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Gonzalez de Vega R, Plassmann M, Clases D, Zangger K, Müller V, Rosenberg E, Reimann A, Skedung L, Benskin JP, Feldmann J. A multi-platform approach for the comprehensive analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorine mass balance in commercial ski wax products. Anal Chim Acta 2024; 1314:342754. [PMID: 38876512 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2024.342754] [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: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
The unique properties of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have led to their extensive use in consumer products, including ski wax. Based on the risks associated with PFAS, and to align with PFAS regulations, the international ski federation (FIS) implemented a ban on products containing "C8 fluorocarbons/perfluorooctanoate (PFOA)" at all FIS events from the 2021/2022 season, leading manufactures to shift their formulations towards short-chain PFAS chemistries. To date, most studies characterising PFAS in ski waxes have measured a suite of individual substances using targeted analytical approaches. However, the fraction of total fluorine (TF) in the wax accounted for by these substances remains unclear. In this study, we sought to address this question by applying a multi-platform, fluorine mass balance approach to a total of 10 commercially available ski wax products. Analysis of TF by combustion ion chromatography (CIC) revealed concentrations of 1040-51700 μg F g-1 for the different fluorinated waxes. In comparison, extractable organic fluorine (EOF) determined in methanol extracts by CIC (and later confirmed by inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and 19F- nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) ranged from 92 to 3160 μg g-1, accounting for only 3-8.8 % of total fluorine (TF). Further characterisation of extracts by cyclic ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IMS) revealed 15 individual PFAS with perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid concentrations up to 33 μg F g-1, and 3 products exceeding the regulatory limit for PFOA (0.025 μg g-1) by a factor of up to 100. The sum of all PFAS accounted for only 0.01-1.0 % of EOF, implying a high percentage of unidentified PFAS, thus, pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to provide evidence of the nature of the non-extractable fluorine present in the ski wax products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Merle Plassmann
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Clases
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Klaus Zangger
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Viktoria Müller
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria; The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Erwin Rosenberg
- Institute of Chemical Technologies and Analytics, TU Wien, Wien, Austria
| | - Anders Reimann
- Department Materials and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa Skedung
- Department Materials and Surface Design, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonathan P Benskin
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jörg Feldmann
- Analytical Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Crawford KA, Hartmann N. Respiratory Exposure to Highly Fluorinated Chemicals via Application of Ski Wax and Related Health Effects. Curr Environ Health Rep 2024; 11:39-45. [PMID: 38216812 PMCID: PMC10907454 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00425-4] [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] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Waxes containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are applied to the base of skis and snowboards ("skis") to reduce friction with the snow surface and improve glide. PFAS exposure can adversely impact cardiometabolic, thyroid, liver, kidney, reproductive, and immune health and are associated with increased risk of certain cancers. In the present review, we summarize the state of the science on PFAS exposure from fluorinated ski wax use, including acute respiratory health effects and PFAS concentrations in biological and environmental media collected from ski waxing settings. RECENT FINDINGS Perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acid (PFCA) concentrations in serum and air collected from professional wax technicians and the rooms where waxes are applied are among the highest of any occupation investigated to date, including the fluorochemical industry. High airborne concentrations of fluorotelomer alcohols contribute to high body burdens of certain PFCAs among ski waxers. Fluorinated ski waxes are a significant source of PFAS exposure for people waxing skis and/or spending time in areas where waxing occurs. We highlight recommendations for future research, policy, and technologies needed to address PFAS exposures from fluorinated wax use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
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Serrano QA, Le Garf S, Martin V, Colson SS, Chevalier N. Is Physical Activity an Efficient Strategy to Control the Adverse Effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Context of Obesity? A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:883. [PMID: 38255955 PMCID: PMC10815489 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25020883] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity affects nearly 660 million adults worldwide and is known for its many comorbidities. Although the phenomenon of obesity is not fully understood, science regularly reveals new determinants of this pathology. Among them, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been recently highlighted. Mainly lipophilic, POPs are normally stored in adipose tissue and can lead to adverse metabolic effects when released into the bloodstream. The main objective of this narrative review is to discuss the different pathways by which physical activity may counteract POPs' adverse effects. The research that we carried out seems to indicate that physical activity could positively influence several pathways negatively influenced by POPs, such as insulin resistance, inflammation, lipid accumulation, adipogenesis, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, that are associated with the development of obesity. This review also indicates how, through the controlled mobilization of POPs, physical activity could be a valuable approach to reduce the concentration of POPs in the bloodstream. These findings suggest that physical activity should be used to counteract the adverse effects of POPs. However, future studies should accurately assess its impact in specific situations such as bariatric surgery, where weight loss promotes POPs' blood release.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vincent Martin
- Université Clermont Auvergne, AME2P, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France;
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
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Zhang J, Jaspers VLB, Røe J, Castro G, Kroglund IB, Gonzalez SV, Østnes JE, Asimakopoulos AG. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) feathers from Trøndelag, Norway. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 903:166213. [PMID: 37567298 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are contaminants of global concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence in the environment, bioaccumulation and the adverse effects on organisms. Tawny Owls (Strix aluco) are documented to be exposed to increasing concentrations of perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and have been suggested in literature as a key raptor monitoring species. Therefore, non-destructive biomonitoring efforts are of high interest. Thus far, the use of feathers for biomonitoring PFASs in Tawny Owls has not been investigated. In this study, 32 PFASs were analyzed in 49 Tawny Owl body feather samples collected from 2017 to 2020 in Trøndelag, Norway. There were 30 PFASs detected in at least one feather, with the sum concentrations ranging from 31 to 203 ng/g (w.w.). Perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) (median: 33 ng/g) and perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (FOSAA) (median: 18 ng/g) were the two compounds with the highest concentrations. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which is banned for production and use in Norway since 2007, was found in all samples (median: 4.14 ng/g), indicating its high persistence. 8 PFASs were detected in at least 50 % of the samples: FOSAA (11-127 ng/g), PFHpA (<0.04-115 ng/g), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) (<0.28-21 ng/g), PFOS (0.23-13 ng/g), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) (0.24-5.15 ng/g), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA) (<0.28-4.45 ng/g), perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) (<0.28-2.33 ng/g), and 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (6:2 FTSA) (0.07-1.01 ng/g). No significant differences were found for the concentrations of PFASs between calendar years and locations, but a slight increase could be observed in the sum concentration of PFASs (Ʃ32PFASs) over the sampling years. As Tawny Owls are residential owls that usually do not cover great distances, their feathers can be used as a potential alternative matrix for future biomonitoring studies. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the occurrence of 32 PFASs investigated in feathers of a Tawny Owl population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Veerle L B Jaspers
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway.
| | - Jonas Røe
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Gabriela Castro
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Ingvild B Kroglund
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
| | - Susana Villa Gonzalez
- Department of Chemistry, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Jan Eivind Østnes
- Faculty of Biosciences and Aquaculture, Nord University, 7229 Steinkjer, Norway
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Lucas K, Gaines LGT, Paris-Davila T, Nylander-French LA. Occupational exposure and serum levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review. Am J Ind Med 2022; 66:379-392. [PMID: 36573587 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of chemicals used in nearly all sectors of industry and many consumer products. Their resistance to degradation, however, means that PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and bioaccumulate. PFAS exposure has also been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Occupational PFAS exposure is of particular concern as research on PFAS exposure in worker populations has historically been limited and generally restricted to fluorochemical plant workers involved in PFAS production. METHODS A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed scientific literature was conducted to investigate which worker populations may experience occupational exposure to PFAS. Serum PFAS levels reported in various occupations were analyzed and compared to serum PFAS levels published on the general public exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water and the study population of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). RESULTS Our analysis indicates that professional ski waxers and firefighters may be exposed to several different PFAS at levels often similar to or higher than levels among fluorochemical plant workers and individuals in communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water, and higher than levels in the general public. PFAS serum level data on other occupations were largely absent. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight a need for additional research on occupational PFAS exposures and concomitant environmental exposures in these populations. Research on exposure levels in occupations and industries known or suspected to utilize PFAS is critically needed to foster informed recommendations for exposure mitigation measures to protect workers from adverse health effects of PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Lucas
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda G T Gaines
- United States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Tamara Paris-Davila
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Leena A Nylander-French
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Crawford KA, Doherty BT, Gilbert-Diamond D, Romano ME, Claus Henn B. Waxing activity as a potential source of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other environmental contaminants among the US ski and snowboard community. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114335. [PMID: 36150439 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skiers and snowboarders apply waxes and solvents to their equipment to enhance glide across the snow. Waxing results in exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and particulate matter, which have been associated with adverse health effects among professional wax technicians in Scandinavia. However, little is known about exposure among people who participate at other levels of sport, including recreationally, in other regions. OBJECTIVE We sought to characterize wax-related exposures among US skiers and snowboarders who participate across numerous levels of sport to expand scientific understanding of environmental health risks among this population. METHODS We used an anonymous electronic survey to evaluate wax-related exposures among US cross-country and downhill skiers and snowboarders. Specifically, we assessed (Fang et al., 2020): duration of time involved with each sport in any role (Freberg et al., 2013), intensity of wax-related exposures based on time spent in waxing areas, wax use, and wax type (Rogowski et al., 2007), frequency of fluorinated wax application, and (Freberg et al., 2010) use of exposure interventions. RESULTS Participants tended to be long-term winter sports enthusiasts (e.g., median downhill skiing duration: 31 years). Nearly all (92%) participants personally applied some wax to their skis/snowboards and most applied waxes containing PFAS (67%) and solvents (62%). Ski professionals waxed the most pairs of skis with fluorinated waxes annually (median (IQR): 20 (1, 100)), though individuals participating recreationally also applied fluorinated waxes regularly. Exposure interventions were not widely used. SIGNIFICANCE Waxing activities may pose significant risk of exposure to PFAS and other environmental contaminants among the US ski and snowboard community. Efforts are needed to reduce these exposures through changes to wax use patterns and broader adoption of exposure reduction strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Diane Gilbert-Diamond
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Birgit Claus Henn
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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