct effects of PFOA on insulin resistance and were reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecily S Fassler
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Sara E Pinney
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA; University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Changchun Xie
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Frank M Biro
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, USA.
| | - Susan M Pinney
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Pinney SM, Windham GC, Xie C, Herrick RL, Calafat AM, McWhorter K, Fassler CS, Hiatt RA, Kushi LH, Biro FM. Perfluorooctanoate and changes in anthropometric parameters with age in young girls in the Greater Cincinnati and San Francisco Bay Area. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:1038-1046. [PMID: 31300293 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
METHODS We conducted a study of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance biomarkers, including PFOA, in girls from Greater Cincinnati (CIN, N = 353) and the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA, N = 351). PFOA was measured in the baseline serum sample collected in 2004-2007 of 704 girls at age 6-8 years. Mixed effects models were used to derive the effect of PFOA on BMI, waist-to-height and waist-to-hip ratios over increasing age in this longitudinal cohort. RESULTS Median PFOA serum concentrations were 7.3 (CIN) and 5.8 (SFBA) ng/mL, above the U.S. population median for children 12-19 years in 2005-2006 (3.8 ng/mL). Log-transformed serum PFOA had a strong inverse association with BMIz in the CIN girls (p = 0.0002) and the combined two-site data (p = 0.0008); the joint inverse effect of PFOA and Age*PFOA weakened at age at 10-11 years. However, in the SFBA group alone, the relationship was not significant (p = 0.1641) with no evidence of changing effect with age. The effect of PFOA on waist:height ratio was similar to BMIz at both sites, but we did not find a significant effect of PFOA on waist:hip ratio in either the CIN or SFBA girls. CONCLUSIONS PFOA is associated with decreased BMI and waist:height ratio in young girls, but the strength of the relationship decreases with age. Site heterogeneity may be due to greater early life exposure in Cincinnati. DISCLAIMER The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use of trade names is for identification only and does not imply endorsement by the CDC, the Public Health Service, or the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Pinney
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - G C Windham
- Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Dept. of Public Health, Richmond, CA, USA
| | - C Xie
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - R L Herrick
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - A M Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - K McWhorter
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - C S Fassler
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - R A Hiatt
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, USA
| | - L H Kushi
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - F M Biro
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Blake BE, Pinney SM, Hines EP, Fenton SE, Ferguson KK. Associations between longitudinal serum perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) levels and measures of thyroid hormone, kidney function, and body mass index in the Fernald Community Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 242:894-904. [PMID: 30373035 PMCID: PMC6309414 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a diverse class of manufactured compounds used in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products and have been detected in human serum worldwide. Previous cross-sectional and cohort studies in humans have suggested exposure to PFAS is associated with a wide array of chronic diseases, including endocrine disruption, developmental health effects, cancer and metabolic changes. We examined the associations between a panel of eight PFAS and indicators of thyroid disruption, kidney function, and body mass index (BMI), all of which were measured at repeated time points (1990-2008) over the course of the study. Participants (N = 210) were selected from the Fernald Community Cohort based on household water supply from a PFAS-contaminated aquifer. In adjusted repeated measures models, we observed several notable associations between serum PFAS and thyroid hormones as well as kidney function as measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). An interquartile (IQR) increase in serum PFOS was associated with a 9.75% (95% CI = 1.72, 18.4) increase in thyroid stimulating hormone. An IQR increase in serum PFNA, PFHxS, and PFDeA was associated with a -1.61% (95% CI = -3.53, -0.59), -2.06% (95% CI = -3.53, -0.59), and -2.20% (95% CI = -4.25, -0.14) change in eGFR, respectively. On the other hand, an IQR increase in serum Me-PFOSA was associated with a 1.53% (95% CI = 0.34, 2.73) increase in eGFR. No significant associations with BMI and serum PFAS were noted. Our findings are in agreement with previous reports that serum PFAS are associated with altered kidney and thyroid function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bevin E Blake
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan M Pinney
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Erin P Hines
- National Center for Exposure Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Curriculum in Toxicology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; National Toxicology Program Laboratory, Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kelly K Ferguson
- Epidemiology Branch, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA.
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Kingsley SL, Eliot MN, Kelsey KT, Calafat AM, Ehrlich S, Lanphear BP, Chen A, Braun JM. Variability and predictors of serum perfluoroalkyl substance concentrations during pregnancy and early childhood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 165:247-257. [PMID: 29734025 PMCID: PMC6309672 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.04.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), ubiquitous and persistent environmental contaminants, could be associated with adverse health outcomes, but there are limited longitudinal data assessing patterns and predictors of exposure during childhood. We quantified concentrations of eight different PFAS in sera collected from women during pregnancy and children at delivery and ages 3 and 8 years in 367 mother-child pairs enrolled in a prospective cohort from 2003 to 2006. In general, median childhood PFAS concentrations increased from birth to age 3 and then decreased by age 8. Maternal serum PFAS concentrations during pregnancy were strongly correlated with cord serum concentrations (0.76 < r < 0.94), but were weakly correlated with childhood concentrations (0.12 < r < 0.30). Several sociodemographic factors were associated with maternal PFAS concentrations, including income, race, and parity. In children, serum PFAS concentrations were associated with maternal age at delivery, race, parity, and child age. Breastfeeding duration was positively associated with childhood PFAS concentrations at ages 3 and 8 years. In addition, stain repellant use was associated with higher perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid concentrations at age 8 years. Serum PFAS concentrations are higher during early childhood, a potentially sensitive period of development, and were highest among breastfed children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Kingsley
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Melissa N Eliot
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Karl T Kelsey
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Shelley Ehrlich
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Child and Family Research Institute, BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
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Giannini CM, Herrick RL, Buckholz JM, Daniels AR, Biro FM, Pinney SM. Comprehension and perceptions of study participants upon receiving perfluoroalkyl substance exposure biomarker results. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2018; 221:1040-1046. [PMID: 30025914 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measurement of environmental biomarkers in biomedia is increasingly used as a method of exposure characterization in human population studies. Reporting the results of biomarker measurements back to study participants has been controversial, including questions of ethics and whether the study participants would want to receive and would understand the results. METHODS Recently we mailed individual measurements of two serum biomarkers, perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to participants in three exposure studies of persons living in the Ohio River Valley, of whom 60 were parents of children who had been sampled. Many had serum concentrations of PFOA above the US population 95th percentile value. Reporting forms used in the three studies were somewhat different (either tables or charts for comparison to US population values) and varied in complexity. With all reports, we included information about concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in the general population, and a survey designed to ascertain the opinions of the study participants about the information they received. RESULTS Approximately 33% (273/821) returned the survey, and of those, 96% reported that they were pleased that we had sent them the report. Most (86%) responded that the results were easy to understand and the enclosed fact sheet was helpful in answering questions (87%). Regarding the amount of information, most felt that we provided the "right amount" (78%) but some "too much" (7%) and some "too little" (15%). The majority (53%) were surprised at their serum concentrations. Of those with serum values > 13.0 ng/mL, 74% responded that they thought their serum concentration was "high", but only 22% of those with serum concentrations ≤5.6 responded that their concentration was "low". Surprisingly, many talked to no one about their levels; those who did were most likely to discuss the report with family members. CONCLUSIONS Reporting back individual environmental biomarker results is generally well received by study participants, and those with high concentrations perceived them to be high. Questions remain as to why study participants did not discuss their results with others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney M Giannini
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Robert L Herrick
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Jeanette M Buckholz
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Alex R Daniels
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Frank M Biro
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Susan M Pinney
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States.
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Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exposure promotes proliferation, migration and invasion potential in human breast epithelial cells. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:1729-1739. [PMID: 29502166 PMCID: PMC5962621 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2181-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in early detection and treatment, breast cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a suspected endocrine disruptor and a common environmental pollutant associated with various diseases including cancer. However, the effects of PFOA and its mechanisms of action on hormone-responsive cells remain unclear. Here, we explored the potential tumorigenic activity of PFOA (100 nM–1 mM) in human breast epithelial cells (MCF-10A). MCF-10A cells exposed to 50 and 100 µM PFOA demonstrated a higher growth rate compared to controls. The compound promoted MCF-10A proliferation by accelerating G0/G1 to S phase transition of the cell cycle. PFOA increased cyclin D1 and CDK4/6 levels, concomitant with a decrease in p27. In contrast to previous studies of perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS), the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 had no effect on PFOA-induced cell proliferation, whereas the PPARα antagonist GW 6471 was able to prevent the MCF-10A proliferation, indicating that the underlying mechanisms involve PPARα-dependent pathways. Interestingly, we also showed that PFOA is able to stimulate cell migration and invasion, demonstrating its potential to induce neoplastic transformation of human breast epithelial cells. These results suggest that more attention should be paid to the roles of PFOA in the development and progression of breast cancer.
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