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Heintz MM, Klaren WD, East AW, Haws LC, McGreal SR, Campbell RR, Thompson CM. Comparison of transcriptomic profiles between HFPO-DA and prototypical PPARα, PPARγ, and cytotoxic agents in mouse, rat, and pooled human hepatocytes. Toxicol Sci 2024; 200:165-182. [PMID: 38574381 PMCID: PMC11199992 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfae044] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Like many per- or polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS), toxicity studies with HFPO-DA (ammonium, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)-propanoate), a short-chain PFAS used in the manufacture of some types of fluorinated polymers, indicate that the liver is the primary target of toxicity in rodents following oral exposure. Although the current weight of evidence supports the PPARα mode of action (MOA) for liver effects in HFPO-DA-exposed mice, alternate MOAs have also been hypothesized including PPARγ or cytotoxicity. To further evaluate the MOA for HFPO-DA in rodent liver, transcriptomic analyses were conducted on samples from primary mouse, rat, and pooled human hepatocytes treated for 12, 24, or 72 h with various concentrations of HFPO-DA, or agonists of PPARα (GW7647), PPARγ (rosiglitazone), or cytotoxic agents (ie, acetaminophen or d-galactosamine). Concordance analyses of enriched pathways across chemicals within each species demonstrated the greatest concordance between HFPO-DA and PPARα agonist GW7647-treated hepatocytes compared with the other chemicals evaluated. These findings were supported by benchmark concentration modeling and predicted upstream regulator results. In addition, transcriptomic analyses across species demonstrated a greater transcriptomic response in rodent hepatocytes treated with HFPO-DA or agonists of PPARα or PPARγ, indicating rodent hepatocytes are more sensitive to HFPO-DA or PPARα/γ agonist treatment. These results are consistent with previously published transcriptomic analyses and further support that liver effects in HFPO-DA-exposed rodents are mediated through rodent-specific PPARα signaling mechanisms as part of the MOA for PPARα activator-induced rodent hepatocarcinogenesis. Thus, effects observed in mouse liver are not appropriate endpoints for toxicity value development for HFPO-DA in human health risk assessment.
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2
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Olowoyo JO, Okoya AA, Adesiyan IM, Awe YT, Lion GN, Agboola OO, Oladeji OM. Environmental health science research: opportunities and challenges for some developing countries in Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2024:1-25. [PMID: 38909292 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2024.2370388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Due to ongoing developmental projects, there is a need for regular monitoring of the impact of pollutants on the environment. This review documented the challenges and opportunities in the field of environmental health sciences in some African countries. A systematic review was used to investigate opportunities and challenges in the field of environmental health science in Africa by examining published work with a specific focus on Africa. The reports showed that funding and infrastructure as the major problems. The study also highlighted recruiting study participants, retention, and compensation as a bane in the field in Africa. The absence of modern equipment also hinders research. The review, however, noted research collaboration from the region including studies on emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and microplastic (MPs) as great opportunities. The study concluded that collaboration with other continents, exchange programs and improved governmental interventions may help.
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Affiliation(s)
- J O Olowoyo
- Department of Health Sciences and The Water School, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - A A Okoya
- Institute of Ecology and Environmental Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - I M Adesiyan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Y T Awe
- Environmental Management Program, Pan African University of Life and Earth Sciences, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - G N Lion
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
| | - O O Agboola
- Department of Botany, University Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria
- Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria
| | - O M Oladeji
- Department of Biology and Environmental Sciences, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences, South Africa
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3
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Weed RA, Campbell G, Brown L, May K, Sargent D, Sutton E, Burdette K, Rider W, Baker ES, Enders JR. Non-Targeted PFAS Suspect Screening and Quantification of Drinking Water Samples Collected through Community Engaged Research in North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin. TOXICS 2024; 12:403. [PMID: 38922083 PMCID: PMC11209479 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12060403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
A community engaged research (CER) approach was used to provide an exposure assessment of poly- and perfluorinated (PFAS) compounds in North Carolina residential drinking water. Working in concert with community partners, who acted as liaisons to local residents, samples were collected by North Carolina residents from three different locations along the Cape Fear River basin: upper, middle, and lower areas of the river. Residents collected either drinking water samples from their homes or recreational water samples from near their residence that were then submitted by the community partners for PFAS analysis. All samples were processed using weak anion exchange (WAX) solid phase extraction and analyzed using a non-targeted suspect screening approach as well as a quantitative approach that included a panel of 45 PFAS analytes, several of which are specific to chemical industries near the collection site locations. The non-targeted approach, which utilized a suspect screening list (obtained from EPA CompTox database) identified several PFAS compounds at a level two confidence rating (Schymanski scale); compounds identified included a fluorinated insecticide, a fluorinated herbicide, a PFAS used in polymer chemistry, and another that is used in battery production. Notably, at several locations, PFOA (39.8 ng/L) and PFOS (205.3 ng/L) were at levels that exceeded the mandatory EPA maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 4 ng/L. Additionally, several sites had detectable levels of PFAS that are unique to a local chemical manufacturer. These findings were communicated back to the community partners who then disseminated this information to the local residents to help empower and aid in making decisions for reducing their PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Weed
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
| | - Grace Campbell
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Lacey Brown
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Katlyn May
- Center for Environmental and Health Effects of PFAS, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA (L.B.)
| | - Dana Sargent
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | | | - Kemp Burdette
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, NC 28401, USA; (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Wayne Rider
- Sustainable Sandhills, Fayetteville, NC 28303, USA;
| | - Erin S. Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
| | - Jeffrey R. Enders
- Molecular Education, Technology and Research Innovation Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
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4
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Petali JM, Pulster EL, McCarthy C, Pickard HM, Sunderland EM, Bangma J, Carignan CC, Robuck A, Crawford KA, Romano ME, Lohmann R, von Stackelburg K. Considerations and challenges in support of science and communication of fish consumption advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2024. [PMID: 38752651 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Federal, state, tribal, or local entities in the United States issue fish consumption advisories (FCAs) as guidance for safer consumption of locally caught fish containing contaminants. Fish consumption advisories have been developed for commonly detected compounds such as mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. The existing national guidance does not specifically address the unique challenges associated with bioaccumulation and consumption risk related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). As a result, several states have derived their own PFAS-related consumption guidelines, many of which focus on one frequently detected PFAS, known as perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). However, there can be significant variation between tissue concentrations or trigger concentrations (TCs) of PFOS that support the individual state-issued FCAs. This variation in TCs can create challenges for risk assessors and risk communicators in their efforts to protect public health. The objective of this article is to review existing challenges, knowledge gaps, and needs related to issuing PFAS-related FCAs and to provide key considerations for the development of protective fish consumption guidance. The current state of the science and variability in FCA derivation, considerations for sampling and analytical methodologies, risk management, risk communication, and policy challenges are discussed. How to best address PFAS mixtures in the development of FCAs, in risk assessment, and establishment of effect thresholds remains a major challenge, as well as a source of uncertainty and scrutiny. This includes developments better elucidating toxicity factors, exposures to PFAS mixtures, community fish consumption behaviors, and evolving technology and analytical instrumentation, methods, and the associated detection limits. Given the evolving science and public interests informing PFAS-related FCAs, continued review and revision of FCA approaches and best practices are vital. Nonetheless, consistent, widely applicable, PFAS-specific approaches informing methods, critical concentration thresholds, and priority compounds may assist practitioners in PFAS-related FCA development and possibly reduce variability between states and jurisdictions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-20. © 2024 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Michael Petali
- Environmental Health Program, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, Concord, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Erin L Pulster
- US Geological Survey, Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacqueline Bangma
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Anna Robuck
- Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, US Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Programs, Middlebury College, Middlebury, Vermont, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Katherine von Stackelburg
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Su A, Cheng Y, Zhang C, Yang YF, She YB, Rajan K. An artificial intelligence platform for automated PFAS subgroup classification: A discovery tool for PFAS screening. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171229. [PMID: 38402985 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171229] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Since structural analyses and toxicity assessments have not been able to keep up with the discovery of unknown per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), there is an urgent need for effective categorization and grouping of PFAS. In this study, we presented PFAS-Atlas, an artificial intelligence-based platform containing a rule-based automatic classification system and a machine learning-based grouping model. Compared with previously developed classification software, the platform's classification system follows the latest Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) definition of PFAS and reduces the number of uncategorized PFAS. In addition, the platform incorporates deep unsupervised learning models to visualize the chemical space of PFAS by clustering similar structures and linking related classes. Through real-world use cases, we demonstrate that PFAS-Atlas can rapidly screen for relationships between chemical structure and persistence, bioaccumulation, or toxicity data for PFAS. The platform can also guide the planning of the PFAS testing strategy by showing which PFAS classes urgently require further attention. Ultimately, the release of PFAS-Atlas will benefit both the PFAS research and regulation communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Su
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China.
| | - Yingying Cheng
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Zhejiang Province, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, PR China
| | - Chengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yun-Fang Yang
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Yuan-Bin She
- State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology, Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry-Synthesis Technology of Zhejiang Province, College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
| | - Krishna Rajan
- Department of Materials Design and Innovation, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260-1660, United States.
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6
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Ford LC, Lin HC, Tsai HHD, Zhou YH, Wright FA, Sedykh A, Shah RR, Chiu WA, Rusyn I. Hazard and risk characterization of 56 structurally diverse PFAS using a targeted battery of broad coverage assays using six human cell types. Toxicology 2024; 503:153763. [PMID: 38423244 PMCID: PMC11214689 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2024.153763] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are extensively used in commerce leading to their prevalence in the environment. Due to their chemical stability, PFAS are considered to be persistent and bioaccumulative; they are frequently detected in both the environment and humans. Because of this, PFAS as a class (composed of hundreds to thousands of chemicals) are contaminants of very high concern. Little information is available for the vast majority of PFAS, and regulatory agencies lack safety data to determine whether exposure limits or restrictions are needed. Cell-based assays are a pragmatic approach to inform decision-makers on potential health hazards; therefore, we hypothesized that a targeted battery of human in vitro assays can be used to determine whether there are structure-bioactivity relationships for PFAS, and to characterize potential risks by comparing bioactivity (points of departure) to exposure estimates. We tested 56 PFAS from 8 structure-based subclasses in concentration response (0.1-100 μM) using six human cell types selected from target organs with suggested adverse effects of PFAS - human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived hepatocytes, neurons, and cardiomyocytes, primary human hepatocytes, endothelial and HepG2 cells. While many compounds were without effect; certain PFAS demonstrated cell-specific activity highlighting the necessity of using a compendium of in vitro models to identify potential hazards. No class-specific groupings were evident except for some chain length- and structure-related trends. In addition, margins of exposure (MOE) were derived using empirical and predicted exposure data. Conservative MOE calculations showed that most tested PFAS had a MOE in the 1-100 range; ∼20% of PFAS had MOE<1, providing tiered priorities for further studies. Overall, we show that a compendium of human cell-based models can be used to derive bioactivity estimates for a range of PFAS, enabling comparisons with human biomonitoring data. Furthermore, we emphasize that establishing structure-bioactivity relationships may be challenging for the tested PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie C Ford
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hsing-Chieh Lin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Han-Hsuan D Tsai
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Yi-Hui Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Fred A Wright
- Department of Biological Sciences and Statistics, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | | | | | - Weihsueh A Chiu
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ivan Rusyn
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
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7
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Sadia M, Beut LB, Pranić M, Wezel AP, Laak TL. Sorption of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and their precursors on activated carbon under realistic drinking water conditions: Insights into sorbent variability and PFAS structural effects. Heliyon 2024; 10:e25130. [PMID: 38317999 PMCID: PMC10839585 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent stringent drinking water quality standards create challenges for water utilities to meet these standards. Advanced treatment techniques will have to be applied on many drinking water production locations to meet these quality standards. This study investigated the sorption of per- and polyfluorinated-alkyl substances (PFAS) onto granular activated carbon (GAC). The study was performed at environmentally relevant PFAS concentrations and a realistic water-to-GAC ratio, providing a realism often overlooked in existing studies. Three different forms of GAC were evaluated, differing in micropore and mesopore structures. Tap water spiked with 5 ng/L of each of 31 PFAS was used in the sorption experiments, i.e. perfluorocarboxylic acids (C4-C12), perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSA, C5-C10) including linear and branched isomers, and three groups of PFAS precursors (per-/polyfluoroalkyl ether acids, sulfonamides, and sulfonamide acetic acids). The three studied GAC did not exhibit distinct differences in PFAS sorption. The removal of PFAS was below 50 % for most studied PFAS, except for the short-chain PFAS precursors. Sorption was affected by both the carbon chain length and functional groups for PFAS, while this was not observed for PFAS precursors. The presence of ether linkages and sulfonamide groups notably enhanced sorption. Linear and branched PFSA demonstrated similar sorption behavior, whereas branched isomers of the sulfonamide acetic acid precursors exhibited significantly higher sorption. This indicates that sorption was determined by both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Given the relatively low PFAS removal by GAC under environmentally relevant test conditions, further improvements in sorbents are required to ensure that PFAS concentrations in produced drinking water comply with drinking water standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sadia
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lola Beltrán Beut
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marko Pranić
- Environmental Technology, Wageningen University, Bornse Weilanden 9, 6708WG, Wageningen, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie P.van Wezel
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas L.ter Laak
- Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098XH, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- KWR Water Research Institute, Groningenhaven 7, 3430BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
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8
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Wollin KM, Batke M, Damm G, Freyberger A, Gundert-Remy U, Mangerich A, Hengstler JG, Partosch F, Schupp T, Sonnenburg A, Foth H. PFASs-restriction proposal commentary on ECHA's Annex XV restriction report, proposal for a restriction, March 2023. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:3305-3312. [PMID: 37801158 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03597-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PFASs are defined as substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom. The excellent technical properties of members of the PFAS group have led to their use in a wide range of applications. The substance group comprises more than 10,000 individual compounds. A variety of adverse effects has been described for single substances. For the majority of the PFASs, neither toxicokinetic data nor effect data is available. Hence, because of the small number of PFASs for which a full toxicological profile is available, grouping based on the existing data is not feasible. A critical problem of PFASs and their degradation products is the very high persistence, which clearly fulfils the criterion for the substance property Very Persistent (vP) according to Annex XIII of the REACH Regulation. Because of this property the European Commission is planning to take action. Defining suitable subgroups appears to be a scientifically based approach. However, to reach this goal, large data gaps would have to be closed which would take up to centuries, a time-frame, which is not defendable with respect to potential irreversible harm. Because of the time pressure resulting from the potential irreversible harm, the precautionary principle has been selected as an appropriate tool to handle PFASs and in the restriction proposal PFASs are treated as one group. This approach is justified in the view of the advisory committee of the German Society for Toxicology. ECHA's proposal received a lot of attention in the public. However, communication so far has obviously led to the misunderstanding of a proven health hazard for all PFASs. Communication should explain the justification of the broad inclusion of substances as being based on the precautionary principle. Data gaps versus current knowledge need to be clearly communicated; communication should also include the possibility for derogation of essential use. It should address the issue of suitable substitutes to avoid unintended health consequences; and it should mention that existing persistent environmental contamination calls for developing innovation in remediation techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monika Batke
- University of Applied Sciences Hochschule Emden/Leer, Emden, Germany
| | - Georg Damm
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Visceral Transplantation, University Hospital, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexius Freyberger
- Research and Development, Translational Sciences-Toxicology, Bayer AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | | | - Aswin Mangerich
- Institute of Nutritional Science, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jan G Hengstler
- Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors (IfADo), University of Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Schupp
- Chemical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Muenster, Steinfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Sonnenburg
- Department Pesticides Safety, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidi Foth
- Foth: Institute of Environmental Toxicology, University of Halle, Halle/Saale, Germany
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9
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Améduri B. Fluoropolymers as Unique and Irreplaceable Materials: Challenges and Future Trends in These Specific Per or Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances. Molecules 2023; 28:7564. [PMID: 38005292 PMCID: PMC10675016 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28227564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In contrast to some low-molar-mass per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which are well established to be toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and mobile, fluoropolymers (FPs) are water-insoluble, safe, bioinert, and durable. These niche high-performance polymers fulfil the 13 polymer-of-low-concern (PLC) criteria in their recommended conditions of use. In addition, more recent innovations (e.g., the use of non-fluorinated surfactants in aqueous radical (co)polymerization of fluoroalkenes) from industrial manufacturers of FPs are highlighted. This review also aims to show how these specialty polymers endowed with outstanding properties are essential (even irreplaceable, since hydrocarbon polymer alternatives used in similar conditions fail) for our daily life (electronics, energy, optics, internet of things, transportation, etc.) and constitute a special family separate from other "conventional" C1-C10 PFASs found everywhere on Earth and its oceans. Furthermore, some information reports on their recycling (e.g., the unzipping depolymerization of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, into TFE), end-of-life FPs, and their risk assessment, circular economy, and regulations. Various studies are devoted to environments involving FPs, though they present a niche volume (with a yearly production of 330,300 t) compared to all plastics (with 460 million t). Complementary to other reviews on PFASs, which lack of such above data, this review presents both fundamental and applied strategies as evidenced by major FP producers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Améduri
- Institute Charles Gerhardt, University Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France
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10
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Madronich S, Sulzberger B, Longstreth JD, Schikowski T, Andersen MPS, Solomon KR, Wilson SR. Changes in tropospheric air quality related to the protection of stratospheric ozone in a changing climate. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2023; 22:1129-1176. [PMID: 37310641 PMCID: PMC10262938 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-023-00369-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation drives the net production of tropospheric ozone (O3) and a large fraction of particulate matter (PM) including sulfate, nitrate, and secondary organic aerosols. Ground-level O3 and PM are detrimental to human health, leading to several million premature deaths per year globally, and have adverse effects on plants and the yields of crops. The Montreal Protocol has prevented large increases in UV radiation that would have had major impacts on air quality. Future scenarios in which stratospheric O3 returns to 1980 values or even exceeds them (the so-called super-recovery) will tend to ameliorate urban ground-level O3 slightly but worsen it in rural areas. Furthermore, recovery of stratospheric O3 is expected to increase the amount of O3 transported into the troposphere by meteorological processes that are sensitive to climate change. UV radiation also generates hydroxyl radicals (OH) that control the amounts of many environmentally important chemicals in the atmosphere including some greenhouse gases, e.g., methane (CH4), and some short-lived ozone-depleting substances (ODSs). Recent modeling studies have shown that the increases in UV radiation associated with the depletion of stratospheric ozone over 1980-2020 have contributed a small increase (~ 3%) to the globally averaged concentrations of OH. Replacements for ODSs include chemicals that react with OH radicals, hence preventing the transport of these chemicals to the stratosphere. Some of these chemicals, e.g., hydrofluorocarbons that are currently being phased out, and hydrofluoroolefins now used increasingly, decompose into products whose fate in the environment warrants further investigation. One such product, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), has no obvious pathway of degradation and might accumulate in some water bodies, but is unlikely to cause adverse effects out to 2100.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Madronich
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, USA.
- USDA UV-B Monitoring and Research Program, Natural Resource Ecology Laboratory, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA.
| | - B Sulzberger
- Academic Guest after retirement from Eawag: Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, CH-8600, Duebendorf, Switzerland
| | - J D Longstreth
- The Institute for Global Risk Research, LLC, Bethesda, USA
| | - T Schikowski
- IUF-Leibniz Research Institute for Environmental Medicine, Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - M P Sulbæk Andersen
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, California State University, Northridge, USA
| | - K R Solomon
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - S R Wilson
- School of Earth, Atmospheric and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
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Garvey GJ, Anderson JK, Goodrum PE, Tyndall KH, Cox LA, Khatami M, Morales-Montor J, Schoeny RS, Seed JG, Tyagi RK, Kirman CR, Hays SM. Weight of evidence evaluation for chemical-induced immunotoxicity for PFOA and PFOS: findings from an independent panel of experts. Crit Rev Toxicol 2023; 53:34-51. [PMID: 37115714 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2023.2194913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Immunotoxicity is the critical endpoint used by some regulatory agencies to establish toxicity values for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS). However, the hypothesis that exposure to certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) causes immune dysregulation is subject to much debate. An independent, international expert panel was engaged utilizing methods to reduce bias and "groupthink". The panel concluded there is moderate evidence that PFOS and PFOA are immunotoxic, based primarily on evidence from animal data. However, species concordance and human relevance cannot be well established due to data limitations. The panel recommended additional testing that includes longer-term exposures, evaluates both genders, includes other species of animals, tests lower dose levels, assesses more complete measures of immune responses, and elucidates the mechanism of action. Panel members agreed that the Faroe Islands cohort data should not be used as the primary basis for deriving PFAS risk assessment values. The panel agreed that vaccine antibody titer is not useful as a stand-alone metric for risk assessment. Instead, PFOA and PFOS toxicity values should rely on multiple high-quality studies, which are currently not available for immune suppression. The panel concluded that the available PFAS immune epidemiology studies suffer from weaknesses in study design that preclude their use, whereas available animal toxicity studies provide comprehensive dataset to derive points of departure (PODs) for non-immune endpoints. The panel recommends accounting for potential PFAS immunotoxicity by applying a database uncertainty factor to POD values derived from animal studies for other more robustly supported critical effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - L Anthony Cox
- Business Analytics, University of Colorado, Denver, CO, USA
| | | | - Jorge Morales-Montor
- Department of Immunology, Universidad Nacional Autonoma De Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Rajeev K Tyagi
- CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, India
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