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Borghese MM, Ward A, MacPherson S, Manz KE, Atlas E, Fisher M, Arbuckle TE, Braun JM, Bouchard MF, Ashley-Martin J. Serum concentrations of legacy, alternative, and precursor per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: a descriptive analysis of adult female participants in the MIREC-ENDO study. Environ Health 2024; 23:55. [PMID: 38858670 PMCID: PMC11163811 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-024-01085-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been regulated around the world. There is growing concern over the proliferation of alternative PFAS, as well as PFAS precursors. Biomonitoring data for PFAS are critical for assessing exposure and human health risk. METHODS We collected serum samples from 289 adult female participants in a 2018-2021 follow-up study of the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Canadian pregnancy cohort. Samples were analyzed for 40 PFAS using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. For those compounds with > 50% detection, as well as the sum of these compounds, we describe serum concentrations and patterns of exposure according to sociodemographic and obstetrical history characteristics. RESULTS 17 out of 40 PFAS were detected in > 50% of samples with 7 of these detected in > 97% of samples. Median [95th percentile] concentrations (µg/L) were highest for PFOS (1.62 [4.56]), PFOA (0.69 [1.52]), PFNA (0.38 [0.81]), and PFHxS (0.33 [0.92]). Geometric mean concentrations of PFOA and PFHxS were approximately 2-fold lower among those with more children (≥ 3 vs. 1), greater number of children breastfed (≥ 3 vs. ≤ 1), longer lifetime duration of breastfeeding (> 4 years vs. ≤ 9 months), and shorter time since last pregnancy (≤ 4 years vs. > 8 years). We observed similar patterns for PFOS, PFHpS, and the sum of 17 PFAS, though the differences between groups were smaller. Concentrations of PFOA were higher among "White" participants, while concentrations of N-MeFOSE, N-EtFOSE, 7:3 FTCA, and 4:2 FTS were slightly higher among participants reporting a race or ethnicity other than "White". Concentrations of legacy, alternative, and precursor PFAS were generally similar across levels of age, education, household income, body mass index, and menopausal status. CONCLUSIONS We report the first Canadian biomonitoring data for several alternative and precursor PFAS. Our findings suggest that exposure to PFAS, including several emerging alternatives, may be widespread. Our results are consistent with previous studies showing that pregnancy and breastfeeding are excretion pathways for PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Borghese
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - A Ward
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - S MacPherson
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - K E Manz
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - E Atlas
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - M Fisher
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - T E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - M F Bouchard
- Institut national de la recherche scientifique, Laval, QC, Canada
| | - J Ashley-Martin
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Rawn DFK, Corrigan C, Ménard C, Sun WF, Breton F, Arbuckle TE. Novel halogenated flame retardants in Canadian human milk from the MIREC study (2008-2011). CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 350:141065. [PMID: 38159732 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.141065] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Novel halogenated flame retardants (NHFRs) have been developed to replace those brominated flame retardants that have been restricted due to their persistence, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity, therefore, it is important to determine whether these replacement products are present at detectable concentrations in Canadians. NHFRs were measured in human milk samples (n = 541) collected from across Canada between 2008 and 2011, which is the first pan-Canadian dataset for these chemicals in human milk. Among the 15 measured NHFRs and eight methoxy-polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs), nine NHFRs and two MeO-PBDEs (6-MeO-PBDE 47 and 2-MeO-PBDE 68) were detected at a frequency of more than 9%. Despite benzene, 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis [2,3,4,5,6-pentabromo-]/decabromodiphenylethane [DBDPE] being detected less frequently than the other observed NHFRs, its relative contribution to the sum of nine NHFRs was important when it was present. The maximum ΣNHFR concentration in Canadian human milk was 6930 pg g-1 lipid while the maximum ΣMeO-PBDEs was 1600 pg g-1 lipid. While most NHFR concentrations were significantly correlated with each other, no relationships between maternal age, parity or pre-pregnancy BMI were identified with ΣNHFR concentrations in the milk. In contrast, maternal age was significantly correlated with ΣMeO-PBDE concentrations (r = 0.237, p < 0.001). ΣNHFR concentrations were similarly not related to maternal education, although ΣMeO-PBDE concentrations were found to be higher in milk from women who had graduated from trade schools relative to the other education levels considered. NHFR detection frequency and concentrations observed in the Canadian human milk seem to align well with Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea F K Rawn
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Catherine Corrigan
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Cathie Ménard
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Wing-Fung Sun
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - François Breton
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada; Generic Drugs Division, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, 101 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Address Locator 0201D, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 269 Laurier Ave, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
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3
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Ogunbiyi OD, Ajiboye TO, Omotola EO, Oladoye PO, Olanrewaju CA, Quinete N. Analytical approaches for screening of per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances in food items: A review of recent advances and improvements. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 329:121705. [PMID: 37116565 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made chemicals characterized by their ubiquitous nature in all environmental compartments which makes them of increasing concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT). Several instrumental methodologies and separation techniques have been identified in the literature for the detection and quantification of PFAS in environmental samples. In this review, we have identified and compared common separation techniques adopted for the extraction of PFAS in food items, and analytical methodologies for identification and quantification of PFAS in food items of plant and animal origin, highlighting recent advances in tandem techniques for the high selectivity and separation of PFAS related compounds as well as knowledge gaps and research needs on current analytical methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olutobi Daniel Ogunbiyi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Timothy Oladiran Ajiboye
- Chemistry Department, Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, 6019, Gqeberha, South Africa; Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Olusakin Oladoye
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Clement Ajibade Olanrewaju
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA
| | - Natalia Quinete
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA; Institute of Environment, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Modesto Maidique Campus, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
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Draghi S, Pavlovic R, Pellegrini A, Fidani M, Riva F, Brecchia G, Agradi S, Arioli F, Vigo D, Di Cesare F, Curone G. First Investigation of the Physiological Distribution of Legacy and Emerging Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Raw Bovine Milk According to the Component Fraction. Foods 2023; 12:2449. [PMID: 37444187 DOI: 10.3390/foods12132449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine milk is a pillar of the human diet and plays a key role in the nutrition of infants. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are well-recognized highly stable organic compounds that are able to pollute ecosystems persistently and threaten both human and animal health. The study aimed to analyze the distribution of 14 PFASs within the milk matrix by comparing their content in whole milk, and its skimmed and creamed fractions. Raw milk samples were individually collected from 23 healthy cows (10 primiparous and 13 multiparous) reared on a farm in Northern Italy not surrounded by known point sources of PFASs. Each sample was fractioned in whole, skim, and cream components to undergo PFAS analysis using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. All samples contained at least one PFAS, with perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) being the primary contaminant in all three fractions, followed by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOS was shown to be significantly (p < 0.001) more concentrated in cream than in raw and skimmed milk. Multiparous cows showed a higher frequency of positive samples in all analyzed fractions. Further research is necessary to assess the risk of dairy diets and high-fat dairy products and to investigate the toxicological effects of PFASs on cattle, even in environments without known PFAS sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Draghi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Radmila Pavlovic
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
- Proteomics and Metabolomics Facility (ProMeFa), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marco Fidani
- UNIRELAB Srl, Via Gramsci 70, 20019 Settimo Milanese, Italy
| | - Federica Riva
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Gabriele Brecchia
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Stella Agradi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Francesco Arioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Daniele Vigo
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Federica Di Cesare
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
| | - Giulio Curone
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy
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Street ME, Shulhai AM, Rotondo R, Giannì G, Caffarelli C. Current knowledge on the effects of environmental contaminants in early life nutrition. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1120293. [PMID: 37324741 PMCID: PMC10267348 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1120293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast milk represents the optimal source of feeding for newborns, in terms of nutritional compounds and as it provides immunological, metabolic, organic, and neurological well-being. As a complex biological fluid, it consists not only of nutritional compounds but also contains environmental contaminants. Formulas through production, contact with bottles and cups, and complementary feeding can also be contaminated. The current review focuses on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and made-man xenoestrogens present in the environment and both commonly present in food sources, agricultural practices, packaging, consumer products, industry, and medical care. These contaminants are transferred by passive diffusion to breast milk and are delivered during breastfeeding. They mainly act by activating or antagonizing hormonal receptors. We summarize the effects on the immune system, gut microbiota, and metabolism. Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals and indirect food additives may induce tissue inflammation and polarize lymphocytes, increase proinflammatory cytokines, promote allergic sensitization, and microbial dysbiosis, activate nuclear receptors and increase the incidence of allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases. Breast milk is the most important optimal source in early life. This mini-review summarizes current knowledge on environmental contaminants and paves the way for strategies to prevent milk contamination and limit maternal and infant exposure during pregnancy and the first months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Street
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Anna-Mariia Shulhai
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Roberta Rotondo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuliana Giannì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carlo Caffarelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Unit of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Rawn DFK, Quade SC, Corrigan C, Ménard C, Sun WF, Breton F, Arbuckle TE, Fraser WD. Differences in mirex [dechlorane] and dechlorane plus [syn- and anti-] concentrations observed in Canadian human milk. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 316:137784. [PMID: 36623597 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.137784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
As part of the pan-Canadian Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) study, human milk samples were collected between 2008 and 2011, and analyzed for mirex, an organochlorine insecticide and flame retardant, in addition to dechlorane plus (syn- and anti-DDC-CO), the flame retardant replacement for mirex. Mirex was analyzed separately, using a method for the analysis of existing organochlorine insecticides, while the presence of DDC-CO isomers was determined using a method developed for the detection of emerging flame retardants. Mirex was detected in all samples analyzed (n = 298), while syn- and anti-DDC-CO were present in 61.0% and 79.5% of the samples, respectively (n = 541). Mirex concentrations have declined in human milk since the 1990s. Since this is the first pan-Canadian dataset reporting DDC-CO concentrations in human milk, no temporal comparisons can be made. Maternal age was correlated with concentrations of both compounds although parity did not impact concentrations of either analyte. Given the presence of this relatively recently identified flame retardant (DDC-CO) in human milk from women across Canada, studies to identify dominant sources of this compound are critical. Despite low concentrations of environmental chemicals in human milk from Canadian women, Health Canada supports breastfeeding of infants because of the important health benefits to both the mothers and their infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea F K Rawn
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada.
| | - Sue C Quade
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Catherine Corrigan
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Cathie Ménard
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Wing-Fung Sun
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - François Breton
- Food Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, 251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Address Locator: 2203C, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada; Generic Drugs Division, Bureau of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Products and Food Branch, Health Canada, 101 Tunney's Pasture Driveway, Address Locator: 0201D, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Environmental and Radiation Health Sciences Directorate, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch, Health Canada, 50 Colombine Driveway, Address Locator: 0801A, Ottawa, ON, K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Centre de Recherche, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Blomberg AJ, Haug LS, Lindh C, Sabaredzovic A, Pineda D, Jakobsson K, Nielsen C. Changes in perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) concentrations in human milk over the course of lactation: A study in Ronneby mother-child cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115096. [PMID: 36529327 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about how PFAS concentrations in human milk change over the course of lactation, although this is an important determinant of cumulative infant exposure from breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE To estimate changes in PFAS concentrations in human milk over the course of lactation in a population with a wide range of exposure from background-to high-exposed. METHODS We measured PFAS concentrations in colostrum and mature milk samples from women in the Ronneby Mother-Child Cohort. For each PFAS, we estimated the change in concentration from colostrum collected 3-4 days postpartum to mature milk collected 4-12 weeks postpartum using linear mixed-effects models. We evaluated whether this estimated change varied by quartiles of colostrum concentrations. In a subset of mothers with at least three mature milk samples, we estimated the change in concentration per month over the first eight months of lactation. RESULTS Our study included 77 mother-child pairs, of whom 74 had colostrum and initial mature milk samples and 11 had three or more repeated samples. The concentration change from colostrum to mature milk varied by PFAS. While PFOS increased by 21% (95% CI: 8.9, 35), PFOA decreased by 17% (95% CI: -28, -3.5) and PFHxS decreased by 12% (95% CI: -24, 3.3). In addition, PFAS concentrations tended to increase in women with lower colostrum levels, but decreased or remained the same in women with high colostrum concentrations. When we estimated changes over the course of lactation, we found that PFOA concentrations decreased the most (-12% per month; 95% CI: -22, -1.5), whereas PFHxS and PFOS showed small nonsignificant decreases. CONCLUSIONS Models for cumulative infancy exposure from breastfeeding need to account for differences in concentration trajectories by PFAS and possibly by maternal exposure level. Additional research is needed to evaluate the relative exposure from breastfeeding vs prenatal exposure, especially in highly exposed communities where breastfeeding guidance is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelise J Blomberg
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Line S Haug
- Department of Food Safety, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Daniela Pineda
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Jakobsson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christel Nielsen
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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LaKind JS, Naiman J, Verner MA, Lévêque L, Fenton S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in breast milk and infant formula: A global issue. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115042. [PMID: 36529330 PMCID: PMC9872587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are transferred from mother to infants through breastfeeding, a time when children may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS-mediated adverse health effects. Infants can also be exposed to PFAS from infant formula consumption. Our recent literature-based scoping of breast milk levels reported that four PFAS often exceeded the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) children's drinking water screening levels in both the general population and highly impacted communities in the U.S. and Canada. This work presents a comparison of global breast milk and infant formula PFAS measurements with the only reported health-based drinking water screening values specific to children. METHODS We focused on four PFAS for which ATSDR has developed children's drinking water screening values: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), and PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid). Published literature on PFAS levels in breast milk and infant formula were identified via PubMed searches. Data were compared to children's drinking water screening values. DISCUSSION Breast milk concentrations of PFOA and PFOS often exceed children's drinking water screening values, regardless of geographic location. The limited information on infant formula suggests its use does not necessarily result in lower PFAS exposures, especially for formulas reconstituted with drinking water containing PFAS. Unfortunately, individuals generally cannot know whether their infant's exposures exceed children's drinking water screening values. Thus, it is essential that pregnant and lactating women and others, especially those having lived in PFAS-contaminated communities, have data required to make informed decisions on infant nutrition. An international monitoring effort and access to affordable testing are needed for breast milk, drinking water and infant formula to fully understand infant PFAS exposures. Currently, our understanding of demonstrable methods for reducing exposures to emerging PFAS is limited, making this research and the communications surrounding it even more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, 106 Oakdale Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Josh Naiman
- Naiman Associates, LLC, 504 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Marc-Andre Verner
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Laura Lévêque
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Suzanne Fenton
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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9
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Han F, Wang Y, Li J, Lyu B, Liu J, Zhang J, Zhao Y, Wu Y. Occurrences of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human milk in China: Results of the third National Human Milk Survey (2017-2020). JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 443:130163. [PMID: 36272370 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130163] [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: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants widely contaminated and exposed in humans. China is a major manufacturer and consumer of these chemicals. To characterize the occurrences, geographical variations, temporal trends, and exposure risks of legacy and emerging PFAS in perinatal women and their children in China, 30 PFAS were measured in 100 pooled human milk samples consisting of 3531 individual samples collected from 100 sites in 24 provinces during the 2017-2020 National Human Milk Survey. Linear-perfluorooctanoic acid (L-PFOA, 151 pg/mL) and linear-perfluorooctane sulfonate (L-PFOS, 57.0 pg/mL) were the predominant PFAS in human milk, followed by 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA, 25.9 pg/mL). The geographic variation trend of PFOA was different from PFOS and Cl-PFESA, and a special geographic trend of perfluoropentanesulfonate (PFPeS) was observed. Comparison of National Human Milk surveys from different periods showed a sharp decrease of PFAS exposure in old industrial areas including Shanghai and Liaoning, but higher PFAS exposure observed in Shandong and Hubei indicated a possible domestic shift of PFAS manufacture to these areas. Worldwide comparison of PFAS in human milk indicated high PFOA exposure in China. Risk assessments for mothers and breastfeeding infants showed that PFAS exposure is of concern in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Han
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yuxin Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jingguang Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Bing Lyu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Jiaying Liu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100050, China.
| | - Yunfeng Zhao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Yongning Wu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Food Safety Risk Assessment, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit (No. 2019RU014), China National Center for Food Safety Risk Assessment, Beijing 100021, China
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10
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Mikolajczyk S, Warenik-Bany M, Pajurek M. Infant formula and baby food as a source of perfluoroalkyl substances for infants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120810. [PMID: 36470453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports infants' exposure to fourteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in infant formula and baby food. First infant milk, follow-on milk and three types of baby food were analyzed: a variety made of fruits and vegetables, a variety with added fish and one containing meat. The mean lower-bound (LB) concentration of ∑14 PFASs was 0.22 μg/kg wet weight (w.w.) in first infant milk and 0.24 μg/kg w. w. In follow-on milk. Lower levels were noticed in baby food, where the mean LB concentration of ∑14 PFASs was in a 0.019-0.025 μg/kg w. w. Range. Perfluorotetradecanoic acid was found to be in the highest concentration both in baby formula and baby food. Dietary intake of ∑14 PFASs (LB concentration) via infant formula was in 0.3-83.1 ng/kg body weight (b.w.) and 0.3-31.1 ng/kg b. w ranges for first infant milk and follow-on milk respectively. The mean dietary intakes of ∑14 PFASs via one serving of baby food were similar for three varieties and were in a 0.46-0.57 ng/kg b. w. Range. Dietary intake of ∑4 PFASs was negligible in regard to the tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg b. w. Recently established by the European Food Safety Authority. This preliminary study brings new information on infant exposure to PFASs in Poland. It is suggested that more sensitive methods be used in the future, and since there are many types of infant foods with different compositions of ingredients, more studies should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mikolajczyk
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - M Warenik-Bany
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - M Pajurek
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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11
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Criswell RL, Wang Y, Christensen B, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Peterson LA, Huset CA, Karagas MR, Romano ME. Concentrations of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Paired Maternal Plasma and Human Milk in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:463-472. [PMID: 36574487 PMCID: PMC9837617 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c05555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are environmentally persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with long-term health outcomes. PFAS are transferred from maternal blood to human milk, an important exposure source for infants, and understanding of this transfer is evolving. We characterized concentrations of 10 PFAS in human milk (n = 426) and compared milk-to-plasma concentrations of 9 PFAS among a subset of women with paired samples (n = 294) from the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study using liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry. We examined the relationship between perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in plasma versus milk and fit linear regression models to assess relationships between milk PFOA and PFOS and participant characteristics. The median plasma PFOA concentration was 0.94 ng/mL (interquartile range, IQR, 0.59-1.34) and that of PFOS was 2.60 ng/mL (IQR 1.80-3.90); the median milk PFOA concentration was 0.017 ng/mL (IQR 0.012-0.027) and that of PFOS was 0.024 ng/mL (IQR 0.016-0.036). PFOA and PFOS plasma and milk concentrations showed correlations of ρ = 0.83 and 0.77, respectively (p < 0.001). Parity, previous lactation, week of milk collection, and body mass index were inversely associated with milk PFAS. We estimate that even among our general population cohort, some infants (∼6.5%) are exposed to amounts of PFAS via milk that may have long-term health impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuting Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel
School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03755,
United States
| | - Brock Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel
School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03755,
United States
| | - Julianne C. Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333,
United States
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia 30333,
United States
| | - Lisa A. Peterson
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences,
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455,
United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of
Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United
States
| | - Carin A. Huset
- Minnesota Department of Health,
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101, United States
| | - Margaret R. Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel
School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03755,
United States
| | - Megan E. Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel
School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire 03755,
United States
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12
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Hassan HF, Bou Ghanem H, Abi Kharma J, Abiad MG, Elaridi J, Bassil M. Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Milk: First Survey from Lebanon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20010821. [PMID: 36613141 PMCID: PMC9819430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Human milk is the primary source of nutrition for infants in their first year of life. Its potential contamination with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a group of toxic man-made chemicals, is a health concern that may threatens infants' health. Our study aims to assess the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the breast milk of Lebanese lactating mothers and the maternal factors associated with their presence. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a Micromass Quattro micro API triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect the level of contamination in 57 collected human milk samples. PFOA and PFOS were present in 82.5% and 85.7% of the samples, respectively, while PFOA levels ranged between 120 and 247 pg/mL with a median of 147 pg/mL, and those of PFOS ranged between 12 and 86 pg/mL with a median of 27.5 pg/mL. The median contamination for PFOA exceeded the threshold set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (60 pg/mL); however, that of PFOS was below the threshold (73 pg/mL). The consumption of bread, pasta, meat, and chicken more than twice per week and that of white tubers and roots at least once per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOA (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between maternal age, BMI, parity, level of education, place of residence, source of water used, and smoking with the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the human milk. Additionally, the consumption of cereals at least twice per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOS. These findings call for actions to improve the local environmental and agricultural practices, and the regulations and standards for inspecting imported food. It is important to highlight that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the reported contamination with PFOS and PFOA in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein F. Hassan
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Haneen Bou Ghanem
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad G. Abiad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- LEAF—The Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture and Food, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Chemistry Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Maya Bassil
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence:
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