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Llewellyn MJ, Griffin EK, Caspar RJ, Timshina AS, Bowden JA, Miller CJ, Baker BB, Baker TR. Identification and quantification of novel per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in a Great Lakes urban-dominated watershed. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 941:173325. [PMID: 38797403 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic organic fluoro-compounds that are oil-, water-, and flame-resistant, making them useful in a wide range of commercial and consumer products, as well as resistant to environmental degradation. To assess the impact of urbanization and wastewater treatment processes, surface water and sediment samples were collected at 27 sites within the Great Lakes in the Lake Huron to Lake Erie corridor (HEC), an international waterway including the highly urbanized Detroit and Rouge Rivers. Samples were analyzed for 92 PFAS via UHPLC-MS/MS. Our previous data in the HEC found the highest amount of PFAS contamination at the Rouge River mouth. In addition to evaluating the input of the Rouge River into the HEC, we evaluated the transport of PFAS into the HEC from other major tributaries. PFAS were detected in both surface water and sediment at all sites in this study, with a total of 10 congeners quantified in all surface water samples and 16 congeners quantified in all sediment samples, indicating ubiquitous contamination. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were pervasive in the HEC as these two compounds were detected in all sites and matrices, often at concentrations above the US EPA's recommended lifetime interim updated health advisories. Surface water samples contained more perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) than any other congener, with average aqueous PFHxA across all surface water samples exceeding the average concentration previously reported in the Great Lakes. Sediment samples were dominated by PFOS, but novel congeners, notably 3-Perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (FPePA), were also quantified in sediment. The Rouge River and other tributaries contribute significantly to the PFAS burden in the HEC including Lake Erie. Overall, our results indicate the need for expanding toxicological research and risk assessment focused on congeners such as PFHxA and PFAS mixtures, as well as regulation that is tighter at the onset of production and encompasses PFAS as a group at a national level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mallory J Llewellyn
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Emily K Griffin
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Rachel J Caspar
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, University of Florida, United States of America
| | - Alina S Timshina
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, College of Engineering, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - John A Bowden
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Carol J Miller
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Wayne State University, United States of America.
| | - Bridget B Baker
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, United States of America.
| | - Tracie R Baker
- Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, United States of America; Department of Environmental and Global Health, College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida, United States of America.
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2
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Zhang B, Yang Y, Li Q, Ding X, Tian M, Ma Q, Xu D. Impacts of PFOS, PFOA and their alternatives on the gut, intestinal barriers and gut-organ axis. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 361:142461. [PMID: 38810808 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142461] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
With the restricted use of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a number of alternatives to PFOS and PFOA have attracted great interest. Most of the alternatives are still characterized by persistence, bioaccumulation, and a variety of toxicity. Due to the production and use of these substances, they can be detected in the atmosphere, soil and water body. They affect human health through several exposure pathways and especially enter the gut by drinking water and eating food, which results in gut toxicity. In this review, we summarized the effects of PFOS, PFOA and 9 alternatives on pathological changes in the gut, the disruption of physical, chemical, biological and immune barriers of the intestine, and the gut-organ axis. This review provides a valuable understanding of the gut toxicity of PFOS, PFOA and their alternatives as well as the human health risks of emerging contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxiang Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Yunhui Yang
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Qing Li
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Xiaolin Ding
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Mingming Tian
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Qiao Ma
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China
| | - Dan Xu
- Institute of Environmental Systems Biology, Environment Science and Engineering College, Dalian Maritime University, Linghai Road 1, Dalian, 116026, PR China.
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Qin W, Escher BI, Huchthausen J, Fu Q, Henneberger L. Species Difference? Bovine, Trout, and Human Plasma Protein Binding of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:9954-9966. [PMID: 38804966 PMCID: PMC11171458 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c10824] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) strongly bind to proteins and lipids in blood, which govern their accumulation and distribution in organisms. Understanding the plasma binding mechanism and species differences will facilitate the quantitative in vitro-to-in vivo extrapolation and improve risk assessment of PFAS. We studied the binding mechanism of 16 PFAS to bovine serum albumin (BSA), trout, and human plasma using solid-phase microextraction. Binding of anionic PFAS to BSA and human plasma was found to be highly concentration-dependent, while trout plasma binding was linear for the majority of the tested PFAS. At a molar ratio of PFAS to protein ν < 0.1 molPFAS/molprotein, the specific protein binding of anionic PFAS dominated their human plasma binding. This would be the scenario for physiological conditions (ν < 0.01), whereas in in vitro assays, PFAS are often dosed in excess (ν > 1) and nonspecific binding becomes dominant. BSA was shown to serve as a good surrogate for human plasma. As trout plasma contains more lipids, the nonspecific binding to lipids affected the affinities of PFAS for trout plasma. Mass balance models that are parameterized with the protein-water and lipid-water partitioning constants (chemical characteristics), as well as the protein and lipid contents of the plasma (species characteristics), were successfully used to predict the binding to human and trout plasma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Qin
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Beate I. Escher
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Huchthausen
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
- Environmental
Toxicology, Department of Geosciences, Eberhard
Karls University Tübingen, Schnarrenbergstr. 94-96, DE-72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Qiuguo Fu
- Department
of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Luise Henneberger
- Department
of Cell Toxicology, UFZ—Helmholtz
Centre for Environmental Research, 04318 Leipzig, Germany
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4
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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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Hamed M, Vats A, Lim IE, Sapkota B, Abdelmoneim A. Effects of developmental exposure to individual and combined PFAS on development and behavioral stress responses in larval zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 349:123912. [PMID: 38570156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123912] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic chemicals known for their widespread use and persistence in the environment. Laboratory and epidemiological studies investigating these compounds have signaled their neurotoxic and endocrine-disrupting propensities, prompting further research into their effects on behavioral stress responses and their potential role as risk factors for stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. This study elucidates the ramifications of early developmental exposures to individual and combined PFAS on the development and behavioral stress responses of larval zebrafish (Danio rerio), an established model in toxicological research. Wild-type zebrafish embryos were enzymatically dechorionated and exposed to PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, and PFHxA between 6 and 120 h post-fertilization (hpf). We targeted environmentally relevant concentrations stemming from the USEPA 2016 Hazard Advisory Limit (HAL, 0.07 μg/L) and folds higher (0.35, 0.7, 1.75, and 3.5 μg/L). Evaluations at 120 hpf encompassed mortality, overall development, developmental defects, and larval activity both at baseline stress levels and following exposure to acute stressors (acoustic and visual). Larval exposure to PFOA, PFOS, or PFHxS (0.07 μg/L or higher) elicited significant increases in mortality rates, which capped at 23.1%. Exposure to individual chemicals resulted in limited effects on overall development but increased the prevalence of developmental defects in the body axis, swim bladder, pigmentation, and eyes, as well as the prevalence of yolk sac and pericardial edemas. Larval activity at baseline stress levels and following exposure to acute stimuli was significantly altered. Combined exposure to all four chemicals intensified the breadth of developmental and behavioral alterations, suggesting possible additive or synergistic effects. Our findings shed light on the developmental and neurobehavioral disturbances associated with developmental exposure to PFAS at environmentally relevant concentrations, the added risks of combined exposures to these chemicals, and their possible role as environmental risk factors for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Hamed
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Ajn Vats
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Ignitius Ezekiel Lim
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Biplov Sapkota
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA
| | - Ahmed Abdelmoneim
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
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Vardy S, Baddiley B, Braun C, Limpus C, Limpus DJ, Du Plessis M, Nilsson S, Gonzalez-Astudillo V, Beale D. Partitioning of PFAS to serum, tissues, eggs, and hatchlings of an Australian freshwater turtle. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 469:133885. [PMID: 38484658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133885] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Turtles are a potential sentinel species of aquatic ecosystem health as they inhabit aquatic ecosystems, are long lived, and potentially have high exposure to anthropogenic chemicals via food and water. This study investigated per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) tissue partitioning in female Emydura macquarii macquarii turtle, and the maternal offloading of (PFAS) into eggs and then hatchlings as well as the accumulation of PFAS in male and female Emydura macquarii macquarii serum. Significantly higher levels of perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) and perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were measured in the male serum compared to the female turtle serum, whereas perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs) were significantly higher in the female turtle serum. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the predominant PFAS in the turtles whereas PFHxA was the predominant PFAS found in the surrounding water. PFHxA was not reported in any turtle tissue or the serum. The short-chain PFSAs and FASAs appeared to be highly associated with blood; long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs were more likely to be associated with tissue. Half of the PFHxS and all the long-chain PFSAs and PFCAs reported in the yolks were transferred into the hatchlings (by mass), suggesting a potential intergenerational effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Vardy
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia; Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia.
| | - Brenda Baddiley
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Christoph Braun
- Water Quality and Investigations, Science Division, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Col Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Duncan J Limpus
- Aquatic Threatened Species, Wildlife and Threatened Species Operations, Department of Environment and Science, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Martha Du Plessis
- Organic Chemistry, Forensic and Scientific Services, Department of Health, Queensland Government, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | | | - David Beale
- Environment, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, QLD 4102, Australia
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7
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Xie MY, Lin ZY, Sun XF, Feng JJ, Mai L, Wu CC, Huang GL, Wang P, Liu YW, Liu LY, Zeng EY. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in plasma and their blood-brain barrier transmission efficiency-A pilot study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108719. [PMID: 38718677 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108719] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been shown to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and accumulate in human brain. The BBB transmission and accumulation efficiency of PFAS, as well as the potential health risks from human co-exposure to legacy and emerging PFAS due to differences in transport efficiency, need to be further elucidated. In the present pilot study, 23 plasma samples from glioma patients were analyzed for 17 PFAS. The concentrations of PFAS in six paired brain tissue and plasma samples were used to calculate the BBB transmission efficiency of PFAS (RPFAS). This RPFAS analysis was conducted with utmost care and consideration amid the limited availability of valuable paired samples. The results indicated that low molecular weight PFAS, including short-chain and emerging PFAS, may have a greater potential for accumulation in brain tissue than long-chain PFAS. As an alternative to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) exhibited brain accumulation potential similar to that of PFOS, suggesting it may not be a suitable substitute concerning health risk in brain. The BBB transmission efficiencies of perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOS, and 6:2 Cl-PFESA showed similar trends with age, which may be an important factor influencing the entry of exogenous compounds into the brain. A favorable link between perfluorooctane sulfonamide (FOSA) and the development and/or progression of glioma may be implicated by a strong positive correlation (r2 = 0.94; p < 0.01) between RFOSA and Ki-67 (a molecular marker of glioma). However, a causal relationship between RFOSA and glioma incidence were not established in the present study. The present pilot study conducted the first examination of BBB transmission efficiency of PFAS from plasma to brain tissue and highlighted the importance of reducing and/or controlling exposure to PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yi Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Zhi-Ying Lin
- Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Xiang-Fei Sun
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters (Ministry of Education), School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jing-Jing Feng
- Guangxi Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guilin 541006, China
| | - Lei Mai
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Subingtian Center for Speed Research and Training/Guangdong Key Laboratory of Speed-Capability Research, School of Physical Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chen-Chou Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters (Ministry of Education), School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Guang-Long Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; Nanfang Glioma Center, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Po Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Ya-Wei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Laboratory for Precision Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Liang-Ying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 511443, China
| | - Eddy Y Zeng
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Ecosystem Restoration in Industry Clusters (Ministry of Education), School of Environment and Energy, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Bline AP, Ellis LB, Pelch KE, Lam J, Sen S, Zlatnik M, Varshavsky J. The effect of per and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) exposure on gestational diabetes mellitus and its subclinical risk factors: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108711. [PMID: 38754246 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple lines of evidence suggest that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may alter glucose homeostasis, particularly during pregnancy, and may affect risk for developing gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). While previous systematic reviews have been conducted on this topic, they did not assess internal validity of the included studies and their search strategies were narrowly focused. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to assess the effect of higher PFAS exposure (defined by individual compounds or mixtures measured before or during pregnancy) on GDM and subclinical measures of impaired glucose homeostasis (measured during pregnancy) compared to lower PFAS exposure in pregnant. METHODS We developed our systematic review protocol in accordance with the Navigation Guide. Peer-reviewed journal and grey literature searches were piloted in to identify relevant studies and refine our search terms and strategy. We also piloted the study screening criteria and data extraction form in DistillerSR, and refined our protocol accordingly. The risk of bias assessment protocol was adapted from Navigation Guide guidance and will be piloted and performed in DistillerSR. Pending the identification of comparable studies, quantitative meta-analyses will be performed where possible. Study results that cannot be quantitatively synthesized will be included in a narrative synthesis. The quality and strength of the body of evidence will be evaluated using Navigation Guide methodology, which is informed by guidance from the Cochrane Collaboration and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). We also made refinements to the quality of evidence considerations based on guidance from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Office of Health Assessment and Translation (OHAT). FUNDING This work was supported by the Systematizing Data on Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Health Northeastern University TIER 1 Award.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail P Bline
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, United States.
| | - Lauren B Ellis
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Katherine E Pelch
- Natural Resources Defense Council, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Juleen Lam
- Department of Public Health, California State University, East Bay, Hayward, CA, United States.
| | - Saunak Sen
- College of Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.
| | - Marya Zlatnik
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Julia Varshavsky
- Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States.
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9
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Petrick L, Guan H, Page GP, Dolios G, Niedzwiecki MM, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Comparison of maternal venous blood metabolomics collected as dried blood spots, dried blood microsamplers, and plasma for integrative environmental health research. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 187:108663. [PMID: 38657407 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108663] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Use of capillary blood devices for exposome research can deepen our understanding of the intricate relationship between environment and health, and open up new avenues for preventive and personalized medicine, particularly for vulnerable populations. While the potential of these whole blood devices to accurately measure chemicals and metabolites has been demonstrated, how untargeted metabolomics data from these samplers can be integrated with previous and ongoing environmental health studies that have used conventional blood collection approaches is not yet clear. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive comparison between relative-quantitative metabolite profiles measured in venous blood collected with dried whole blood microsamplers (DBM), dried whole blood spots (DBS), and plasma from 54 mothers in an ethnically diverse population. We determined that a majority of the 309 chemicals and metabolites showed similar median intensity rank, moderate correlation, and moderate agreement between participant-quantiled intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for pair-wise comparisons among the three biomatrices. In particular, whole blood sample types, DBM and DBS, were in highest agreement across metabolite comparison metrics, followed by metabolites measured in DBM and plasma, and then metabolites measured in DBS and plasma. We provide descriptive characteristics and measurement summaries as a reference database. This includes unique metabolites that were particularly concordant or discordant in pairwise comparisons. Our results demonstrate that the range of metabolites from untargeted metabolomics data collected with DBM, DBS, and plasma provides biologically relevant information for use in independent exposome investigations. However, before meta-analysis with combined datasets are performed, robust statistical approaches that integrate untargeted metabolomics data collected on different blood matrices need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Petrick
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Bert Strassburger Metabolic Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Haibin Guan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Grier P Page
- Analytics Program, RTI International, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Georgia Dolios
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Megan M Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Climate Change, Environmental Health, and Exposomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Kravis Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Spyrou A, Vlastos D, Antonopoulou M. Evidence on the genotoxic and ecotoxic effects of PFOA, PFOS and their mixture on human lymphocytes and bacteria. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 248:118298. [PMID: 38280522 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118298] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Considering that the PFOA and PFOS are widely spread chemicals with harmful effects in human and environmental health as well as the increasing interest of the scientific community in the implications that might present especially when they co-exist, this study aims to assess their harmful impacts, both individually and as a mixture on human lymphocytes and aquatic microorganisms. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay was used to examine their potential for cytotoxicity and genotoxicity towards human cells, and Microtox assay using Aliivibrio fischeri assay was used to estimate the environmental risk. Regarding the human lymphocytes, the tested concentrations ranged between 250 and 1000 μg L-1, for all cases. PFOA increased slightly the frequency of micronuclei (MN) but without statistical significance. In the case of PFOS, our results showed a dose-dependent increase in the frequency of micronuclei which showed a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) at 1000 μg L-1, which is the highest studied concentration. Regarding the CBPI index, statistically significant (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001 respectively) differences were observed at all studied concentrations of PFOS, compared to the control. The mixture was found to be more cytotoxic and genotoxic than the individual tested compounds, causing a higher decrease at the CBPI index even in lower concentrations and increase at the MN frequencies. Aliivibrio fischeri was exposed to various concentrations in the range of 0.5 μg L-1- 20 mg L-1, for 5 and 15 min and significant increase in the inhibition percentage at the highest tested concentration of their mixture after 15 min was observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Spyrou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131, Agrinio, Greece
| | - Dimitris Vlastos
- Department of Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of Patras, 26500, Patras, Rio, Greece
| | - Maria Antonopoulou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131, Agrinio, Greece.
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11
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Mao X, Liu Y, Wei Y, Li X, Liu Y, Su G, Wang X, Jia J, Yan B. Threats of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl pollutants to susceptible populations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:171188. [PMID: 38395163 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171188] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Environmental exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has raised significant global health concerns due to potential hazards in healthy adults. However, the impact of PFAS on susceptible populations, including pregnant individuals, newborns, the older people, and those with underlying health conditions, has been overlooked. These susceptible groups often have physiological changes that make them less resilient to the same exposures. Consequently, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive understanding of the health risks posed by PFAS exposure to these populations. In this review, we delve into the potential health risks of PFAS exposure in these susceptible populations. Equally important, we also examine and discuss the molecular mechanisms that underlie this susceptibility. These mechanisms include the induction of oxidative stress, disruption of the immune system, impairment of cellular metabolism, and alterations in gut microbiota, all of which contribute to the enhanced toxicity of PFAS in susceptible populations. Finally, we address the primary research challenges and unresolved issues that require further investigation. This discussion aims to foster research for a better understanding of how PFAS affect susceptible populations and to pave the way for strategies to minimize their adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Mao
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yujiao Liu
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongyi Wei
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaodi Li
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yin Liu
- School of Environment, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Gaoxing Su
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Jianbo Jia
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Bing Yan
- Institute of Environmental Research at Greater Bay Area, Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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12
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Pickard HM, Haque F, Sunderland EM. Bioaccumulation of Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonamides (FASA). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2024; 11:350-356. [PMID: 38645703 PMCID: PMC11027762 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Hundreds of sites across the United States have high concentrations of perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides (FASA), but little is known about their propensity to accumulate in fish. FASA are precursors to terminal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that are abundant in diverse consumer products and aqueous film-forming foams manufactured using electrochemical fluorination (ECF AFFF). In this study, FASA with C3-C8 carbon chain lengths were detected in all fish samples from surface waters up to 8 km downstream of source zones with ECF AFFF contamination. Short-chain FASA ≤ C6 have rarely been included in routine screening for PFAS, but availability of new standards makes such analyses more feasible. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for FASA were between 1 and 3 orders of magnitude greater than their terminal perfluoroalkyl sulfonates. Across fish species, BAF for FASA were greater than for perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), which is presently the focus of national advisory programs. Similar concentrations of the C6 FASA (<0.36-175 ng g-1) and PFOS (0.65-222 ng g-1) were detected in all fish species. No safety thresholds have been established for FASA. However, high concentrations in fish next to contaminated sites and preliminary findings on toxicity suggest an urgent need for consideration by fish advisory programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Faiz Haque
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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13
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Judson RS, Smith D, DeVito M, Wambaugh JF, Wetmore BA, Paul Friedman K, Patlewicz G, Thomas RS, Sayre RR, Olker JH, Degitz S, Padilla S, Harrill JA, Shafer T, Carstens KE. A Comparison of In Vitro Points of Departure with Human Blood Levels for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). TOXICS 2024; 12:271. [PMID: 38668494 PMCID: PMC11053643 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12040271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used, and their fluorinated state contributes to unique uses and stability but also long half-lives in the environment and humans. PFAS have been shown to be toxic, leading to immunosuppression, cancer, and other adverse health outcomes. Only a small fraction of the PFAS in commerce have been evaluated for toxicity using in vivo tests, which leads to a need to prioritize which compounds to examine further. Here, we demonstrate a prioritization approach that combines human biomonitoring data (blood concentrations) with bioactivity data (concentrations at which bioactivity is observed in vitro) for 31 PFAS. The in vitro data are taken from a battery of cell-based assays, mostly run on human cells. The result is a Bioactive Concentration to Blood Concentration Ratio (BCBCR), similar to a margin of exposure (MoE). Chemicals with low BCBCR values could then be prioritized for further risk assessment. Using this method, two of the PFAS, PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid), have BCBCR values < 1 for some populations. An additional 9 PFAS have BCBCR values < 100 for some populations. This study shows a promising approach to screening level risk assessments of compounds such as PFAS that are long-lived in humans and other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S. Judson
- US Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.S.); (M.D.); (J.F.W.); (B.A.W.); (K.P.F.); (G.P.); (R.S.T.); (R.R.S.); (J.H.O.); (S.D.); (S.P.); (J.A.H.); (T.S.); (K.E.C.)
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14
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Li J, Li X, An R, Duan L, Wang G. Occurrence, source apportionment, and ecological risk of legacy and emerging per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Dahei river basin of a typical arid region in China. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 246:118111. [PMID: 38184065 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118111] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are artificial chemicals with broad commercial and industrial applications. Many studies about PFASs have been conducted in densely industrial and populated regions. However, fewer studies have focused on the PFASs' status in a typical arid region. Here, we investigated 30 legacy and emerging PFASs in surface water from the mainstream and tributaries of the Dahei River. Our results revealed that total PFASs concentrations (∑30PFASs) in water ranged from 3.13 to 289.1 ng/L (mean: 25.40 ng/L). Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) had the highest mean concentration of 2.44 ng/L with a 100% detection frequency (DF), followed by perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) (mean concentration: 1.34 ng/L, DF: 59.26%). Also, perfluorohexane sulfonate (DF: 44.44%), perfluorobutane sulfonate (DF: 88.89%), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) (DF: 92.59%) had mean concentrations of 12.94, 2.00, and 1.05 ng/L, respectively. Source apportionment through ratio analysis and principal component analysis-multiple linear regression analysis showed that treated or untreated sewage, aqueous film-forming foam, degradation of precursors, and fluoropolymer production were the primary sources. The PFOS alternatives were more prevalent than those of PFOA. Conductivity, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a positively correlated with Σ30PFASs and total perfluoroalkane sulfonates concentrations. Furthermore, ecological risk assessment showed that more attention should be paid to perfluorooctadecanoic acid, perfluorohexadecanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorohexane sulfonate, and (6:2 and 6:2/8:2) polyfluoroalkyl phosphate mono- and di-esters. The mass load of PFASs to the Yellow River was 1.28 kg/year due to the low annual runoff in the Dahei River in the arid region. This study provides baseline data for PFASs in the Dahei River that can aid in the development of effective management strategies for controlling PFASs pollution in typical arid regions in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- . Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
| | - Xinlei Li
- . Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China
| | - Rui An
- . China Institute for Geo-Environmental Monitoring, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Limin Duan
- . Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Water Resource Protection and Utilization, College of Water Conservancy and Civil Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guoqiang Wang
- . Environment Research Institute, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
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15
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Weatherly LM, Shane HL, Jackson LG, Lukomska E, Baur R, Cooper MP, Anderson SE. Systemic and immunotoxicity induced by topical application of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in a murine model. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 186:114578. [PMID: 38458531 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114578] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of stable synthetic surfactants that are incorporated into numerous products for their water and oil resistance and have been associated with adverse health effects. The present study evaluated the systemic and immunotoxicity of sub-chronic 28- or 10-day dermal exposure of PFHxS (0.625-5% or 15.63-125 mg/kg/dose) in a murine model. Elevated levels of PFHxS were detected in the serum and urine, suggesting that absorption is occurring through the dermal route. Liver weight (% body) significantly increased and spleen weight (% body) significantly decreased with PFHxS exposure, which was supported by histopathological changes. Additionally, PFHxS significantly reduced the humoral immune response and altered immune subsets in the spleen, suggesting immunosuppression. Gene expression changes were observed in the liver, skin, and spleen with genes involved in fatty acid metabolism, necrosis, and inflammation. Immune-cell phenotyping identified significant decreases in B-cells, NK cells, and CD11b+ monocyte/macrophages in the spleen along with increases in CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells, NK cells, and neutrophils in the skin. These findings support dermal PFHxS-induced liver damage and immune suppression. Overall, data support PFHxS absorption through the skin and demonstrate immunotoxicity via this exposure route, suggesting the need for further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Weatherly
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| | - Hillary L Shane
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Laurel G Jackson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Ewa Lukomska
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Rachel Baur
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Madison P Cooper
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Stacey E Anderson
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
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16
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Tao Y, Pang Y, Luo M, Jiang X, Huang J, Li Z. Multi-media distribution and risk assessment of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the Huai River Basin, China. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169581. [PMID: 38151127 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169581] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The widespread existence, environmental persistence, and risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have attracted widespread attention. Herein, the distribution and risk assessment of PFASs were investigated from the Huai River Basin. The ranges in different media were 29.83-217.96 (average of 75.82 ± 35.64 ng/L) in water, 0.17-9.55 ng/g (2.56 ± 2.83 ng/g) in sediments, and 0.21-9.76 ng/g (3.43 ± 3.07 ng/g) in biota. Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) was the most prevalent PFAS in surface water, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), accounted for 42.62 %, 22.23 % and 17.72 % of the total concentrations of the PFASs analyzed, respectively. PFBA was dominant in sediments, accounting for 60.37 % of the total concentrations of the PFASs analyzed. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was the main pollutant in biota, and the highest concentration (5.09 ng/g) was found in Channa argus. Considering the measured concentrations in water, sediments and biota, the sediment-water partition coefficients (log Kd) and bioaccumulation factors (BAF) of PFASs were determined. The log Kd of the PFASs differed among those with a different carbon chain length, C7-C11 PFASs were more likely to be adsorbed onto sediments as the carbon chain length increases, and PFUnDA and PFDA showed the higher BAF value in Channa argus. PFASs in the Huai River Basin posed an acceptable ecological risk, and long-chain PFAS contamination provided green algae with a higher potential ecological risk. Compared to drinking water, aquatic products constituted a higher PFASs threat to human health, especially for children. The highest HQ was found in PFOS, with an HQmax of 0.97-4.32. Residents in the Huai River Basin should reduce their intake of Channa argus, Coilia nasus, and Carassius auratus, children aged 2 to 4 are limited to consuming no more than 6.9 g/d, 9.7 g/d, and 16.6 g/d, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Tao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Yan Pang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Mingke Luo
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xia Jiang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jiahao Huang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China
| | - Zechan Li
- National Engineering Laboratory for Lake Pollution Control and Ecological Restoration, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China; College of Resource and Environment, Anqing Normal University, Anqing 246133, China
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17
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Antonopoulou M, Spyrou A, Tzamaria A, Efthimiou I, Triantafyllidis V. Current state of knowledge of environmental occurrence, toxic effects, and advanced treatment of PFOS and PFOA. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169332. [PMID: 38123090 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169332] [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: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are anthropogenic synthetic compounds, with high chemical and thermal stability and a persistent, stable and bioaccumulative nature that renders them a potential hazard for the environment, its organisms, and humans alike. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most well-known substances of this category and even though they are phased out from production they are still highly detectable in several environmental matrices. As a result, they have been spread globally in water sources, soil and biota exerting toxic and detrimental effects. Therefore, up and coming technologies, namely advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) and advanced reduction processes (ARPs) are being tested for their implementation in the degradation of these pollutants. Thus, the present review compiles the current knowledge on the occurrence of PFOS and PFOA in the environment, the various toxic effects they have induced in different organisms as well as the ability of AOPs and ARPs to diminish and/or eliminate them from the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Antonopoulou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece.
| | - Alexandra Spyrou
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Anna Tzamaria
- Department of Sustainable Agriculture, University of Patras, 30131 Agrinio, Greece
| | - Ioanna Efthimiou
- Department of Biology, Section of Genetics Cell Biology and Development, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
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18
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Petrick LM, Niedzwiecki MM, Dolios G, Guan H, Tu P, Wright RO, Wright RJ. Effects of storage temperature and time on metabolite profiles measured in dried blood spots, dried blood microsamplers, and plasma. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169383. [PMID: 38101622 PMCID: PMC10842436 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169383] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The practical advantages of capillary whole blood collection over venipuncture plasma collection for human exposome research are well known. However, before epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health researchers employ these microvolume sample collections, a rigorous evaluation of pre-analytical storage conditions is needed to develop protocols that maximize sample stability and reliability over time. Therefore, we performed a controlled experiment of dried whole blood collected on 10 μL Mitra microsamplers (DBM), 5-mm punches of whole blood from a dried blood spot (DBS), and 10 μL of plasma, and evaluated the effects of storage conditions at 4 °C, -20 °C, or -80 °C for up to 6 months on the resulting metabolite profiles measured with untargeted liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). At -80 °C storage conditions, metabolite profiles from DBS, DBM, and plasma showed similar stability. While DBS and DBM metabolite profiles remained similarly stable at -20 °C storage, plasma profiles showed decreased stability at -20 °C compared to -80 °C storage. At refrigerated temperatures (4 °C), metabolite profiles collected on DBM were more stable than plasma or DBS, particularly for lipid classes. These results inform robust capillary blood sample storage protocols for DBM and DBS at potentially warmer temperatures than -80 °C, which may facilitate blood collections for populations outside of a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Petrick
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomics Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Bert Strassburger Metabolic Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel.
| | - Megan M Niedzwiecki
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomics Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Georgia Dolios
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Haibin Guan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peijun Tu
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert O Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomics Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosalind J Wright
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; The Institute for Exposomics Research, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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19
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Ao J, Tang W, Liu X, Ao Y, Zhang Q, Zhang J. Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 464:133018. [PMID: 37984148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.133018] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely applied in consumer products and closely related to people's daily lives. Increasing concern has been raised about the safety of PAPs due to their metabolism into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) in vivo. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PAPs and highlights the knowledge gaps. PAPs dominated the PFAS profiles in wastewater, sludge, household dust, food-contact materials, paper products, paints, and cosmetics. They exhibit biomagnification due to their higher levels in top predators. PAPs have been detected in human blood worldwide, with the highest mean levels being found in the United States (1.9 ng/mL) and China (0.4 ng/mL). 6:2 diPAP is the predominant PAP among all identified matrices, followed by 8:2 diPAP. Toxicokinetic studies suggest that after entering the body, most PAPs undergo biotransformation, generating phase Ⅰ (i.e., PFCAs), phase II, and intermediate products with toxicity to be verified. Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have reported the antiandrogenic effect, estrogenic effect, thyroid disruption, oxidative damage, and reproductive toxicity of PAPs. More research is urgently needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity other than reproductive and endocrine systems, toxic effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China.
| | - Weifeng Tang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xiaoning Liu
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yan Ao
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Qianlong Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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20
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Partington JM, Marchiandi J, Szabo D, Gooley A, Kouremenos K, Smith F, Clarke BO. Validating blood microsampling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances quantification in whole blood. J Chromatogr A 2024; 1713:464522. [PMID: 38041975 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Microsampling allows the collection of blood samples using a method which is inexpensive, simple and minimally-invasive, without the need for specially-trained medical staff. Analysis of whole blood provides a more holistic understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) body burden. Capillary action microsamplers (Trajan hemaPEN®) allow the controlled collection of whole blood as dried blood spots (DBS) (four 2.74 µL ± 5 %). The quantification of 75 PFAS from DBS was evaluated by comparing five common extraction techniques. Spiked blood (5 ng/mL PFAS) was extracted by protein precipitation (centrifuged; filtered), acid-base liquid-liquid extraction, trypsin protease digestion, and weak anion exchange (WAX) solid-phase extraction with analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Filtered protein precipitation was the most effective extraction method, recovering 72 of the 75 PFAS within 70 to 130 % with method reporting limit (MRL) for PFOS of 0.17 ng/L and ranging between 0.05 ng/mL and 0.34 ng/mL for all other PFAS. The optimised method was applied to human blood samples to examine Inter- (n = 7) and intra-day (n = 5) PFAS blood levels in one individual. Sixteen PFAS were detected with an overall Σ16PFAS mean = 6.3 (range = 5.7-7.0) ng/mL and perfluorooctane sulfonate (branched and linear isomers, ΣPFOS) = 3.3 (2.8-3.7) ng/mL being the dominant PFAS present. To the authors knowledge, this minimally invasive self-sampling protocol is the most extensive method for PFAS in blood reported and could be a useful tool for large scale human biomonitoring studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Partington
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia; Trajan Scientific and Medical, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | - Jaye Marchiandi
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Drew Szabo
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE11418, Sweden
| | - Andrew Gooley
- Trajan Scientific and Medical, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | | | - Fraser Smith
- Trajan Scientific and Medical, Ringwood, Victoria 3134, Australia
| | - Bradley O Clarke
- Australian Laboratory for Emerging Contaminants, School of Chemistry, University of Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.
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21
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Göen T, Abballe A, Bousoumah R, Godderis L, Iavicoli I, Ingelido AM, Leso V, Müller J, Ndaw S, Porras SP, Verdonck J, Santonen T. HBM4EU chromates study - PFAS exposure in electroplaters and bystanders. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140613. [PMID: 37944767 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140613] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to reveal the exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in workers in different industry sectors with exposures to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The PFAS exposure of in total 172 individuals from 4 countries was assessed by the determination of 8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in plasma samples. The participants were 52 chrome plating workers, 43 welders, 3 surface treating workers and 74 workers without any occupational Cr exposure as controls. Significant differences between workers with Cr exposure and controls were found for the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, particularly for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The median and maximum levels were, respectively, 4.83 and 789 μg/l for chrome plating workers, 4.97 and 1513 μg/l for welders, and 3.65 and 13.9 μg/l for controls. The considerably high PFOS exposure in Cr platers and welders can be explained by the former application of PFOS as mist suppressants in electroplating baths, which resulted in an exposure of the directly involved operators, but also of welders performing maintenance and repair service at these workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Göen
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Environment and Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Radia Bousoumah
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Lode Godderis
- Catholic University Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Public Health, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ingelido
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Environment and Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Veruscka Leso
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Public Health, Naples, Italy
| | - Johannes Müller
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sophie Ndaw
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Simo P Porras
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jelle Verdonck
- Catholic University Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
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22
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Kotlarz N, Guillette T, Critchley C, Collier D, Lea CS, McCord J, Strynar M, Cuffney M, Hopkins ZR, Knappe DRU, Hoppin JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids in well water and blood serum from private well users residing by a fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:97-107. [PMID: 38195989 PMCID: PMC10976930 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00626-x] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina, emitted per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs), a subgroup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to air. OBJECTIVE Analyze PFAS in private wells near the facility and in blood from well users to assess relationships between PFEA levels in water and serum. METHODS In 2019, we recruited private well users into the GenX Exposure Study and collected well water and blood samples. We targeted 26 PFAS (11 PFEAs) in water and 27 PFAS (9 PFEAs) in serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We used regression modeling to explore relationships between water and serum PFAS. For the only PFEA detected frequently in water and serum, Nafion byproduct 2, we used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to assess well water exposure metrics and then adjusted for covariates that may influence Nafion byproduct 2 serum concentrations. RESULTS We enrolled 153 participants ages 6 and older (median = 56 years) using 84 private wells. Most wells (74%) had ≥6 detectable PFEAs; median ∑PFEAs was 842 ng/L (interquartile range = 197-1760 ng/L). Low molecular weight PFEAs (PMPA, HFPO-DA [GenX], PEPA, PFO2HxA) were frequently detected in well water, had the highest median concentrations, but were not detectable in serum. Nafion byproduct 2 was detected in 73% of wells (median = 14 ng/L) and 56% of serum samples (median = 0.2 ng/mL). Cumulative dose (well concentration × duration at address) was positively associated with Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels and explained the most variability (10%). In the adjusted model, cumulative dose was associated with higher Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels while time outside the home was associated with lower levels. IMPACT PFAS are a large class of synthetic, fluorinated chemicals. Fluorochemical facilities are important sources of environmental PFAS contamination globally. The fluorochemical industry is producing derivatives of perfluoroalkyl acids, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs). PFEAs have been detected in various environmental samples but information on PFEA-exposed populations is limited. While serum biomonitoring is often used for PFAS exposure assessment, serum biomarkers were not good measures of long-term exposure to low molecular weight PFEAs in a private well community. Environmental measurements and other approaches besides serum monitoring will be needed to better characterize PFEA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kotlarz
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Theresa Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - David Collier
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC, USA
| | - C Suzanne Lea
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, ECU, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Cuffney
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zachary R Hopkins
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
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23
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Comito R, Porru E, Violante FS. Analytical methods employed in the identification and quantification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in human matrices - A scoping review. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 345:140433. [PMID: 37832886 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140433] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) represent a possible hazard for the ecosystems, with adverse outcomes on wildlife and humans. POPs have always received interest from the scientific community, and they have also been subject to legal restrictions worldwide on their application and commercialization. Among the broad spectrum of POPs, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are considered emerging contaminants due to their potential effect on the ecosystem and human health. These contaminants are widely employed in countless applications, from surfactants and building materials to food packaging. On the other hand, their chemical structure gives them the ability to interact with the environment, causing possible toxic effects for humans and environment. Human biomonitoring is a necessary instrument to indagate the impact of PFASs on human health: in recent years several studies have found detectable levels of PFASs in several biological matrices in humans (blood, hair, nails, and urine). Here, we review the most recent scientific literature concerning analytical methods employed in the identification and quantification of PFASs focusing on biological matrices. It has been noted that liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry is the main analytical instrumentation employed, while blood and/or serum samples are the main employed human matrices whereas the use of non-invasive matrices is still at the beginning. Various issues directly related to human metabolism of PFASs and the effective amount of PFAS absorbed from the environment still need to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossana Comito
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Emanuele Porru
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Violante
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy; Division of Occupational Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
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24
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Kuo KY, Chen Y, Chuang Y, Lin P, Lin YJ. Worldwide serum concentration-based probabilistic mixture risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances among pregnant women, infants, and children. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 268:115712. [PMID: 38000299 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115712] [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: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant women, infants, and children are particularly vulnerable to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), yet little is known about related health risks. Here, we aimed to study the four main PFASs: perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), and assess the mixture risks of co-exposure to PFASs for pregnant women and children as well as for infants associated with maternal PFAS exposure at national and global scales, based on biomonitoring data on serum. We conducted a literature search and aggregated 69 data sources across 22 countries/regions from 2010 to 2020 to profile the serum concentrations of these four PFASs in pregnant women and children. Based on toxicity assessments by regulatory authorities, we determined conservative reference levels (RfLs) in the serum for the primary adverse effects of PFASs, including hepatic, developmental, and immune effects. The cumulative hazard quotient (HQ) was combined with probabilistic analysis to compare serum levels with RfLs and to quantify mixture risks. Our analysis revealed that PFOS was the dominant PFAS in maternal and child serum worldwide, with median levels 2.5-10 times higher than those of PFOA, PFNA, and PFHxS. The estimated global median serum levels of PFOS were 6.17 ng/mL for pregnant women and 4.85 ng/mL for children, and their immune effects in pregnant women and children are concerning as their cumulative HQs could exceed 1. For infants, the cumulative HQs for both developmental and immune effects could also be > 1, suggesting that maternal exposure to PFASs during pregnancy and breastfeeding may pose concerns for infant development and immunity. Our national and global serum database and risk assessment offer additional insights into PFAS exposures and mixture risks in susceptible populations, serving as a reference for evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing regulatory mitigation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Yu Kuo
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yu Chen
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Yi Chuang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Pinpin Lin
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jun Lin
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 112, Taiwan; National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County 350, Taiwan.
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25
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Cioni L, Plassmann M, Benskin JP, Coêlho ACM, Nøst TH, Rylander C, Nikiforov V, Sandanger TM, Herzke D. Fluorine Mass Balance, including Total Fluorine, Extractable Organic Fluorine, Oxidizable Precursors, and Target Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, in Pooled Human Serum from the Tromsø Population in 1986, 2007, and 2015. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:14849-14860. [PMID: 37747946 PMCID: PMC10569050 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Of the thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) known to exist, only a small fraction (≤1%) are commonly monitored in humans. This discrepancy has led to concerns that human exposure may be underestimated. Here, we address this problem by applying a comprehensive fluorine mass balance (FMB) approach, including total fluorine (TF), extractable organic fluorine (EOF), total oxidizable precursors (TOP), and selected target PFAS, to human serum samples collected over a period of 28 years (1986, 2007, and 2015) in Tromsø, Norway. While concentrations of TF did not change between sampling years, EOF was significantly higher in 1986 compared to 2007 and 2015. The ∑12PFAS concentrations were highest in 2007 compared to 1986 and 2015, and unidentified EOF (UEOF) decreased from 1986 (46%) to 2007 (10%) and then increased in 2015 (37%). While TF and EOF were not influenced by sex, women had higher UEOF compared to men, opposite to target PFAS. This is the first FMB in human serum to include TOP, and it suggests that precursors with >4 perfluorinated carbon atoms make a minor contribution to EOF (0-4%). Additional tools are therefore needed to identify substances contributing to the UEOF in human serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Cioni
- NILU,
Fram Centre, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
- Department
of Community Medicine, UiT − The
Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P. Benskin
- Department
of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm SE-106 91, Sweden
| | | | - Therese H. Nøst
- Department
of Community Medicine, UiT − The
Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Charlotta Rylander
- Department
of Community Medicine, UiT − The
Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | | | - Torkjel M. Sandanger
- NILU,
Fram Centre, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
- Department
of Community Medicine, UiT − The
Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø NO-9037, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU,
Fram Centre, Tromsø NO-9296, Norway
- Norwegian
Institute for public Health, Oslo NO-0213, Norway
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26
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Nyström-Kandola J, Ahrens L, Glynn A, Johanson G, Benskin JP, Gyllenhammar I, Lignell S, Vogs C. Low concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in municipal drinking water associated with serum PFAA concentrations in Swedish adolescents. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108166. [PMID: 37708812 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
While highly contaminated drinking water (DW) is a major source of exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), the contribution of low-level contaminated DW (i.e. < 10 ng/L of individual PFAAs) to PFAA body burdens has rarely been studied. To address this knowledge gap, we evaluated the association between concentrations of perflurooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and their sum (∑4PFAAs) in DW and serum in Swedish adolescents using weighted least squares regression. We paired serum PFAA concentrations in adolescents (age 10-21 years, n = 790) from the dietary survey Riksmaten Adolescents 2016-17 (RMA) with mean PFAA concentrations in water samples collected in 2018 from waterworks (n = 45) supplying DW to the participant residential and school addresses. The median concentrations of individual PFAAs in DW were < 1 ng/L. Median concentrations of PFNA and PFHxS in serum were < 1 ng/g, while those of PFOA and PFOS were 1-2 ng/g. Significant positive associations between PFAA concentrations in DW and serum were found for all four PFAAs and ∑4PFAAs, with estimated serum/DW concentration ratios ranging from 210 (PFOA) to 670 (PFHxS), taking exposure from sources other than DW (background) into consideration. The mean concentrations of PFHxS and ∑4PFAA in DW that would likely cause substantially elevated serum concentrations above background variation were estimated to 0.9 ng/L and 2.4 ng/L, respectively. The European Food Safety Authority has determined a health concern concentration of 6.9 ng ∑4PFAAs/mL serum. This level was to a large degree exceeded by RMA participants with DW ∑4PFAA concentrations above the maximum limits implemented in Denmark (2 ng ∑4PFAAs/L) and Sweden (4 ng ∑4PFAAs/L) than by RMA participants with DW concentrations below the maximum limits. In conclusion, PFAA exposure from low-level contaminated DW must be considered in risk assessment for adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nyström-Kandola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Lutz Ahrens
- Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7050, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Anders Glynn
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Johanson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden; Unit of Integrative Toxicology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, P.O. Box 210, SE 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Irina Gyllenhammar
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sanna Lignell
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, Swedish Food Agency, P.O. Box 622, SE-751 26 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Carolina Vogs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Veterinary Public Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), P.O. Box 7028, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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27
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Yin L, Wang X, Xu H, Yin B, Wang X, Zhang Y, Li X, Luo Y, Chen Z. Unrecognized risk of perfluorooctane sulfonate in promoting conjugative transfers of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0053323. [PMID: 37565764 PMCID: PMC10537727 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00533-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is a major global health crisis facing humanity, with horizontal gene transfer (HGT) as a principal dissemination mechanism in the natural and clinical environments. Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants of global concern due to their high persistence in the environment and adverse effects on humans. However, it is unknown whether PFASs affect the HGT of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Using a genetically engineered Escherichia coli MG1655 as the donor of plasmid-encoded antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), E. coli J53 and soil bacterial community as two different recipients, this study demonstrated that the conjugation frequency of ARGs between two E. coli strains was (1.45 ± 0.17) × 10-5 and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) at environmentally relevant concentrations (2-50 μg L-1) increased conjugation transfer between E. coli strains by up to 3.25-fold. Increases in reactive oxygen species production, cell membrane permeability, biofilm formation capacity, and cell contact in two E. coli strains were proposed as major promotion mechanisms from PFOS exposure. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis of transcriptome data identified a series of candidate genes whose expression changes could contribute to the increase in conjugation transfer induced by PFOS. Furthermore, PFOS also generally increased the ARG transfer into the studied soil bacterial community, although the uptake ability of different community members of the plasmid either increased or decreased upon PFOS exposure depending on specific bacterial taxa. Overall, this study reveals an unrecognized risk of PFOS in accelerating the dissemination of antibiotic resistance. IMPORTANCE Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants of global concern due to their high persistence in the environment and adverse health effects. Although the influence of environmental pollutants on the spread of antibiotic resistance, one of the biggest threats to global health, has attracted increasing attention in recent years, it is unknown whether environmental residues of PFASs affect the dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance. Considering PFASs, often called "forever" compounds, have significantly higher environmental persistence than most emerging organic contaminants, exploring the effect of PFASs on the spread of antibiotic resistance is more environmentally relevant and has essential ecological and health significance. By systematically examining the influence of perfluorooctane sulfonate on the antibiotic resistance gene conjugative transfer, not only at the single-strain level but also at the community level, this study has uncovered an unrecognized risk of PFASs in promoting conjugative transfers of bacterial antibiotic resistance genes, which could be incorporated into the risk assessment framework of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lichun Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Han Xu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingshuo Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yulin Zhang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyao Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zeyou Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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28
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Dewapriya P, Nilsson S, Ghorbani Gorji S, O’Brien JW, Bräunig J, Gómez Ramos MJ, Donaldson E, Samanipour S, Martin JW, Mueller JF, Kaserzon SL, Thomas KV. Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Discovered in Cattle Exposed to AFFF-Impacted Groundwater. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13635-13645. [PMID: 37648245 PMCID: PMC10501377 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c03852] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The leaching of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from Australian firefighting training grounds has resulted in extensive contamination of groundwater and nearby farmlands. Humans, farm animals, and wildlife in these areas may have been exposed to complex mixtures of PFASs from aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs). This study aimed to identify PFAS classes in pooled whole blood (n = 4) and serum (n = 4) from cattle exposed to AFFF-impacted groundwater and potentially discover new PFASs in blood. Thirty PFASs were identified at various levels of confidence (levels 1a-5a), including three novel compounds: (i) perfluorohexanesulfonamido 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (FHxSA-HOPrA), (ii) methyl((perfluorohexyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, and (iii) methyl((perfluorooctyl)sulfonyl)sulfuramidous acid, belonging to two different classes. Biotransformation intermediate, perfluorohexanesulfonamido propanoic acid (FHxSA-PrA), hitherto unreported in biological samples, was detected in both whole blood and serum. Furthermore, perfluoroalkyl sulfonamides, including perfluoropropane sulfonamide (FPrSA), perfluorobutane sulfonamide (FBSA), and perfluorohexane sulfonamide (FHxSA) were predominantly detected in whole blood, suggesting that these accumulate in the cell fraction of blood. The suspect screening revealed several fluoroalkyl chain-substituted PFAS. The results suggest that targeting only the major PFASs in the plasma or serum of AFFF-exposed mammals likely underestimates the toxicological risks associated with exposure. Future studies of AFFF-exposed populations should include whole-blood analysis with high-resolution mass spectrometry to understand the true extent of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Dewapriya
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sara Ghorbani Gorji
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Jake W. O’Brien
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - María José Gómez Ramos
- Department
of Chemistry and Physics, University of
Almería, Agrifood Campus of International Excellence ceiA3
(ceiA3), Carretera Sacramento
s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, Almería 04120, Spain
| | - Eric Donaldson
- Aviation
Medical Specialist, The Australasian Faculty of Occupational &
Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), The Royal
Australasian College of Physicians (RACP), Sydney, New South Wales 2000, Australia
| | - Saer Samanipour
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
- Van
‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan W. Martin
- Department
of Environmental Science (ACES, Exposure & Effects), Science for
Life Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm 106 91, Sweden
| | - Jochen F. Mueller
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarit L. Kaserzon
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
| | - Kevin V. Thomas
- Queensland
Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba 4102 Queensland, Australia
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Surma M, Sawicki T, Piskuła M, Wiczkowski W. Relationship between the Consumption of Fermented Red Beetroot Juice and Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Body's Fluids and Blood Parameters. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13956. [PMID: 37762257 PMCID: PMC10530276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813956] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of fluorinated, organic, man-made chemicals; they do not occur naturally in the environment. This study aimed to determine the profile and content of PFASs in the volunteers' blood plasma and urine after the consumption of fermented red beetroot juice and then correlated it with the blood parameters. Over 42 days, 24 healthy volunteers ingested 200 mL/60 kg of body weight of fermented red beetroot juice. PFASs were analyzed using the micro-HPLC-MS/MS method. Five perfluoroalkyl substances were found in the volunteers' body fluids. After consuming the juice, it was discovered that regarding the perfluorocarboxylic acids, a downward trend was observed, while regarding the perfluoroalkane sulfonates, and their plasma content showed a statistically significant upward trend. Analysis of the hematology parameters indicated that the intake of fermented red beetroot juice showed a significant decrease in mean corpuscular volume (MCV), platelets concentration, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) at the significance level p < 0.01, and hematocrit (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the dietary intervention also indicated a significant (p < 0.01) increase in corpuscular/cellular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). In the case of blood biochemistry, no significant change was observed in the blood samples after the intake of the fermented beetroot juice. However, a decreasing tendency of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein concentration (LDL-C) was observed. Based on the presented results, there is a need to analyze and monitor health-promoting food regarding undesirable substances and their impact on consumer health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Surma
- Malopolska Centre of Food Monitoring, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture in Krakow, 122 Balicka St., 30-149 Krakow, Poland
| | - Tomasz Sawicki
- Department of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Food Sciences, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Słoneczna 45F St., 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Mariusz Piskuła
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, Tuwima 10 St., 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Wiesław Wiczkowski
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Science, Tuwima 10 St., 10-748 Olsztyn, Poland
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Tewfik EL, Noisel N, Verner MA. Biomonitoring equivalents for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) for the interpretation of biomonitoring data. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108170. [PMID: 37657409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108170] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is detected in the blood of virtually all biomonitoring study participants. Assessing health risks associated with blood PFOA levels is challenging because exposure guidance values (EGVs) are typically expressed in terms of external dose. Biomonitoring equivalents (BEs) consistent with EGVs could facilitate health-based interpretations. OBJECTIVE To i) derive BEs for serum/plasma PFOA corresponding to non-cancer EGVs of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Health Canada, and ii) compare with PFOA concentrations from national biomonitoring surveys. METHODS Starting from EGV points of departure, we employed pharmacokinetic data/models and uncertainty factors. Points of departure in pregnant rodents (U.S. EPA 2016, ATSDR) were converted into fetus and pup serum concentrations using an animal gestation/lactation pharmacokinetic model, and equivalent human fetus and child concentrations were converted into BEs in maternal serum using a human gestation/lactation model. The point of departure in adult rodents (Health Canada) was converted into a BE using experimental data. For epidemiology-based EGVs (U.S. EPA 2023, draft), BEs were directly based on epidemiological data or derived using a human gestation/lactation pharmacokinetic model. BEs were compared with Canadian/U.S. biomonitoring data. RESULTS Non-cancer BEs (ng/mL) were 684 (Health Canada, 2018) or ranged from 15 to 29 (U.S. EPA, 2016), 6-10 (ATSDR, 2021) and 0.2-0.8 (U.S. EPA, 2023, draft). Ninety-fifth percentiles of serum levels from the 2018-2019 Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) and the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were slightly below the BE for ATSDR, and geometric means were above the non-cancer BEs for the U.S. EPA (2023, draft). CONCLUSION Non-cancer BEs spanned three orders of magnitude. The lowest BEs were for EGVs based on developmental endpoints in epidemiological studies. Concentrations in Canadian/U.S. national surveys were higher than or close to BEs for the most recent non-cancer EGVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest-Louli Tewfik
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Canada
| | - Nolwenn Noisel
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Canada
| | - Marc-André Verner
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique, Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, Canada.
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31
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M F Coêlho AC, Cioni L, Van Dreunen W, Berg V, Rylander C, Urbarova I, Herzke D, Sandanger TM. Legacy perfluoroalkyl acids and their oxidizable precursors in plasma samples of Norwegian women. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108026. [PMID: 37356307 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108026] [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: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) mainly through direct pathways, such as diet and drinking water, but indirect exposure also occurs when PFAA precursors break down to form legacy PFAA. Exposure to PFAA precursors raises particular concern, as neither the exposure nor the precursors themselves have been well described. In the present study, we aimed to assess the indirect contribution of oxidizable PFAA precursors to the total per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) burden in human plasma following the voluntary phase-out of production of long-chain PFAS. In addition, multiple logistic regression was used to explore associations between selected lifestyle and dietary factors and the oxidizable PFAA precursors fraction. This study included 302 cancer-free participants of the Norwegian Women and Cancer postgenome cohort. PFAS analyses were performed in plasma samples to determine PFAS concentrations before and after oxidation with the Total Oxidizable Precursor (TOP) assay. In pre-TOP analyses, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was the dominant compound, followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).The vast majority (98%) of the study population had increased post-TOP concentrations for at least one PFAA. The formation of PFAA accounted for 12% of the total PFAS burden, with seven PFAA observed post-TOP in at least 30% of study participants. PFHpA, br- PFOA, and PFDA were only detected in post-TOP analyses and showed the highest increase in concentrations. Of the PFAA with increased concentrations, we noted significant associations for year of birth, parity, BMI, and some dietary factors, although they were not consistent between the different PFAA. These results indicate that while the TOP assay might not provide a complete assessment of total PFAS burden in humans, it offers comprehensive assessment of unknown PFAA precursors that might be present in plasma, and it could therefore be implemented as an auxiliary tool in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina M F Coêlho
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Lara Cioni
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Wendy Van Dreunen
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Vivian Berg
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Diagnostic Services, University Hospital of North-Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Charlotta Rylander
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ilona Urbarova
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway; Department for Arctic and Marine Biology, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Torkjel M Sandanger
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT - The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway; Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
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32
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Jiao Z, Yu N, Mao J, Yang Q, Jiao L, Wang X, Shi W, Yu H, Wei S. The occurrence, tissue distribution, and PBT potential of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the freshwater organisms from the Yangtze river via nontarget analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 458:131868. [PMID: 37343408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Numerous emerging per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) occur in the aquatic environment, posing a threat to aquatic ecosystems and human health. In this study, we conducted a nontarget analysis on 3 surface water samples and 92 tissue samples of 16 fish collected from the Yangtze River to investigate the patterns, tissue distribution, and environmental impacts of emerging PFASs. A total of 43 PFASs from 11 classes were identified, including 17 legacy PFASs and 26 emerging PFASs. Among the 43 PFASs, seven PFASs were reported in biota for the first time while five PFASs were reported in the environment for the first time. Chlorine substituted perfluoroalyl ether sulfonic acids were the major emerging PFASs detected in organisms. Our results showed that most emerging PFASs tended to accumulate in the liver whereas perfluorinated sulfonamides tended to accumulate in the blood, and all of the emerging PFASs accumulated less in the muscle. Methods for evaluating the persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT) of PFASs were developed by combining the in-silico methods and experimental methods. Long-chain PFASs were found to have extremely high PBT scores compared to short-chain PFASs. Additionally, most emerging PFASs exhibited comparable PBT characteristics with legacy PFASs, especially Cl-substituted PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyu Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Nanyang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiadi Mao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Yang
- JiangYin QiuHao Testing Co.,Ltd, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liping Jiao
- Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuebing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongxia Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Si Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
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Maddalon A, Pierzchalski A, Kretschmer T, Bauer M, Zenclussen AC, Marinovich M, Corsini E, Herberth G. Mixtures of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) reduce the in vitro activation of human T cells and basophils. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 336:139204. [PMID: 37315852 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the last decades, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), widely used industrial chemicals, have been in the center of attention because of their omnipotent presence in water and soils worldwide. Although efforts have been made to substitute long-chain PFAS towards safer alternatives, their persistence in humans still leads to exposure to these compounds. PFAS immunotoxicity is poorly understood as no comprehensive analyses on certain immune cell subtypes exist. Furthermore, mainly single entities and not PFAS mixtures have been assessed. In the present study we aimed to investigate the effect of PFAS (short-chain, long-chain and a mixture of both) on the in vitro activation of primary human immune cells. Our results show the ability of PFAS to reduce T cells activation. In particular, exposure to PFAS affected T helper cells, cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer T cells, and Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, as assessed by multi-parameter flow cytometry. Furthermore, the exposure to PFAS reduced the expression of several genes involved in MAIT cells activation, including chemokine receptors, and typical proteins of MAIT cells, such as GZMB, IFNG and TNFSF15 and transcription factors. These changes were mainly induced by the mixture of both short- and long-chain PFAS. In addition, PFAS were able to reduce basophil activation induced by anti-FcεR1α, as assessed by the decreased expression of CD63. Our data clearly show that the exposure of immune cells to a mixture of PFAS at concentrations mimicking real-life human exposure resulted in reduced cell activation and functional changes of primary innate and adaptive human immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ambra Maddalon
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Arkadiusz Pierzchalski
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tobias Kretschmer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Mario Bauer
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany; Perinatal Immunology Research Group, Medical Faculty, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Marina Marinovich
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Corsini
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research -UFZ, Leipzig, Germany.
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Valvi D, Christiani DC, Coull B, Højlund K, Nielsen F, Audouze K, Su L, Weihe P, Grandjean P. Gene-environment interactions in the associations of PFAS exposure with insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in a Faroese cohort followed from birth to adulthood. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 226:115600. [PMID: 36868448 PMCID: PMC10101920 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.115600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has been associated with changes in insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function in humans. Genetic predisposition to diabetes may modify these associations; however, this hypothesis has not been yet studied. OBJECTIVES To evaluate genetic heterogeneity as a modifier in the PFAS association with insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function, using a targeted gene-environment (GxE) approach. METHODS We studied 85 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with type 2 diabetes, in 665 Faroese adults born in 1986-1987. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) were measured in cord whole blood at birth and in participants' serum from age 28 years. We calculated the Matsuda-insulin sensitivity index (ISI) and the insulinogenic index (IGI) based on a 2 h-oral glucose tolerance test performed at age 28. Effect modification was evaluated in linear regression models adjusted for cross-product terms (PFAS*SNP) and important covariates. RESULTS Prenatal and adult PFOS exposures were significantly associated with decreased insulin sensitivity and increased beta-cell function. PFOA associations were in the same direction but attenuated compared to PFOS. A total of 58 SNPs were associated with at least one PFAS exposure variable and/or Matsuda-ISI or IGI in the Faroese population and were subsequently tested as modifiers in the PFAS-clinical outcome associations. Eighteen SNPs showed interaction p-values (PGxE) < 0.05 in at least one PFAS-clinical outcome association, five of which passed False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction (PGxE-FDR<0.20). SNPs for which we found stronger evidence for GxE interactions included ABCA1 rs3890182, FTO rs9939609, FTO rs3751812, PPARG rs170036314 and SLC12A3 rs2289116 and were more clearly shown to modify the PFAS associations with insulin sensitivity, rather than with beta-cell function. DISCUSSION Findings from this study suggest that PFAS-associated changes in insulin sensitivity could vary between individuals as a result of genetic predisposition and warrant replication in independent larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damaskini Valvi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - David C Christiani
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Brent Coull
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kurt Højlund
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Flemming Nielsen
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Li Su
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Pal Weihe
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Public Health, The Faroese Hospital System, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands; Centre of Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
| | - Philippe Grandjean
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Carignan CC, Bauer RA, Patterson A, Phomsopha T, Redman E, Stapleton HM, Higgins CP. Self-Collection Blood Test for PFASs: Comparing Volumetric Microsamplers with a Traditional Serum Approach. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:7950-7957. [PMID: 37189231 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
A remote sampling approach was developed at Eurofins for quantifying per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in whole blood samples collected using volumetric absorptive microsamplers (VAMSs), which allow for self-collection of blood using a finger prick. This study compares PFAS exposure measured by self-collection of blood using VAMSs to the standard venous serum approach. Blood samples were collected from participants (n = 53) in a community with prior PFAS drinking water contamination using a venous blood draw as well as participant self-collection using VAMSs. Whole blood from the venous tubes was also loaded onto VAMSs to compare differences in capillary vs venous whole blood PFAS levels. Samples were quantified for PFASs using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and online solid-phase extraction. PFAS levels in serum were highly correlated with measurements in capillary VAMSs (r ≥ 0.91 and p < 0.05). Serum PFAS levels were generally twofold higher than whole blood, reflecting expected differences in their composition. Of interest, FOSA was detected in whole blood (both venous and capillary VAMSs) but not in serum. Overall, these findings indicate that VAMSs are useful self-collection tools for assessing elevated human exposure to PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney C Carignan
- Department Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
| | - Rachel A Bauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48864, United States
| | - Andrew Patterson
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Thep Phomsopha
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Eric Redman
- Eurofins Environment Testing America, West Sacramento, California 95605, United States
| | - Heather M Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27708, United States
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401, United States
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Hu J, Lyu Y, Chen H, Cai L, Li J, Cao X, Sun W. Integration of target, suspect, and nontarget screening with risk modeling for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances prioritization in surface waters. WATER RESEARCH 2023; 233:119735. [PMID: 36801580 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2023.119735] [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: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Though thousands of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been on the global market, most research focused on only a small fraction, potentially resulting in underestimated environmental risks. Here, we used complementary target, suspect, and nontarget screening for quantifying and identifying the target and nontarget PFAS, respectively, and developed a risk model considering their specific properties to prioritize the PFAS in surface waters. Thirty-three PFAS were identified in surface water in the Chaobai river, Beijing. The suspect and nontarget screening by Orbitrap displayed a sensitivity of > 77%, indicating its good performance in identifying the PFAS in samples. We used triple quadrupole (QqQ) under multiple-reaction monitoring for quantifying PFAS with authentic standards due to its potentially high sensitivity. To quantify the nontarget PFAS without authentic standards, we trained a random forest regression model which presented the differences up to only 2.7 times between measured and predicted response factors (RFs). The maximum/minimum RF in each PFAS class was as high as 1.2-10.0 in Orbitrap and 1.7-22.3 in QqQ. A risk-based prioritization approach was developed to rank the identified PFAS, and four PFAS (i.e., perfluorooctanoic acid, hydrogenated perfluorohexanoic acid, bistriflimide, 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid) were flagged with high priority (risk index > 0.1) for remediation and management. Our study highlighted the importance of a quantification strategy during environmental scrutiny of PFAS, especially for nontarget PFAS without standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingrun Hu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yitao Lyu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Leilei Cai
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Cao
- College of Safety and Environmental Engineering, Shandong University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, Shandong 266590, China
| | - Weiling Sun
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of All Material Fluxes in River Ecosystems, College of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; The Key Laboratory of Water and Sediment Sciences, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100871, China.
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Deng Y, Wang F, Liu L, Chen D, Guo Y, Li Z. High density polyethylene (HDPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) wristbands as personal passive samplers monitoring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure to postgraduate students. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 446:130652. [PMID: 36603420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.130652] [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: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) present adverse effects for human health, which result in strong needs for reliable tools monitoring personal exposure to PFASs. This study manufactured two wristbands of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and used the wristbands to monitor PFASs personal exposure. The analytical method was developed to measure 32 PFASs in the paired HDPE and TPU wristbands worn by 60 postgraduates. Twenty-nine of 32 PFASs were detected and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) was predominant individual PFASs with median concentrations of 337 and 554 pg/g for HDPE and TPU wristbands respectively. The gender and grade of students had moderate effects on PFASs distribution in the wristbands. Higher PFASs levels were determined in the two wristbands worn by the male students compared to the females, and the greatest PFASs concentration was observed in the wristbands worn by the first-year postgraduates, follow by second- and third-year postgraduates. Additionally, significant correlations between paired HDPE and TPU wristbands were observed for perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonic acid (PFHpS), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and HFPO-DA. These results suggest that HDPE and TPU wristbands can be used as effective tools for monitoring personal PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Deng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Liangying Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Da Chen
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ying Guo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, School of Environment, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Zhe Li
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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Yao J, Dong Z, Jiang L, Pan Y, Zhao M, Bai X, Dai J. Emerging and Legacy Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Breastfed Chinese Infants: Renal Clearance, Body Burden, and Implications. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:37003. [PMID: 36862174 PMCID: PMC9980344 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human breast milk is a primary route of exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in infants. To understand the associated risks, the occurrence of PFAS in human milk and the toxicokinetics of PFAS in infants need to be addressed. OBJECTIVES We determined levels of emerging and legacy PFAS in human milk and urine samples from Chinese breastfed infants, estimated renal clearance, and predicted infant serum PFAS levels. METHODS In total, human milk samples were collected from 1,151 lactating mothers in 21 cities in China. In addition, 80 paired infant cord blood and urine samples were obtained from two cities. Nine emerging PFAS and 13 legacy PFAS were analyzed in the samples using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Renal clearance rates (CLrenals) of PFAS were estimated in the paired samples. PFAS serum concentrations in infants (<1 year of age) were predicted using a first-order pharmacokinetic model. RESULTS All nine emerging PFAS were detected in human milk, with the detection rates of 6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFMOAA, and PFO5DoDA all exceeding 70%. The level of 6:2 Cl-PFESA in human milk (median concentration=13.6 ng/L) ranked third after PFOA (336 ng/L) and PFOS (49.7 ng/L). The estimated daily intake (EDI) values of PFOA and PFOS exceeded the reference dose (RfD) of 20 ng/kg BW per day recommended by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 78% and 17% of breastfed infant samples, respectively. 6:2 Cl-PFESA had the lowest infant CLrenal (0.009mL/kg BW per day), corresponding to the longest estimated half-life of 49 y. The average half-lives of PFMOAA, PFO2HxA, and PFO3OA were 0.221, 0.075, and 0.304 y, respectively. The CLrenals of PFOA, PFNA, and PFDA were slower in infants than in adults. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the widespread occurrence of emerging PFAS in human milk in China. The relatively high EDIs and half-lives of emerging PFAS suggest potential health risks of postnatal exposure in newborns. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11403.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Yao
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaomin Dong
- School of Space and Environment and Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulin Jiang
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yitao Pan
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meirong Zhao
- College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoxia Bai
- Department of Obstetrics, Women’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayin Dai
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Health Impact Assessment of Emerging Contaminants, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Kaur K, Lesseur C, Chen L, Andra SS, Narasimhan S, Pulivarthi D, Midya V, Ma Y, Ibroci E, Gigase F, Lieber M, Lieb W, Janevic T, De Witte LD, Bergink V, Rommel AS, Chen J. Cross-sectional associations of maternal PFAS exposure on SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115067. [PMID: 36528042 PMCID: PMC9747685 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are man-made, persistent organic compounds with immune-modulating potentials. Given that pregnancy itself represents an altered state of immunity, PFAS exposure-related immunotoxicity is an important environmental factor to consider in SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy as it may further affect humoral immune responses. AIM To investigate the relationship between maternal plasma PFAS concentrations and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in a NYC-based pregnancy cohort. METHODS Maternal plasma was collected from 72 SARS-CoV-2 IgG + participants of the Generation C Study, a birth cohort established at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in New York City. Maternal SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody levels were measured using ELISA. A panel of 16 PFAS congeners were measured in maternal plasma using a targeted UHPLC-MS/MS-based assay. Spearman correlations and linear regressions were employed to explore associations between maternal IgG antibody levels and plasma PFAS concentrations. Weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was also used to evaluate mixture effects of PFAS. Models were adjusted for maternal age, gestational age at which SARS-CoV-2 IgG titer was measured, COVID-19 vaccination status prior to IgG titer measurement, maternal race/ethnicity, parity, type of insurance and pre-pregnancy BMI. RESULTS Our study population is ethnically diverse with an average maternal age of 32 years. Of the 16 PFAS congeners measured, nine were detected in more than 60% samples. Importantly, all nine congeners were negatively correlated with SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibody levels; n-PFOA and PFHxS, PFHpS, and PFHxA reached statistical significance (p < 0.05) in multivariable analyses. When we examined the mixture effects using WQS, a quartile increase in the PFAS mixture-index was significantly associated with lower maternal IgG antibody titers (beta [95% CI] = -0.35 [-0.52, -0.17]). PFHxA was the top contributor to the overall mixture effect. CONCLUSIONS Our study results support the notion that PFAS, including short-chain emerging PFAS, act as immunosuppressants during pregnancy. Whether such compromised immune activity leads to downstream health effects, such as the severity of COVID-19 symptoms, adverse obstetric outcomes or neonatal immune responses remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirtan Kaur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corina Lesseur
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lixian Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Syam S Andra
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Srinivasan Narasimhan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Divya Pulivarthi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vishal Midya
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yula Ma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Erona Ibroci
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Frederieke Gigase
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Molly Lieber
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Whitney Lieb
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa Janevic
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health Science & Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lotje D De Witte
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Veerle Bergink
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anna-Sophie Rommel
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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Wang X, Zhao X, Shi D, Dong Z, Zhang X, Liang W, Liu L, Wang X, Wu F. Integrating Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling-Based Forward Dosimetry and in Vitro Bioassays to Improve the Risk Assessment of Organophosphate Esters on Human Health. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:1764-1775. [PMID: 36591971 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c04576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The ability to accurately assess the health risks of contaminants is limited by the shortcomings of toxicological standards. Using organophosphate esters (OPEs) as an example, this study attempted to integrate physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK)-based forward dosimetry and in vitro bioassays to assess the likelihood of contaminants inducing biological effects in humans. The total exposure level of OPEs for Chinese residents was 19.5 ± 8.71 ng/kg/day with inhalation being the main exposure pathway. Then, human PBPK models were developed for individual OPEs to predict their steady-state concentrations in human tissues, and the predicted median levels in blood were close to the measurements. The reference doses (RfDs) of OPEs based on in vitro bioassays were comparable to in vivo animal-derived RfDs, demonstrating the reliability of in vitro bioassays. Therefore, the likelihood of OPEs inducing bioactivities in humans (RQin-vitro) was calculated using in vitro toxicity data and OPE levels in human tissues. The RQin-vitros of tris(2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate, tris(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate, and triphenyl phosphate (7.68 × 10-5-3.18 × 10-3) were comparable to the risks assessed using traditional RfDs (5.22 × 10-5-1.94 × 10-3), indicating the credibility of the method proposed in this study. This study establishes a new framework to improve the health risk assessment of contaminants without sufficient toxicity data and minimize the need for animal experimentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Di Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Zhaomin Dong
- School of Space and Environment, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Weigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Lingling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Xia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
| | - Fengchang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, P. R. China
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Xing Y, Li Q, Chen X, Huang B, Ji L, Zhang Q, Fu X, Li T, Wang J. PFASs in Soil: How They Threaten Human Health through Multiple Pathways and Whether They Are Receiving Adequate Concern. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:1259-1275. [PMID: 36622935 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c06283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been mass-produced and widely applied in consumer and industrial products, resulting in their widespread presence in the environment. Features such as environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and high toxicity even at low doses have made PFASs an increasing concern. This brief review focuses on soil PFASs, especially the effect of soil PFASs on other environmental media and their potential threats to human health through daily diet. Specifically, soil PFASs contamination caused by different pathways was first investigated. Soil pollution from application of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is generally more severe than that from fluorochemical manufacturing plants, followed by biosolid land use, landfill, and irrigation. Factors, such as carbon chain length of PFASs, wastewater treatment technology, geographical conditions, and regional development level, are related to soil PFASs' pollution. Then, the migration, bioaccumulation, and toxicity characteristics of soil PFASs were analyzed. Short-chain PFASs have higher solubility, mobility, and bioavailability, while long-chain PFASs have higher bioaccumulation potential and are more toxic to organisms. Factors such as soil texture, solution chemistry conditions, enzymes, and fertilization conditions also influence the environmental behavior of PFASs. The risk of human exposure to PFASs through agricultural and animal products is difficult to control and varies depending on living region, age, eating habits, lifestyle, ethnicity, etc. Soil PFASs threaten drinking water safety, affect soil function, and enter food webs, threatening human health. Knowledge gaps and perspectives in these research fields are also included in current work to assist future research to effectively investigate and understand the environmental risks of soil PFASs, thereby reducing human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingna Xing
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qi Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Lei Ji
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Xiaowen Fu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Tianyuan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
| | - Jianing Wang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Applied Microbiology, Ecology Institute, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan 250103, China
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Liu D, Tang B, Nie S, Zhao N, He L, Cui J, Mao W, Jin H. Distribution of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances and their precursors in human blood. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 441:129908. [PMID: 36115093 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have examined per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in human blood. However, the distribution of PFASs in human blood remains not well known, especially for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) precursors. In this study, human blood samples (n = 162) were collected from general Chinese population, and then the isomer-specific partitioning of PFASs between human plasma and red blood cells (RBCs) were investigated. Perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and PFOS were consistently the predominant PFASs in both human plasma and RBCs. In human blood, among C4-C7 perfluoroalkyl carboxylates (PFCAs), the calculated mean mass fraction in plasma (Fp) values increased from 0.76 to 0.82 with the increasing chain length. C7-C13 PFCAs exhibited a trend of gradually decreasing mean Fp with chain length. Among PFAS precursors, 6:2 fluorotelomer phosphate diester had the highest mean Fp value (0.87 ± 0.11). Calculated Fp values of N-methyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-MeFOSA) and N-ethyl perfluorooctanesulfonamide (N-EtFOSA) were 0.66 ± 0.13 and 0.70 ± 0.12, respectively. Individual branched isomers consistently had greater Fp values than their corresponding linear isomers for PFOA, PFHxS, and perfluoroctane sulfonamide. To our knowledge, this study first reports the distribution of N-MeFOSA and N-EtFOSA in human blood, contributing to the better understanding of the occurrence and fate of PFASs in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daxi Liu
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Bo Tang
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Saisai Nie
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China
| | - Li He
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China
| | - Jiansheng Cui
- College of Environmental Science and Technology, Hebei University of Science & Technology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050018, PR China.
| | - Weili Mao
- Department of Pharmacy, Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou, Zhejiang 324000, PR China
| | - Hangbiao Jin
- Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology for Industrial Pollution Control of Zhejiang Province, College of Environment, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310032, PR China.
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Bil W, Govarts E, Zeilmaker MJ, Woutersen M, Bessems J, Ma Y, Thomsen C, Haug LS, Lignell S, Gyllenhammar I, Palkovicova Murinova L, Fabelova L, Tratnik JS, Kosjek T, Gabriel C, Sarigiannis D, Pedraza-Diaz S, Esteban-López M, Castaño A, Rambaud L, Riou M, Franken C, Colles A, Vogel N, Kolossa-Gehring M, Halldorsson TI, Uhl M, Schoeters G, Santonen T, Vinggaard AM. Approaches to mixture risk assessment of PFASs in the European population based on human hazard and biomonitoring data. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 247:114071. [PMID: 36446273 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114071] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a highly persistent, mobile, and bioaccumulative class of chemicals, of which emissions into the environment result in long-lasting contamination with high probability for causing adverse effects to human health and the environment. Within the European Biomonitoring Initiative HBM4EU, samples and data were collected in a harmonized way from human biomonitoring (HBM) studies in Europe to derive current exposure data across a geographic spread. We performed mixture risk assessments based on recent internal exposure data of PFASs in European teenagers generated in the HBM4EU Aligned Studies (dataset with N = 1957, sampling years 2014-2021). Mixture risk assessments were performed based on three hazard-based approaches: the Hazard Index (HI) approach, the sum value approach as used by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the Relative Potency Factor (RPF) approach. The HI approach resulted in the highest risk estimates, followed by the RPF approach and the sum value approach. The assessments indicate that PFAS exposure may result in a health risk in a considerable fraction of individuals in the HBM4EU teenager study sample, thereby confirming the conclusion drawn in the recent EFSA scientific opinion. This study underlines that HBM data are of added value in assessing the health risks of aggregate and cumulative exposure to PFASs, as such data are able to reflect exposure from different sources and via different routes.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Bil
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands.
| | - E Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - M J Zeilmaker
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - M Woutersen
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - J Bessems
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - Y Ma
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
| | - C Thomsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - L S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - S Lignell
- Swedish Food Agency, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - L Fabelova
- Faculty of Public Health, Slovak Medical University (SZU), Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - T Kosjek
- Jožef Stefan Institute (IJS), Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - C Gabriel
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - D Sarigiannis
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Department of Chemical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), Thessaloniki, Greece; HERACLES Research Center on the Exposome and Health, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation, Balkan Center, Thessaloniki, Greece; Environmental Health Engineering, Institute of Advanced Study, Pavia, Italy
| | - S Pedraza-Diaz
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - M Esteban-López
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - A Castaño
- National Centre for Environmental Health, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - L Rambaud
- Santé Publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - M Riou
- Santé Publique France, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - C Franken
- Provincial Institute for Hygiene, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - N Vogel
- German Environment Agency (UBA), Berlin, Germany
| | | | - T I Halldorsson
- Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland (UI), Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - M Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria (EAA), Vienna, Austria
| | - G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - T Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Työterveyslaitos, Finland
| | - A M Vinggaard
- National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, Denmark
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Ho SH, Soh SXH, Wang MX, Ong J, Seah A, Wong Y, Fang Z, Sim S, Lim JT. Perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid concentrations in the blood: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158036. [PMID: 35973530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic aliphatic compounds. This systematic review aims to assess PFAS associations with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) concentrations in human populations. METHOD We systematically searched four online databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant peer-reviewed English language articles published until July 2021. Additional relevant articles identified were also included in the search results. We categorised populations into adults (≥18 years old) and children. Primary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and LDL, HDL, TC, and TG concentrations in the serum, plasma, or whole blood; secondary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and the odds of lipid-related health outcomes. Quantitative synthesis was done by vote counting of the effect directions between concentrations of PFAS and lipids/health outcomes, repeated on articles with sample size >1000. Sign tests were performed to assess the statistical significance of the differences between positive and negative associations. Sensitivity analysis was performed by separating out articles with populations having high concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Quality was assessed with the STROBE checklist and NHBLI Study Quality Assessment Tool. RESULTS A total of 58 articles were included for review. There was evidence that PFAS exposure is associated with higher concentrations of LDL, HDL, and TC, particularly for PFOA-LDL, PFOA-TC, PFOS-TC, and PFNA-LDL. Associations between PFAS and TG tended to be negative, especially for perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA). Associations between PFAS concentration and the odds of secondary outcomes generally supported a positive association between PFAS and cholesterol concentrations. CONCLUSION We found evidence of associations between the concentrations of some PFAS-lipid pairs in human populations. Future research should be conducted on the less well-studied PFAS to explore their effects on human health and in regions where such studies are currently lacking. (300 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Hoe Ho
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore.
| | - Stacy Xin Hui Soh
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Min Xian Wang
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Tahir Foundation Building, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Janet Ong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Annabel Seah
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Wong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Zhanxiong Fang
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Shuzhen Sim
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Jue Tao Lim
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Tahir Foundation Building, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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Abraham K, Monien BH. Transdermal absorption of 13C 4-perfluorooctanoic acid ( 13C 4-PFOA) from a sunscreen in a male volunteer - What could be the contribution of cosmetics to the internal exposure of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107549. [PMID: 36191486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a complex group of man-made chemicals with high stability and mobility leading to ubiquitous environmental contamination and accumulation especially of some long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) in humans. While dietary intake is the main route of exposure, transdermal uptake from cosmetic products usually is considered negligible. However, PFAS are present in a part of these products, and recent epidemiological studies have provided evidence for relevant uptake via this route. The crucial question is whether PFAA in cosmetic products can cross the human skin barrier. A defined amount (110 µg) of 13C4-perfluorooctanoic acid (13C4-PFOA) was mixed into a sunscreen (30 g) which was applied on the whole skin of a volunteer. The plasma concentrations of 13C4-PFOA were determined in serial blood samples taken over 115 days using UHPLC-MS/MS and 13C2-PFOA as internal standard. After application, 13C4-PFOA plasma levels increased continuously, reaching levels of 3, 56 and 118 ng/L after 6 h, 3 days and 10 days, respectively. A maximum level of 132 ng/L was measured 22 days after application, representing 9.4 % of the PFOA level resulting from the volunteer's background exposure (1400 ng/L, equivalent to 1.4 ng/mL). In the following weeks, the levels slightly decreased with an estimated half-life of 1.8 years. The best estimate for the fraction absorbed may be 1.6 % of the dose, using a volume of distribution of 0.17 L/kg body weight. For PFOA mixed into a sunscreen, this experimental approach demonstrates a significant uptake of a PFAA via transdermal absorption in humans. In the past, some cosmetic products contained relevant PFAA levels as contaminants/impurities of PFAS added as active ingredients. Depending on these levels and the use (frequency, skin area involved), it is plausible that this route of exposure has contributed to the internal exposure to PFAA, as already suggested by epidemiological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Abraham
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Food Safety, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bernhard H Monien
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Food Safety, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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Shen C, Ding J, Xu C, Zhang L, Liu S, Tian Y. Perfluoroalkyl Mixture Exposure in Relation to Fetal Growth: Potential Roles of Maternal Characteristics and Associations with Birth Outcomes. TOXICS 2022; 10:650. [PMID: 36355941 PMCID: PMC9695392 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10110650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exposure is suggested to interfere with fetal growth. However, limited investigations considered the roles of parity and delivery on PFASs distributions and the joint effects of PFASs mixture on birth outcomes. In this study, 506 birth cohorts were investigated in Hangzhou, China with 14 PFASs measured in maternal serum. Mothers with higher maternal ages who underwent cesarean section were associated with elevated PFASs burden, while parity showed a significant but diverse influence. A logarithmic unit increment in perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS) was significantly associated with a reduced birth weight of 0.153 kg (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.274, -0.031, p = 0.014), 0.217 kg (95% CI: -0.385, -0.049, p = 0.012), and 0.137 kg (95% CI: -0.270, -0.003, p = 0.044), respectively. Higher perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) and perfluoroheptane sulphonate (PFHpS) were associated with increased Apgar-1 scores. PFOA (Odds ratio (OR): 2.17, 95% CI: 1.27, 3.71, p = 0.004) and PFNS (OR:1.59, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.50, p = 0.043) were also risk factors to preterm birth. In addition, the quantile-based g-computation showed that PFASs mixture exposure was significantly associated with Apgar-1 (OR: 0.324, 95%CI: 0.068, 0.579, p = 0.013) and preterm birth (OR: 0.356, 95% CI: 0.149, 0.845, p = 0.019). In conclusion, PFASs were widely distributed in the maternal serum, which was influenced by maternal characteristics and significantly associated with several birth outcomes. Further investigation should focus on the placenta transfer and toxicities of PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chensi Shen
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jiaxin Ding
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Chenye Xu
- College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pollution Control and Ecological Security, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuren Liu
- Interdisciplinary Research Academy (IRA), Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Yonghong Tian
- Women’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
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Yang L, Chen X, Zhu L, Wang Y, Shan G. Analysis of Specific Perfluorohexane Sulfonate Isomers by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Method Development and Application in Source Apportionment. JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL METHODS IN CHEMISTRY 2022; 2022:8704754. [PMID: 36248053 PMCID: PMC9553683 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8704754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Characterization of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) isomers, a chemical proposed for listing under the Stockholm Convention, is important to elucidate its environmental behaviors and sources. Optimized chromatographic separation coupled with monitoring of the characteristic fragments enabled the identification of four mono-substituted and two di-substituted branched PFHxS isomers. The transitions of molecular ions m/z 399 to the fragments m/z 80 (n-), m/z 169 (iso-), m/z 319 (1m-), m/z 80 (2m-), and m/z 180 (3m-) were selected for quantifying the mono-substituted isomers. Method accuracy of the established LC-MS/MS was verified by comparing the results of technical products with those determined by 19F-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The developed method was then used to quantify the isomeric compositions of PFHxS in the perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) industrial products which contained PFHxS as an impurity, as well as in several kinds of water samples, with the limits of detection for all isomers in the range of 4 to 30 pg/L. For the first time, a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was established to separate and quantify the PFHxS isomers. The isomeric profiling of water samples suggested that PFHxS in the waters was mainly due to the direct contamination of PFHxS rather than from PFOS contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Lingyan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
| | - Guoqiang Shan
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Pollution Control, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Huang Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Deji Z, Lee HK. Occurrence of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Ice Cream, Instant Noodles, and Bubble Tea. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10836-10846. [PMID: 35998314 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Food consumption is a significant exposure route to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The concentrations of 27 PFAS in fast food were determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. In ice cream, instant noodles, and bubble tea, some PFAS were detected, among which perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluoro-n-butanoic acid, and 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate monoester showed relatively high concentrations. PFAS migrating from bubble tea cups to the food simulant of 50% ethanol aqueous solution showed a difference compared with those migrating into bubble tea matrices. The migration of 27 PFAS to bubble tea samples indicated that long storage time increased PFAS levels (up to 4.8 times) and so did high storage temperature (up to 7.3 times). The hazard ratio, defined as the ratio of the estimated daily intake and the reference dose, was calculated, and it suggests that the total PFAS exposure risk due to consumption of bubble tea should be of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoma Deji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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Pelch KE, Reade A, Kwiatkowski CF, Merced-Nieves FM, Cavalier H, Schultz K, Wolffe T, Varshavsky J. The PFAS-Tox Database: A systematic evidence map of health studies on 29 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107408. [PMID: 35908389 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107408] [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: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large class of synthetic chemicals widely used in consumer products and industrial processes. The scientific literature on PFAS has increased dramatically in the last decade. Many stakeholders, including regulators, scientists, non-governmental organizations, and concerned individuals could benefit from an efficient way to access the health and toxicological literature related to PFAS. OBJECTIVE To create a systematic evidence map of the available peer-reviewed health or toxicological research for 29 PFAS. METHODS A protocol for conducting this systematic evidence map was initially published on Zenodo (Pelch et al. 2019c), then peer reviewed and published in Environment International (Pelch et al. 2019d). PubMed database was searched through January 25, 2021. Studies were screened for inclusion and exclusion according to the Populations, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) statement. Inclusion criteria were intentionally broad and included any human, animal, and/or in vitro study that investigated exposure to one of the 29 PFAS of interest and a human health or toxicological effect. Selected study details were extracted from included studies as described in the protocol. Study appraisal was not conducted. The included studies and extracted meta-data are freely available in the online, interactive systematic evidence map at https://pfastoxdatabase.org. RESULTS Over 15,000 studies were retrieved from the PubMed literature searches. After manual screening, 1,067 studies were identified and included as investigating the health or toxicological effect of one or more PFAS of interest. There were 505 human, 385 animal, and 220 in vitro studies. Summary tables of the extracted data and overall observations are included in this report. CONCLUSIONS The PFAS-Tox Database is a useful tool for searching, filtering, and identifying peer reviewed research on the health and toxicological effects of the included PFAS. In this summary of the evidence map we provide examples of data gaps and clusters revealed by the database, with the goal of helping direct future research efforts, facilitate systematic reviews (e.g. on immune effects, mixtures of PFAS, or effects of short chain PFAS), inform regulatory risk assessments, and improve opportunities for cross-disciplinary coordination. We also discuss how this tool supports scientists, regulatory agencies, and other individuals by increasing awareness and access to current evidence regarding the health effects associated with PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Pelch
- University of North Texas Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; People and Communities Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter Street, Floor 21, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Anna Reade
- People and Communities Program, Natural Resources Defense Council, 111 Sutter Street, Floor 21, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Carol F Kwiatkowski
- Green Science Policy Institute, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
| | - Francheska M Merced-Nieves
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Haleigh Cavalier
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Taylor Wolffe
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK; Centre for Fire and Hazards Science, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK.
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50
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Papadopoulou E, Nicolescu A, Haug LS, Husøy T, Deleanu C, Dirven H, Lindeman B. Lipoprotein profiles associated with exposure to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the EuroMix human biomonitoring study. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 308:119664. [PMID: 35738521 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) is associated with increased blood cholesterol. Although elevated cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), it is not clear whether PFASs affect this risk. Lipoprotein subclasses are emerging biomarkers for disease risk and lipoprotein profiling may provide an insight to physiological implications of PFAS exposure. We explored the association between serum PFAS concentrations and lipoprotein subclasses in a cross-sectional study. We determined the concentrations and lipid composition of the major subclasses of lipoproteins in plasma samples from 127 adult participants of the EuroMix human biomonitoring study by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Serum concentrations of 17 PFASs showed a detection frequency between 30 and 100% and were included in further analyses. We examined the associations between PFAS concentrations and lipoprotein subclasses by linear mixed-effect regression models, adjusted for confounders. In the adjusted models, positive associations were found between several PFASs and cholesterol concentrations in large to medium sized HDL and medium sized LDL particles. We found a 4-12% increase in HDL cholesterol per interquartile range (IQR) increase for several PFASs. In women the associations with PFNA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA and PFOS were significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Similar magnitude of change was observed between longer chained PFASs and LDL cholesterol, and a few of these associations reached significance for cholesterol in large to medium LDL particle sizes in women. No significant associations with plasma triglycerides were observed. However, most PFASs tended to be associated with reduction in VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins) particle number and VLDL triglyceride. Findings from this exploratory study, suggest that background PFAS exposures influence particle size distributions and lipid composition of plasma lipoprotein subclasses, and that these effects may be more prominent in women. A two-points lipoprofiling for all subjects indicated both low intra-individual variability and good analytical reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Papadopoulou
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Alina Nicolescu
- "C.D. Nenitescu" Centre of Organic Chemistry, Spl. Independentei 202-B, RO-060023, Bucharest, Romania; "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda 41-A, RO-700487, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Line S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Trine Husøy
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Calin Deleanu
- "C.D. Nenitescu" Centre of Organic Chemistry, Spl. Independentei 202-B, RO-060023, Bucharest, Romania; "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Aleea Grigore Ghica Voda 41-A, RO-700487, Iasi, Romania.
| | - Hubert Dirven
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Birgitte Lindeman
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222, Skøyen, 0213, Oslo, Norway.
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