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Pálešová N, Řiháčková K, Kuta J, Pindur A, Šebejová L, Čupr P. Internal Flames: Metal(loid) Exposure Linked to Alteration of the Lipid Profile in Czech Male Firefighters (CELSPAC-FIREexpo Study). ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY LETTERS 2024; 11:679-686. [PMID: 39006815 PMCID: PMC11238583 DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Increased wildfire activity increases the demands on fire rescue services and firefighters' contact with harmful chemicals. This study aimed to determine firefighters' exposure to toxic metal(loid)s and its association with the lipid profile. CELSPAC-FIREexpo study participants (including 110 firefighters) provided urine and blood samples to quantify urinary levels of metal(loid)s (arsenic, cadmium (Cd), mercury, and lead (Pb)), and serum lipid biomarkers (cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides (TG)). The associations were investigated by using multiple linear regression and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression. Higher levels of Pb were observed in firefighters. Pb was positively associated with CHOL and TG. Cd was negatively associated with HDL. In the BWQS model, the mixture of metal(loid)s was associated positively with CHOL (β = 14.75, 95% CrI = 2.45-29.08), LDL (β = 15.14, 95% CrI = 3.39-29.35), and TG (β = 14.79, 95% CrI = 0.73-30.42), while negatively with HDL (β = -14.96, 95% CrI = -25.78 to -1.8). Pb emerged as a key component in a metal(loid) mixture. The results suggest that higher exposure to lead and the mixture of metal(loid)s is associated with the alteration of the lipid profile, which can result in an unfavorable cardiometabolic profile, especially in occupationally exposed firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pálešová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarína Řiháčková
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kuta
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Pindur
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
- Training Centre of Fire Rescue Service, Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Ministry of the Interior, Trnkova 85, 628 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Šebejová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Čupr
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00 Brno, Czech Republic
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Schlezinger JJ, Gokce N. Perfluoroalkyl/Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Links to Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Circ Res 2024; 134:1136-1159. [PMID: 38662859 PMCID: PMC11047059 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.124.323697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Conservative estimates by the World Health Organization suggest that at least a quarter of global cardiovascular diseases are attributable to environmental exposures. Associations between air pollution and cardiovascular risk have garnered the most headlines and are strong, but less attention has been paid to other omnipresent toxicants in our ecosystem. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are man-made chemicals that are extensively used in industrial and consumer products worldwide and in aqueous film-forming foam utilized in firefighting. As such, our exposure to PFAS is essentially ubiquitous. Given the long half-lives of these degradation-resistant chemicals, virtually, all people are carrying a body burden of PFAS. Health concerns related to PFAS are growing such that the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine has recommended standards for clinical follow-up of individuals with high PFAS blood levels, including prioritizing screening for dyslipidemia. The link between PFAS and dyslipidemia has been extensively investigated, and evidence for associations is compelling. However, dyslipidemia is not the only cardiovascular risk factor with which PFAS is associated. Here, we review the epidemiological evidence for links between PFAS of concern identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including overweight/obesity, glucose intolerance, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia. Moreover, we review the potential connections of PFAS with vascular disease and atherosclerosis. While observational data support associations between the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine PFAS and selected cardiac risk factors, additional research is needed to establish causation and better understand how exposure to PFAS leads to the development of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Noyan Gokce
- Evans Department of Medicine and Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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3
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Nematollahi AJ, Fisher JM, Furlong MA, Beamer PI, Goodrich JM, Graber JM, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Beitel SC, Littau SR, Gulotta JJ, Wallentine DD, Burgess JL. Comparison of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations in Incumbent and Recruit Firefighters and Longitudinal Assessment in Recruits. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:202-211. [PMID: 38013397 PMCID: PMC10916718 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Firefighters are occupationally exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study objective was to compare serum PFAS concentrations in incumbent and recruit firefighters and evaluate temporal trends among recruits. METHODS Serum PFAS concentrations were measured in 99 incumbent and 55 recruit firefighters at enrollment in 2015-2016, with follow-up 20 to 37 months later for recruits. Linear and logistic regression and linear mixed-effects models were used for analyses. Fireground exposure impact on PFAS concentrations was investigated using adjusted linear and logistic regression models. RESULTS Incumbents had lower n-PFOA and PFNA than recruits and most PFAS significantly decreased over time among male recruits. No significant links were found between cumulative fireground exposures and PFAS concentrations. CONCLUSIONS Serum PFAS concentrations were not increased in incumbent firefighters compared with recruits and were not associated with cumulative fireground exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J. Nematollahi
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Julia M. Fisher
- BIO5 Institute, Statistics Consulting Laboratory, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Melissa A. Furlong
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Paloma I. Beamer
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Jaclyn M. Goodrich
- University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Judith M. Graber
- School of Public Health, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shawn C. Beitel
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sally R. Littau
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Jefferey L. Burgess
- Environmental Health Sciences, Mel and Enid Zuckerman School of Public Health, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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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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Zhu Y, Pan X, Jia Y, Yang X, Song X, Ding J, Zhong W, Feng J, Zhu L. Exploring Route-Specific Pharmacokinetics of PFAS in Mice by Coupling in Vivo Tests and Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic Models. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:127012. [PMID: 38088889 PMCID: PMC10718298 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral ingestion, inhalation, and skin contact are important exposure routes for humans to uptake per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, nasal and dermal exposure to PFAS remains unclear, and accurately predicting internal body burden of PFAS in humans via multiple exposure pathways is urgently required. OBJECTIVES We aimed to develop multiple physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) models to unveil the route-specific pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of PFAS via respective oral, nasal, and dermal exposure pathways using a mouse model and sought to predict the internal concentrations in various tissues through multiple exposure routes and extrapolate it to humans. METHODS Mice were administered the mixed solution of perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and perfluorooctanoic acid through oral, nasal, and dermal exposure separately or jointly. The time-dependent concentrations of PFAS in plasma and tissues were determined to calibrate and validate the individual and combined PBTK models, which were applied in single- and repeated-dose scenarios. RESULTS The developed route-specific PBTK models successfully simulated the tissue concentrations of PFAS in mice following single or joint exposure routes as well as long-term repeated dose scenarios. The time to peak concentration of PFAS in plasma via dermal exposure was much longer (34.1-83.0 h) than that via nasal exposure (0.960 h). The bioavailability of PFAS via oral exposure was the highest (73.2%-98.0%), followed by nasal (33.9%-66.8%) and dermal exposure (4.59%-7.80%). This model was extrapolated to predict internal levels in human under real environment. DISCUSSION Based on these data, we predict the following: PFAS were absorbed quickly via nasal exposure, whereas a distinct hysteresis effect was observed for dermal exposure. Almost all the PFAS to which mice were exposed via gastrointestinal route were absorbed into plasma, which exhibited the highest bioavailability. Exhalation clearance greatly depressed the bioavailability of PFAS via nasal exposure, whereas the lowest bioavailability in dermal exposure was because of the interception of PFAS within the skin layers. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11969.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin 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, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Pan
- Beijing Sankuai Online Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Yibo Jia
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Xin 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, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohua Song
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Jiaqi Ding
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Wenjue Zhong
- 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, P. R. China
| | - Jianfeng Feng
- 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, P. R. 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, P. R. China
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6
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Stingone JA, Geller AM, Hood DB, Makris KC, Mouton CP, States JC, Sumner SJ, Wu KL, Rajasekar AK. Community-level exposomics: a population-centered approach to address public health concerns. EXPOSOME 2023; 3:osad009. [PMID: 38550543 PMCID: PMC10976977 DOI: 10.1093/exposome/osad009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Environmental factors affecting health and vulnerability far outweigh genetics in accounting for disparities in health status and longevity in US communities. The concept of the exposome, the totality of exposure from conception onwards, provides a paradigm for researchers to investigate the complex role of the environment on the health of individuals. We propose a complementary framework, community-level exposomics, for population-level exposome assessment. The goal is to bring the exposome paradigm to research and practice on the health of populations, defined by various axes including geographic, social, and occupational. This framework includes the integration of community-level measures of the built, natural and social environments, environmental pollution-derived from conventional and community science approaches, internal markers of exposure that can be measured at the population-level and early responses associated with health status that can be tracked using population-based monitoring. Primary challenges to the implementation of the proposed framework include needed advancements in population-level measurement, lack of existing models with the capability to produce interpretable and actionable evidence and the ethical considerations of labeling geographically-bound populations by exposomic profiles. To address these challenges, we propose a set of recommendations that begin with greater engagement with and empowerment of affected communities and targeted investment in community-based solutions. Applications to urban settings and disaster epidemiology are discussed as examples for implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette A. Stingone
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew M. Geller
- Office of Research and Development, Environmental Protection Agency, RTP, NC, USA
| | - Darryl B. Hood
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Konstantinos C. Makris
- Cyprus International Institute for Environmental and Public Health, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Charles P. Mouton
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, TX, USA
| | - J. Christopher States
- Center for Integrative Environmental Health Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Susan J. Sumner
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - K. Lily Wu
- California Environmental Protection Agency—Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Arcot K Rajasekar
- School of Information and Library Science, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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7
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Christensen BT, Calkins MM. Occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: a scope review of the literature from 1980-2021. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:673-686. [PMID: 36977833 PMCID: PMC10533727 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00536-y] [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: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that have been integrated into a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer products since the 1950s. Due to their profuse usage and high persistence in human serum, understanding workplace exposures to PFAS is critical. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the PFAS exposure profiles of relevant occupational populations, elucidate trends in the PFAS exposure characterization process, and identify major research gaps that remain within the occupational PFAS exposure literature. METHODS A systematic search of four literature databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2021 on PFAS exposure in occupational settings was conducted. RESULTS Of the 2574 articles identified, 92 met the inclusion criteria. Fluorochemical workers were the target population in most early exposure assessment research; however, studies conducted within the last 10 years have evaluated a wider range of occupational populations and settings. The highest exposures were reported in fluorochemical workers, but, in comparison to reference populations, one or more PFAS were elevated in most workers and in most workplaces that were assessed. PFAS was most frequently assessed in worker serum using a discrete analytical panel of PFAS, with earlier studies restricted to a few long-alkyl chain PFAS while more recent studies have included more expansive panels due to more robust methods. SIGNIFICANCE Characterization of occupational exposure to PFAS is limited but expanding. Current analytical methods are not robust enough to fully capture the potential range of PFAS present across different workers and workplaces. While exposures to PFAS for certain occupational groups have been studied in detail, exposure information for other occupational groups with high potential for exposure are limited. This review highlights substantial findings and major research gaps within the occupational literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Christensen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA.
| | - Miriam M Calkins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA
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Mesfin Tefera Y, Gaskin S, Mitchell K, Springer D, Mills S. Temporal decline in serum PFAS concentrations among metropolitan firefighters: Longitudinal study on post-exposure changes following PFAS foam cessation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108167. [PMID: 37651929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108167] [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: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are at a high risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their frequent use of PFAS-containing foams in training and emergency situations. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the changes in serum PFAS levels among firefighters following cessation of their exposure to PFAS-containing foams. The study involved 130 firefighters from the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Services (SAMFS), and serum samples were collected at two time points: baseline in 2018-19 and follow-up in 2021-22. Along with the collection of samples, a survey questionnaire was administered to gather information on firefighters' employment and demographic characteristics. Regression models were employed to assess the association between these factors and the outcome variable (annual percentage change in serum PFAS concentration). The results indicated a decline in serum PFAS concentrations over time, with the main contaminants being perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The median and Interquartile Range (IQR) of total PFAS (∑PFAS) concentration reduced from 21.5 ng/ml (IQR: 11 to 53 ng/ml) at baseline to 15 ng/ml (IQR: 8 to 33 ng/ml) at follow-up. On average, there was an annual reduction of 13%, 7%, and 4.4% in serum concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA, respectively. Firefighters under the age of 55, those who used PFAS in the past ten years, or those who had little to no frequency of PFAS exposure in their previous employment, encountered a significantly higher annual percentage reduction (P < 0.05) in both ∑PFAS and PFOS concentrations. None of the independent variables analysed could significantly predict the annual percentage change in PFOA and PFHxS. This study provides evidence for a declining temporal trend in serum PFAS concentrations among metropolitan firefighters following workplace interventions that involved the removal of PFAS-containing foams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatal Mesfin Tefera
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia; Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Ethiopia.
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Krystle Mitchell
- South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David Springer
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
| | - Simon Mills
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
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Ohayon JL, Rasanayagam S, Rudel RA, Patton S, Buren H, Stefani T, Trowbridge J, Clarity C, Brody JG, Morello-Frosch R. Translating community-based participatory research into broadscale sociopolitical change: insights from a coalition of women firefighters, scientists, and environmental health advocates. Environ Health 2023; 22:60. [PMID: 37649086 PMCID: PMC10466827 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-01005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We report on community-based participatory research (CBPR) initiated by women firefighters in order to share successful elements that can be instructive for other community-engaged research. This CBPR initiative, known as the Women Worker Biomonitoring Collaborative (WWBC) is the first we are aware of to investigate links between occupational exposures and health outcomes, including breast cancer, for a cohort of exclusively women firefighters. METHODS In order to be reflective of the experiences and knowledge of those most intimately involved, this article is co-authored by leaders of the research initiative. We collected leaders' input via recorded meeting sessions, emails, and a shared online document. We also conducted interviews (N = 10) with key research participants and community leaders to include additional perspectives. RESULTS Factors contributing to the initiative's success in enacting broadscale social change and advancing scientific knowledge include (1) forming a diverse coalition of impacted community leaders, labor unions, scientists, and advocacy organizations, (2) focusing on impacts at multiple scales of action and nurturing different, yet mutually supportive, goals among partners, (3) adopting innovative communication strategies for study participants, research partners, and the broader community, (4) cultivating a prevention-based ethos in the scientific research, including taking early action to reduce community exposures based on existing evidence of harm, and (5) emphasizing co-learning through all the study stages. Furthermore, we discuss external factors that contribute to success, including funding programs that elevate scientist-community-advocacy partnerships and allow flexibility to respond to emerging science-policy opportunities, as well as institutional structures responsive to worker concerns. CONCLUSIONS While WWBC shares characteristics with other successful CBPR partnerships, it also advances approaches that increase the ability for CBPR to translate into change at multiple levels. This includes incorporating partners with particular skills and resources beyond the traditional researcher-community partnerships that are the focus of much CBPR practice and scholarly attention, and designing studies so they support community action in the initial stages of research. Moreover, we emphasize external structural factors that can be critical for CBPR success. This demonstrates the importance of critically examining and advocating for institutional factors that better support this research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sharima Rasanayagam
- California Breast Cancer Research Program, University of California, Office of the President, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Ruthann A Rudel
- Silent Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal Biomonitoring Resource Center, Bolinas, CA, USA
| | | | - Tony Stefani
- San Francisco Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Trowbridge
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Cassidy Clarity
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Julia Green Brody
- Silent Spring Institute, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 302, Newton, MA, 02460, USA
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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10
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Pálešová N, Maitre L, Stratakis N, Řiháčková K, Pindur A, Kohoutek J, Šenk P, Bartošková Polcrová A, Gregor P, Vrijheid M, Čupr P. Firefighters and the liver: Exposure to PFAS and PAHs in relation to liver function and serum lipids (CELSPAC-FIREexpo study). Int J Hyg Environ Health 2023; 252:114215. [PMID: 37418783 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Firefighting is one of the most hazardous occupations due to exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Such exposure is suspected to affect the cardiometabolic profile, e.g., liver function and serum lipids. However, only a few studies have investigated the impact of this specific exposure among firefighters. METHODS Men included in the CELSPAC-FIREexpo study were professional firefighters (n = 52), newly recruited firefighters in training (n = 58), and controls (n = 54). They completed exposure questionnaires and provided 1-3 samples of urine and blood during the 11-week study period to allow assessment of their exposure to PFAS (6 compounds) and PAHs (6 compounds), and to determine biomarkers of liver function (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin (BIL)) and levels of serum lipids (total cholesterol (CHOL), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides (TG)). The associations between biomarkers were investigated both cross-sectionally using multiple linear regression (MLR) and Bayesian weighted quantile sum (BWQS) regression and prospectively using MLR. The models were adjusted for potential confounders and false discovery rate correction was applied to account for multiplicity. RESULTS A positive association between exposure to PFAS and PAH mixture and BIL (β = 28.6%, 95% CrI = 14.6-45.7%) was observed by the BWQS model. When the study population was stratified, in professional firefighters and controls the mixture showed a positive association with CHOL (β = 29.5%, CrI = 10.3-53.6%) and LDL (β = 26.7%, CrI = 8.3-48.5%). No statistically significant associations with individual compounds were detected using MLR. CONCLUSIONS This study investigated the associations between exposure to PFAS and PAHs and biomarkers of cardiometabolic health in the Czech men, including firefighters. The results suggest that higher exposure to a mixture of these compounds is associated with an increase in BIL and the alteration of serum lipids, which can result in an unfavourable cardiometabolic profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Pálešová
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Léa Maitre
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nikos Stratakis
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Katarína Řiháčková
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Aleš Pindur
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic; Faculty of Sports Studies, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Czech Republic; Training Centre of Fire Rescue Service, Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic, Ministry of the Interior, Trnkova 85, 628 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Kohoutek
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šenk
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Petr Gregor
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martine Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pavel Čupr
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kamenice 753/5, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Ocampos MS, Leite LCS, de Pádua Melo ES, de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães R, Oliveira RJ, de Cássia Freitas K, Hiane PA, Karuppusamy A, do Nascimento VA. Indirect Methods to Determine the Risk of Damage to the Health of Firefighters and Children Due to Exposure to Smoke Emission from Burning Wood/Coal in a Controlled Environment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20085607. [PMID: 37107889 PMCID: PMC10139234 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20085607] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
People are constantly exposed to particulate matter and chemicals released during fires. However, there are still few studies on gas and particulate emissions related to exposure to burning firewood and charcoal during forest fires, making it difficult to understand the effects on the health of the population. The objective of this study was to quantify the metal(loid)s present in the smoke from wood and charcoal fires through the deposition of metals in beef topside and pork loin, considering the routes of skin exposure, inhalation, and ingestion, contributing to the understanding of metals in the increase of the risks of cancer and mortality associated with firefighting and children. The concentrations of metals [aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), zinc (Zn)] and metalloids arsenic (As) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP OES) after microwave digestion. Moreover, we assessed the associated risk regarding the elemental intake of these elements through the smoke, using the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), Total Hazard Index (HIt), and carcinogenic risk (CR). All samples had results for HQ and HIt < 1, indicating a non-potential health risk. However, the carcinogenic risks posed by As and Cr via the three exposure pathways (except for inhalation exposure to children and adults, and by Cr via ingestion and inhalation for children and adults) exceeded the standard threshold. In conclusion, continuous exposure of firefighters or children to smoke from fires containing high concentrations of heavy metals such as As and Cr can be harmful to health. The study used animal tissues; thus, new methods must be developed to quantify the concentration of heavy metals deposited in human tissue when humans are exposed to smoke from fires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo Sampaio Ocampos
- Group of Spectroscopy and Bioinformatics Applied to Biodiversity and Health (GEBABS), Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Luana Carolina Santos Leite
- Group of Spectroscopy and Bioinformatics Applied to Biodiversity and Health (GEBABS), Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Elaine Silva de Pádua Melo
- Group of Spectroscopy and Bioinformatics Applied to Biodiversity and Health (GEBABS), Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Rita de Cássia Avellaneda Guimarães
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Juliano Oliveira
- Center for Studies in Stem Cells, Cell Therapy and Genetic Toxicology (CeTroGen), School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Karine de Cássia Freitas
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Priscila Aiko Hiane
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Arunachalam Karuppusamy
- Center for Studies in Stem Cells, Cell Therapy and Genetic Toxicology (CeTroGen), School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
| | - Valter Aragão do Nascimento
- Group of Spectroscopy and Bioinformatics Applied to Biodiversity and Health (GEBABS), Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Central-West Region of Brazil, School of Medicine, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79079-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: or
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Barros B, Oliveira M, Morais S. Biomonitoring of firefighting forces: a review on biomarkers of exposure to health-relevant pollutants released from fires. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2023; 26:127-171. [PMID: 36748115 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2023.2172119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposure as a firefighter has recently been classified as a carcinogen to humans by International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Biomonitoring has been increasingly used to characterize exposure of firefighting forces to contaminants. However, available data are dispersed and information on the most relevant and promising biomarkers in this context of firefighting is missing. This review presents a comprehensive summary and critical appraisal of existing biomarkers of exposure including volatile organic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, several other persistent other organic pollutants as well as heavy metals and metalloids detected in biological fluids of firefighters attending different fire scenarios. Urine was the most characterized matrix, followed by blood. Firefighters exhaled breath and saliva were poorly evaluated. Overall, biological levels of compounds were predominantly increased in firefighters after participation in firefighting activities. Biomonitoring studies combining different biomarkers of exposure and of effect are currently limited but exploratory findings are of high interest. However, biomonitoring still has some unresolved major limitations since reference or recommended values are not yet established for most biomarkers. In addition, half-lives values for most of the biomarkers have thus far not been defined, which significantly hampers the design of studies. These limitations need to be tackled urgently to improve risk assessment and support implementation of better more effective preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela Barros
- REQUIMTE-LAQV,Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV,Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV,Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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13
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Iyer S, Kauffman D, Steinmaus C, Hoover S. Biomonitoring California Protocol for Following up on Elevated Levels of Urinary Arsenic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5269. [PMID: 37047885 PMCID: PMC10094481 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to develop and implement a follow-up protocol for Biomonitoring California study participants with elevated levels of urinary arsenic, particularly inorganic forms. METHODS We selected 20 μg/L as the level of concern for urinary inorganic arsenic; samples with total arsenic ≥20 μg/L were speciated. Participants with elevated inorganic arsenic were notified of their level and invited to participate in a telephone survey to help determine possible exposure sources. We illustrate the protocol in four Biomonitoring California studies, which collected samples from 2010-2013 in locations across the state. RESULTS 48 participants in the four studies had elevated urinary inorganic arsenic levels. Consumption of rice and rice-based products was the most commonly identified potential source of inorganic arsenic exposure. CONCLUSIONS Of 48 participants with elevated inorganic arsenic, 27 would have been missed if we had used the previously published threshold of 50 µg/L total arsenic to identify urine samples for speciation. This protocol fills a gap in the clinical literature by providing a more health-protective approach to identify individuals with elevated urinary inorganic arsenic and help determine potentially significant exposure sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoba Iyer
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Oakland, CA 94612, USA
- San Francisco Environment Department (SFE), San Francisco, CA 94103, USA
| | - Duyen Kauffman
- California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Richmond, CA 94804, USA
| | - Craig Steinmaus
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Oakland, CA 94612, USA
- Superfund Research Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sara Hoover
- Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Oakland, CA 94612, USA
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Rosenfeld PE, Spaeth KR, Remy LL, Byers V, Muerth SA, Hallman RC, Summers-Evans J, Barker S. Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in firefighters: Sources and implications. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115164. [PMID: 36584840 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are at risk of occupational exposure to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), most notably from PFASs present in Class B aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Firefighters have been found to have elevated serum levels of long-chain PFASs. Due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the human body and their ability to bioaccumulate, firefighters experience the latent and cumulative effects of PFAS-containing AFFF exposure that occurs throughout their careers. This article summarizes the history of AFFF use by firefighters and current AFFF use practices. In addition, this paper describes PFAS levels in firefighter serum, PFAS serum removal pathways, PFAS exposure pathways, and occupational factors affecting PFAS levels in firefighters. International, national, and state agencies have concluded that PFOA, a long-chain PFAS, is potentially carcinogenic and that carcinogens have an additive effect. From the cancer types that may be associated with PFAS exposure, studies on cancer risk among firefighters have shown an elevated risk for thyroid, kidney, bladder, testicular, prostate, and colon cancer. Thus, exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF may contribute to firefighter cancer risk and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Rosenfeld
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Kenneth R Spaeth
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, NY, USA.
| | - Linda L Remy
- Family Health Outcomes Project, Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Ave. Room MU-337, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0900, USA.
| | - Vera Byers
- Immunology Inc. PO Box 4703, Incline Village, NV, 89450, USA.
| | - Stuart A Muerth
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Ryan C Hallman
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Jasmine Summers-Evans
- University of California, Los Angeles, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. LaKretz Hall, 619 Charles E Young Dr E #300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Sofia Barker
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
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15
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Jung AM, Beitel SC, Gutenkunst SL, Billheimer D, Jahnke SA, Littau SR, White M, Hoppe-Jones C, Cherrington NJ, Burgess JL. Excretion of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and AhR activation in breastmilk among firefighters. Toxicol Sci 2023; 192:kfad017. [PMID: 36856729 PMCID: PMC10109531 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Excretion of toxicants accumulated from firefighter exposures through breastmilk represents a potential hazard. We investigated if firefighting exposures could increase the concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation in excreted breastmilk. Firefighters and non-firefighters collected breastmilk samples prior to any firefighting responses (baseline) and at 2, 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours after a structural fire (firefighters only). Five PBDE analytes (BDEs 15, 28, 47, 99, and 153) detected in at least 90% of samples were summed for analyses. The AhR in vitro DR CALUX® bioassay assessed the mixture of dioxin-like compounds and toxicity from breastmilk extracts. Baseline PBDEs and AhR response were compared between firefighters and non-firefighters. Separate linear mixed models assessed changes in sum of PBDEs and AhR response among firefighters over time and effect modification by interior or exterior response was assessed. Baseline PBDE concentrations and AhR responses did not differ between the 21 firefighters and 10 non-firefighters. There were no significant changes in sum of PBDEs or AhR response among firefighters over time post-fire, and no variation by interior or exterior response. Plots of sum of PBDEs and AhR response over time demonstrated individual variation but no consistent pattern. Currently, our novel study results do not support forgoing breastfeeding after a fire exposure. However, given study limitations and the potential hazard of accumulated toxicants from firefighter exposures excreted via breastfeeding, future studies should consider additional contaminants and measures of toxicity by which firefighting may impact maternal and child health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alesia M Jung
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | - Shawn C Beitel
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | - Shannon L Gutenkunst
- Statistics Consulting Lab, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
- Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Dean Billheimer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
- Statistics Consulting Lab, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
- Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Sara A Jahnke
- Center for Fire, Rescue, & EMS Health Research, NDRI-USA, Leawood, Kansas 66224, USA
| | - Sally R Littau
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | - Mandie White
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
| | | | - Nathan J Cherrington
- Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
| | - Jefferey L Burgess
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, USA
- Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, USA
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Chen Q, Yi S, Ye Q, Zhu Y, Zhong W, Zhu L. Insights into the Dermal Absorption, Deposition, and Elimination of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Rats: The Importance of Skin Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:16975-16984. [PMID: 36419387 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c03181] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Humans are frequently exposed to poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) via direct skin contact with personal care and consumer products containing them. Here, we used a rat model to estimate the dermal penetration efficiency of 15 representative PFASs. After 144 h post-dosing, 4.1-18.0 and 5.3-15.1% of the applied PFASs in the low (L) and high (H) groups, respectively, were absorbed into the rats. PFAS absorption and permeation were parabolically associated with the perfluorinated carbon chain length (CF), peaking for perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA). The lipid-rich stratum corneum of the skin barrier substantially suppressed the penetration of less hydrophobic short-chain PFASs, whereas the water-rich viable epidermis and dermis served as obstacles to hydrophobic long-chain PFAS permeation. However, the renal clearance (CLrenal) of the target PFAS decreased with increasing CF, suggesting that urinary excretion is crucial to eliminate less hydrophobic short-chain PFASs. Notably, the peak times of PFASs in the systemic circulation of rats (8-72 h) were remarkably longer than those after oral administration (1-24 h). These results suggest that dermal penetration can be long-lasting and contribute considerably to the body burden of PFASs, especially for those with moderate hydrophobicity due to their favorable skin permeation and unfavorable urinary excretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaoying 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. China
| | - Shujun Yi
- 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. China
| | - Qingqing Ye
- 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. China
| | - Yumin 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. China
| | - Wenjue Zhong
- 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. 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, Tianjin300350, P. R. China
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Mesfin Tefera Y, Gaskin S, Mitchell K, Springer D, Mills S, Pisaniello D. Food grown on fire stations as a potential pathway for firefighters' exposure to per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 168:107455. [PMID: 35964536 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances also known as PFAS is an ongoing occupational and environmental health problem. This study seeks to characterise multiple pathways for firefighters' exposure to PFAS. PFAS were analysed in 688 environmental samples such as eggs, fruits, vegetables, dust, soil, surface swabs, appliance washes and water obtained from fire stations. Relevant exposure pathways were identified and daily intake levels were estimated using PFAS concentrations and exposure factors relevant to firefighters. Five PFAS including perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonic acid (8:2 FTS) were frequently detected in the samples. Based on the median concentrations in each sample type, PFOS was the most abundant contaminant in eggs (80%), fruits (52%), dust (81%), surface swab (66%), soil (83%) and appliance wash (31%) samples. On the other hand, PFHxS was most abundant in vegetables (77%) and 8:2 FTS in water (58%). The intake estimation results show that dietary exposure from ingestion of foods produced on fire stations was the predominant exposure pathway, representing 82% and 62% of firefighters' total PFAS intake under typical and worst-case exposure scenarios, respectively. Incidental ingestion and dermal absorption of PFAS in dust contributed 15% for typical and 34% for worst-case exposure scenarios. The relative contributions from incidental ingestion and dermal absorption of PFAS in soil and appliance washes were insignificant. Overall, the study identifies multiple exposure pathways relevant to career firefighters including consumption of food grown on fire stations, which has not previously been recognised within the occupational exposure context. The results suggest exposure control strategies that target foods produced on fire stations could substantially reduce firefighters' exposure to PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatal Mesfin Tefera
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia; Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Ethiopia.
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Krystle Mitchell
- South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David Springer
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
| | - Simon Mills
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
| | - Dino Pisaniello
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
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Levasseur JL, Hoffman K, Herkert NJ, Cooper E, Hay D, Stapleton HM. Characterizing firefighter's exposure to over 130 SVOCs using silicone wristbands: A pilot study comparing on-duty and off-duty exposures. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 834:155237. [PMID: 35447169 PMCID: PMC9728008 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are occupationally exposed to an array of hazardous chemicals, and these exposures have been linked to the higher rates of some cancer in firefighters. However, additional research that characterizes firefighters' exposure is needed to fully elucidate the impacts on health risks. In this pilot study, we used silicone wristbands to quantify off-duty and on-duty chemical exposures experienced by 20 firefighters in Durham, North Carolina. By using each firefighter's off-duty wristband to represent individual baseline exposures, we assessed occupation-related exposures (i.e. on-duty exposures). We also investigated the influence of responding to a fire event while on-duty. In total, 134 chemicals were quantified using both GC-MS and LC-MS/MS targeted methods. Seventy-one chemicals were detected in at least 50% of all silicone wristbands, including 7 PFAS, which to our knowledge, have not been reported in wristbands previously. Of these, phthalates were generally measured at the highest concentrations, followed by brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organophosphate esters (OPEs). PFAS were measured at lower concentrations overall, but firefighter PFOS exposures while on-duty and responding to fires were 2.5 times higher than off-duty exposures. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), BFRs, and some OPEs were occupationally associated, with firefighters experiencing 0.5 to 8.5 times higher exposure while on-duty as compared to off-duty. PAH exposures were also higher for firefighters who respond to a fire than those who did not while on-duty. Additional research with a larger population of firefighters that builds upon this pilot investigation may further pinpoint exposure sources that may contribute to firefighters' risk for cancer, such as those from firefighter gear or directly from fires. This research demonstrates the utility of using silicone wristbands to quantify occupational exposure in firefighters and the ability to disentangle exposures that may be specific to fire events as opposed to other sources that firefighters might experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Nicholas J Herkert
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Ellen Cooper
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Duncan Hay
- Nicholas School of Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States.
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Burgess JL, Fisher JM, Nematollahi A, Jung AM, Calkins MM, Graber JM, Grant CC, Beitel SC, Littau SR, Gulotta JJ, Wallentine DD, Hughes RJ, Popp C, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Coleman AD, Schaefer-Solle N, Louzado-Feliciano P, Oduwole SO, Caban-Martinez AJ. Serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in four municipal US fire departments. Am J Ind Med 2022; 66:411-423. [PMID: 35864570 PMCID: PMC9859935 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters have occupational and environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The goal of this study was to compare serum PFAS concentrations across multiple United States fire departments to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants. METHODS Nine serum PFAS were compared in 290 firefighters from four municipal fire departments (coded A-D) and three NHANES participants matched to each firefighter on sex, ethnicity, age, and PFAS collection year. Only Departments A and C had sufficient women study participants (25 and six, respectively) to compare with NHANES. RESULTS In male firefighters compared with NHANES, geometric mean perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was elevated in Departments A-C, sum of branched perfluoromethylheptane sulfonate isomers (Sm-PFOS) was elevated in all four departments, linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS) was elevated in Departments B and C, linear perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA) was elevated in Departments B-D, and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) was elevated in Departments B-D, but lower in A. In male firefighters compared with NHANES, perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) was more frequently detected in Departments B and D, and 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (MeFOSAA) was less frequently detected in Departments B-D. In female firefighters compared with NHANES, PFHxS and Sm-PFOS concentrations were elevated in Departments A and C. Other PFAS concentrations were elevated and/or reduced in only one department or not significantly different from NHANES in any department. CONCLUSIONS Serum PFHxS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOS, n-PFOA, and PFNA concentrations were increased in at least two of four fire departments in comparison to NHANES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferey L. Burgess
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Julia M. Fisher
- Statistics Consulting Laboratory, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Amy Nematollahi
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Alesia M. Jung
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Miriam M. Calkins
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Judith M. Graber
- Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Casey C. Grant
- D&S Research Associates & Engineers, LLC, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shawn C. Beitel
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sally R. Littau
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Popp
- Boston Fire Department, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julianne C. Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alissa D. Coleman
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Simi O. Oduwole
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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20
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Nilsson S, Smurthwaite K, Aylward LL, Kay M, Toms LM, King L, Marrington S, Hobson P, Barnes C, Rotander A, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Braeunig J. Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in firefighters: Study design and lessons learned from stakeholder and participant engagement. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113966. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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21
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Gasiorowski R, Forbes MK, Silver G, Krastev Y, Hamdorf B, Lewis B, Tisbury M, Cole-Sinclair M, Lanphear BP, Klein RA, Holmes N, Taylor MP. Effect of Plasma and Blood Donations on Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Firefighters in Australia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e226257. [PMID: 35394514 PMCID: PMC8994130 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.6257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Elevated levels of blood perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been associated with a range of adverse health outcomes. Firefighters have been exposed to PFASs in firefighting foams and have previously been shown to have higher PFAS levels in blood samples than the general population. No interventions have been shown to reduce PFAS levels. Objective To examine the effect of blood or plasma donations on PFAS levels in firefighters in Australia. Design, Setting, and Participants This 52-week, open-label, randomized clinical trial enrolled participants from May 23 to August 23, 2019. Participants were 285 Fire Rescue Victoria staff or contractors with serum levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) of 5 ng/mL or more who were eligible to donate blood, had not donated blood in the 3 months prior to randomization, and were able to provide written informed consent. Analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis from May to July 2021. Interventions Firefighters with baseline PFOS levels of 5 ng/mL or more were randomly assigned to donate plasma every 6 weeks for 12 months, donate blood every 12 weeks for 12 months, or be observed only. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary end points were changes in the serum PFOS and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) levels after 12 months of plasma or blood donations or after observation only. Secondary end points included changes in serum PFAS levels from week 52 to week 64, changes in other PFASs, and changes in complete blood count, biochemistry, thyroid function, and lipid profile from screening to week 52. Results A total of 285 firefighters (279 men [97.9%]; mean [SD] age, 53.0 [8.4] years) were enrolled; 95 were randomly assigned to donate plasma, 95 were randomly assigned to donate blood, and 95 were randomly assigned to be observed. The mean level of PFOS at 12 months was significantly reduced by plasma donation (-2.9 ng/mL; 95% CI, -3.6 to -2.3 ng/mL; P < .001) and blood donation (-1.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, -1.5 to -0.7 ng/mL; P < .001) but was unchanged in the observation group. The mean level of PFHxS was significantly reduced by plasma donation (-1.1 ng/mL; 95% CI, -1.6 to -0.7 ng/mL; P < .001), but no significant change was observed in the blood donation or observation groups. Analysis between groups indicated that plasma donation had a larger treatment effect than blood donation, but both were significantly more efficacious than observation in reducing PFAS levels. Conclusions and Relevance Plasma and blood donations caused greater reductions in serum PFAS levels than observation alone over a 12-month period. Further research is needed to evaluate the clinical implications of these findings. Trial Registration anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12619000204145.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Gasiorowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Miriam K. Forbes
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Emotional Health and School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gabriel Silver
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yordanka Krastev
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brenton Hamdorf
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Now with Research, Innovation & Enterprise, Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barry Lewis
- High Consequence Chemical Response Capability Project, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Merrole Cole-Sinclair
- Laboratory Haematology Department, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roger A. Klein
- Retired, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Christian Regenhard Center for Emergency Response Studies, City University of New York, New York
| | - Nigel Holmes
- Incident Response Unit, Environmental Services and Regulation, Queensland Department of Environment and Science, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark Patrick Taylor
- Environment Protection Authority Victoria, EPA Science, Centre for Applied Sciences, Macleod, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Engineering, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Su S, Jones PD, Raine JC, Yang Z, Gong Y, Xie Y, Tang J, Wang C, Zhao X, Giesy JP. Absorption and elimination of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances substitutes in salmonid species after pre-fertilization exposure. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 814:152547. [PMID: 34952081 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.152547] [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: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to their relatively large production and few restrictions on uses, novel substitutes for historically used per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are being used and accumulating in the environment. However, due to a lack of information on their toxicological properties their hazards and risks are hard to estimate. Before fertilization, oocytes of two salmonid species, Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus) and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), were exposed to three PFAS substances used as substitutes for traditional PFAS, PFBA, PFBS or GenX or two archetypical, historically used, longer-chain PFAS, PFOA and PFOS. Exposed oocytes were subsequently fertilized, incubated and were sampled during several developmental stages, until swim-up. All five PFAS were accumulated into egg yolks with similar absorption rates, and their concentrations in egg yolks were less than respective concentrations in/on egg chorions. Rapid elimination of the five PFAS was observed during the first 3 days after fertilization. Thereafter, amounts of PFOS and PFOA were stable until swim-up, while PFBA, PFBS and GenX were further eliminated during development from one month after the fertilization to swim-up. In these two salmonid species, PFBA, PFBS and GenX were eliminated faster than were PFOS or PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Su
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Paul D Jones
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5C8, Canada.
| | - Jason C Raine
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Zilin Yang
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Yufeng Gong
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Jie Tang
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Chao Wang
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Xiaoli Zhao
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - John P Giesy
- Toxicology Centre, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B3, Canada; Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada; Department of Environmental Sciences, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, United States
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23
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Stolpman D, Williams DN, Solouki T, Harris DD. Decontamination of metals from firefighter turnout gear. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2022; 19:79-86. [PMID: 34871134 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2021.2015071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to many different contaminants during structural fires. Moreover, if their protective gear is not successfully decontaminated, firefighters are at risk of being repeatedly exposed to contaminants from previous fires. Thus, the successful removal of contaminants from firefighter turnout gear is necessary to prevent or reduce repeated exposure risks. Laundering methods can reduce the probability of re-exposure to contaminants, such as heavy metals, thus reducing repeated exposure risks. In this study, the efficiencies of heavy metal removal from the firefighter turnout gear outer textile by Decon7 cleaning solution and a standard reference detergent were compared. Nitric acid digests were used to extract metals from textile samples, which were cut from small sections of firefighter jackets, before and after their laundering with either cleaning solution. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was utilized to determine metal contents, including arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) concentrations. Results from multiplicate samples indicated that, on average, Decon7 was significantly more efficient than a standard detergent in decreasing the concentrations of the five metals studied herein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew Stolpman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Denise N Williams
- Department of Human Sciences & Design, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Touradj Solouki
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
| | - Debra D Harris
- Department of Human Sciences & Design, Baylor University, Waco, Texas
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24
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Muensterman DJ, Titaley IA, Peaslee GF, Minc LD, Cahuas L, Rodowa AE, Horiuchi Y, Yamane S, Fouquet TNJ, Kissel JC, Carignan CC, Field JA. Disposition of Fluorine on New Firefighter Turnout Gear. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:974-983. [PMID: 34961317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c06322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Firefighter turnout gear is essential for reducing occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals during training and fire events. Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are observed in firefighter serum, and possible occupational sources include the air and dust of fires, aqueous film-forming foam, and turnout gear. Limited data exist for nonvolatile and volatile PFASs on firefighter turnout gear and the disposition of fluorine on the individual layers of turnout gear. Further implications for exposure to fluorine on turnout gear are not well understood. Three unused turnout garments purchased in 2019 and one purchased in 2008, were analyzed for 50 nonvolatile and 15 volatile PFASs by liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-qTOF-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. Particle-induced gamma ray emission (PIGE), a surface technique, and instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), a bulk technique, were used to measure total fluorine. Bulk characterization of the layers by pyrolysis-GC/MS (py-GC/MS) was used to differentiate fluoropolymer (e.g., PTFE) films from textile layers finished with side-chain polymers. The outer layer, moisture barrier, and thermal layers of the turnout gear all yielded measured concentrations of volatile PFASs that exceeded nonvolatile PFAS concentrations, but the summed molar concentrations made up only a small fraction of total fluorine (0.0016-6.7%). Moisture barrier layers comprised a PTFE film, as determined by py-GC-MS, and gave the highest individual nonvolatile (0.159 mg F/kg) and volatile PFAS (20.7 mg F/kg) as well as total fluorine (122,000 mg F/kg) concentrations. Outer and thermal layers comprised aromatic polyamide-based fibers (aramid) treated with side-chain fluoropolymers and had lower levels of individual nonvolatile and volatile PFASs. Equal concentrations of total fluorine by both PIGE and INAA on the outer and thermal layers is consistent with treatment with a side-chain fluoropolymer coating. New turnout gear should be examined as a potential source of firefighter occupational exposure to nonvolatile and volatile PFASs in future assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J Muensterman
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Ivan A Titaley
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana 46556, United States
| | - Leah D Minc
- Radiation Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97311, United States
| | - Liliana Cahuas
- Department of Chemistry, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Alix E Rodowa
- Hollings Marine Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Charleston, South Carolina 29412, United States
| | - Yuki Horiuchi
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Shogo Yamane
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - Thierry N J Fouquet
- Research Institute for Sustainable Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 1-1-1 Higashi, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8565, Japan
| | - John C Kissel
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, United States
| | - Courtney C Carignan
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824, United States
| | - Jennifer A Field
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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25
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Trowbridge J, Gerona R, McMaster M, Ona K, Clarity C, Bessonneau V, Rudel R, Buren H, Morello-Frosch R. Organophosphate and Organohalogen Flame-Retardant Exposure and Thyroid Hormone Disruption in a Cross-Sectional Study of Female Firefighters and Office Workers from San Francisco. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2022; 56:440-450. [PMID: 34902963 PMCID: PMC9037981 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.1c05140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Occupational exposures to flame retardants (FRs), a class of suspected endocrine-disrupting compounds, are of health concern for firefighters. We sought to characterize exposure to FR compounds and evaluate their association with thyroid hormone levels, a biomarker of early effect, in female firefighters and office workers in San Francisco. In a cross-sectional study, we measured replacement organophosphate and organohalogen FRs in spot urine samples from firefighters (N = 86) and office workers (N = 84), as well as total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid-stimulating hormone in plasma for 84 firefighters and 81 office workers. Median bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl)phosphate (BDCPP) levels were 5 times higher in firefighters than office workers. Among firefighters, a doubling of BDCPP was associated with a 2.88% decrease (95% confidence interval -5.28, -0.42) in T4. We did not observe significant associations between FRs and T4 among office workers. In the full group, intermediate body mass index and a college education were associated with higher FR levels. The inverse association observed between FRs and T4 coupled with the lack of studies on women workers and evidence of adverse health effects from FR exposure─including endocrine disruption and breast cancer risk─warrant further research on occupational exposures and identification of opportunities for exposure reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Trowbridge
- Department
of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- School
of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Roy Gerona
- Clinical
Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Laboratory, Department
of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Michael McMaster
- Department
of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of
California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
- Center
for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Reproductive Sciences, University of California,
San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Katherine Ona
- Center
for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Reproductive Sciences, University of California,
San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143, United States
| | - Cassidy Clarity
- Department
of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- School
of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | | | - Ruthann Rudel
- Silent Spring
Institute, Newton, Massachusetts 02460, United States
| | - Heather Buren
- United
Fire Service Women, San Francisco, California 94140-0487, United States
| | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department
of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
- School
of Public Health, University of California,
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
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26
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Poutasse CM, Haddock CK, Poston WSC, Jahnke SA, Tidwell LG, Bonner EM, Hoffman PD, Anderson KA. Firefighter exposures to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals measured by military-style silicone dog tags. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 158:106914. [PMID: 34649051 PMCID: PMC8757287 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest that exposure to potential endocrine disrupting chemicals (pEDCs) may contribute to adverse health outcomes, but pEDC exposures among firefighters have not been fully characterized. Previously, we demonstrated the military-style silicone dog tag as a personal passive sampling device for assessing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposures among structural firefighters. This follow-up analysis examined the pEDC exposures based on department call volume, duty shift, and questionnaire variables. Structural firefighters (n = 56) were from one high and one low fire call volume department (Kansas City, MO metropolitan area) and wore separate dog tags while on- and off-duty (ndogtags = 110). The targeted 1530 analyte semi-quantitative screening method was conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (npEDCs = 433). A total of 47 pEDCs were detected, and several less-frequently-detected pEDCs (<75%) were more commonly detected in off- compared to on-duty dog tags (conditional logistic regression). Of the 11 phthalates and fragrances detected most frequently (>75%), off-duty pEDC concentrations were strongly correlated (r = 0.31-0.82, p < 0.05), suggesting co-applications of phthalates and fragrances in consumer products. Questionnaire variables of "regular use of conventional cleaning products" and "fireplace in the home" were associated with select elevated pEDC concentrations by duty shift (paired t-test). This suggested researchers should include detailed questions about consumer product use and home environment when examining personal pEDC exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn M Poutasse
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Christopher K Haddock
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, NDRI-USA, Leawood, KS 66224, United States
| | - Walker S C Poston
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, NDRI-USA, Leawood, KS 66224, United States
| | - Sara A Jahnke
- Center for Fire, Rescue, and EMS Health Research, NDRI-USA, Leawood, KS 66224, United States
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Emily M Bonner
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Peter D Hoffman
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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27
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Abstract
Firefighters are the professional force at high risk of suffering potential health consequences due to their chronic exposure to numerous hazardous pollutants during firefighting activities. Unfortunately, determination of fire emission exposure is very challenging. As such, the identification and development of appropriate biomarkers is critical in meeting this need. This chapter presents a critical review of current information related with the use of different urinary biomarkers of effect and exposure in occupationally exposed firefighters over the last 25 years. Evidence suggests that urinary isoprostanes and mutagenicity testing are promising biomarkers of early oxidative stress. Data indicate that firefighters participating in firefighting activities present with increased urinary biomarkers of exposure. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals and metalloids, organo-chlorine and -phosphorus compounds, environmental phenols, phthalates, benzene and toluene. More studies are urgently needed to better evaluate firefighter occupational safety and health and to support the implementation of preventive measures and mitigation strategies to promote the protection of this chronically exposed group of workers.
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28
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Barros B, Oliveira M, Morais S. Firefighters' occupational exposure: Contribution from biomarkers of effect to assess health risks. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 156:106704. [PMID: 34161906 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Firefighting is physically and physiologically exhausting besides encompassing exposure to toxic fire emissions. Biomonitoring studies from the past five years have been significantly contributing to characterize the occupational-related health effects in this group of professionals and to improve risk assessment. Therefore, this study gathers and critically discusses the most characterized biomarkers of effect (oxidative stress, DNA and protein damage, stress hormones, inflammation, and vascular, lung, and liver injury), including those potentially more promising to be explored in future studies, and their relation with health outcomes. Various studies proved an association between exposures to fire emissions and/or heat and significantly altered values of biomarkers of inflammation (soluble adhesion molecules, tumor necrosis factor, interleukins, and leucocyte count), vascular damage and tissue injury (pentraxin-3, vascular endothelial growth factor, and cardiac troponin T) in firefighting forces. Moreover, preliminary data of DNA damage in blood, urinary mutagenicity and 8-isoprostaglandin in exhaled breath condensate suggest that these biomarkers of oxidative stress should be further explored. However, most of the reported studies are based on cross-sectional designs, which limit full identification and characterization of the risk factors and their association with development of work-related diseases. Broader studies based on longitudinal designs and strongly supported by the analysis of several types of biomarkers in different biological fluids are further required to gain deeper insights into the firefighters occupational related health hazards and contribute to implementation of new or improved surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bela Barros
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto
| | - Marta Oliveira
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto
| | - Simone Morais
- REQUIMTE-LAQV, Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 431, 4249-015 Porto.
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Young AS, Sparer-Fine EH, Pickard HM, Sunderland EM, Peaslee GF, Allen JG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and total fluorine in fire station dust. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:930-942. [PMID: 33542478 PMCID: PMC8339150 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4700 fluorinated compounds used in industry and consumer products. Studies have highlighted the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) as an exposure source for firefighters, but little is known about PFAS occurrence inside fire stations, where firefighters spend most of their shifts. In this study, we aimed to characterize PFAS concentrations and sources inside fire stations. We measured 24 PFAS (using LC-MS/MS) and total fluorine (using particle-induced gamma ray emission) in dust from multiple rooms of 15 Massachusetts stations, many of which (60%) no longer use PFAS-containing AFFF at all and the rest of which only use it very rarely. Compared to station living rooms, turnout gear locker rooms had higher dust levels of total fluorine (p < 0.0001) and three PFAS: perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDoDA) (p < 0.05). These PFAS were also found on six wipes of station turnout gear. By contrast, the dominant PFAS in living rooms was N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA), a precursor to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) that still persists despite phase-outs almost two decades ago. The Σ24 PFAS accounted for less than 2% of fluorine in dust (n = 39), suggesting the potential presence of unknown PFAS. Turnout gear may be an important PFAS source in stations due to intentional additives and/or contamination from firefighting activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Young
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Clarity C, Trowbridge J, Gerona R, Ona K, McMaster M, Bessonneau V, Rudel R, Buren H, Morello-Frosch R. Associations between polyfluoroalkyl substance and organophosphate flame retardant exposures and telomere length in a cohort of women firefighters and office workers in San Francisco. Environ Health 2021; 20:97. [PMID: 34454526 PMCID: PMC8403436 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00778-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental chemical exposures can affect telomere length, which in turn has been associated with adverse health outcomes including cancer. Firefighters are occupationally exposed to many hazardous chemicals and have higher rates of certain cancers. As a potential biomarker of effect, we assessed associations between chemical exposures and telomere length in women firefighters and office workers from San Francisco, CA. METHODS We measured serum concentrations of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), urinary metabolites of flame retardants, including organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes in women firefighters (N = 84) and office workers (N = 79) who participated in the 2014-15 Women Workers Biomonitoring Collaborative. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between chemical exposures and telomere length. RESULTS Regression results revealed significant positive associations between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and telomere length and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and telomere length among the whole cohort. Models stratified by occupation showed stronger and more significant associations among firefighters as compared to office workers. Among firefighters in models adjusted for age, we found positive associations between telomere length and log-transformed PFOA (β (95%CI) = 0.57(0.12, 1.02)), PFOS (0.44 (0.05, 0.83)), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (0.43 (0.02, 0.84)). Modeling PFAS as categories of exposure showed significant associations between perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and telomere length among firefighters. Significant associations between OPFR metabolites and telomere length were seen for bis (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) and telomere length among office workers (0.21(0.03, 0.40)) and bis (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) and telomere length among firefighters (- 0.14(- 0.28, - 0.01)). For OPFRs, the difference in the direction of effect by occupational group may be due to the disparate detection frequencies and concentrations of exposure between the two groups and/or potential unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest positive associations between PFAS and telomere length in women workers, with larger effects seen among firefighters as compared to office workers. The OPFR metabolites BDCPP and BCEP are also associated with telomere length in firefighters and office workers. Associations between chemical exposures and telomere length reported here and by others suggest mechanisms by which these chemicals may affect carcinogenesis and other adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy Clarity
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Trowbridge
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Roy Gerona
- Department of Obstetrics, Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Lab, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Ona
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Michael McMaster
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Bessonneau
- Silent Spring Institute, Newton, MA, USA
- Univ. Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de Recherche en Santé, Environnement et Travail) - UMR_S 1085, F-35000, Rennes, France
| | | | | | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management University of California, 130 Mulford Hall, 94720, Berkeley, CA, USA.
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance and Cardio Metabolic Markers in Firefighters. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 62:1076-1081. [PMID: 33105404 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate if serum polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were associated with cardiometabolic markers. METHODS Serum PFAS were evaluated in 38 Arizona firefighters and 49 participants from the 2009 to 2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Cardiometabolic markers including carotid intima-medial thickness (CIMT) were measured in the firefighters. RESULTS Firefighters had elevated perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) and lower perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) compared to NHANES participants; for nine of the other 12 PFAS the values were not significantly different. There were significant negative associations among firefighters between perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA) and total cholesterol and PFUA and interleukin-6. PFAS concentrations were not associated with CIMT. CONCLUSION PFHxS levels were elevated in firefighters compared to NHANES subjects. Serum PFAS concentrations were not associated with increased cardiometabolic risk measures in this population of firefighters.
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McDonough CA, Ward C, Hu Q, Vance S, Higgins CP, DeWitt JC. Immunotoxicity of an Electrochemically Fluorinated Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. Toxicol Sci 2021; 178:104-114. [PMID: 32898269 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfaa138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) are complex per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS)-containing mixtures used extensively as fire suppressants. AFFF-impacted groundwater and surface water have contaminated drinking water with PFASs in many communities, raising concerns about health effects from drinking water exposures. As individual PFASs have been identified as immune hazards, the immunotoxicity of complex PFAS mixtures is also a concern. Adult female and male C57BL/6 mice were given a commercial AFFF formulation for 10 days via gavage; administered dose was based on combined content of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) measured in the formulation (0, 1.88, 3.75, 7.5, or 10 mg PFOS+PFOA/kg body weight). A PFOA positive control of 7.5 mg/kg body weight was also given. Compared with the 0 mg/kg group, the following changes were noted: Body weights of males exposed to 7.5 and 10 mg PFOS+PFOA/kg were reduced by 15%, on average; female body weights did not differ. Average relative liver weights were increased 50%-200% in males and 37.5%-193% in females and liver peroxisome proliferation was increased 2- to 12-fold in all doses of both sexes. Antigen-specific antibody production was suppressed, on average, by 13% in males and by 12.4% in females across all doses. Spleen cellularity and lymphocyte subpopulations did not differ by dose for either sex. Our data indicate that though this complex PFAS mixture contained fairly low PFOA content, it induced changes in C57BL/6 mice similar to changes induced by PFOA alone, likely due to the presence of PFOS and many other PFASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A McDonough
- Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401.,Department of Civil Engineering, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794
| | - Chastity Ward
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Qing Hu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Samuel Vance
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
| | - Christopher P Higgins
- Civil & Environmental Engineering Department, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado 80401
| | - Jamie C DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina 27834
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Alharthy SA, Hardej D. The role of transcription factor Nrf2 in the toxicity of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in C57BL/6 mouse astrocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 86:103652. [PMID: 33812015 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2021.103652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are members of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This study aimed to determine the protective role of Nrf2 against the toxicity of these agents. Nrf2-/- and wild-type astrocytes were exposed to PFOS (75-600 μM) and PFOA (400-1000 μM) for 24 h. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was significantly higher in nrf2-/- than in the wild-type astrocytes. Exposure to 600 μM PFOS and 800 μM PFOA showed significant increases in reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis in nrf2-/- astrocytes as compared to wild-type astrocytes. The GSH/GSSG ratio was significantly decreased in nrf2-/- astrocytes when compared to wild-type astrocytes. Additionally, PFOS and PFOS caused dramatic ultrastructural alterations to the mitochondria. BHT pretreatment in wild-type cells decreased ROS production with exposure to both agents. Results of the present study conclude that PFOS and PFOA are cytotoxic to astrocytes and that nrf2 -/- cells are more sensitive to toxicity by these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saif A Alharthy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, 11439, USA; Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Diane Hardej
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Jamaica, NY, 11439, USA.
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Tarapore P, Ouyang B. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health: Do PFOA and PFOS Increase Risk for Male Infertility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073794. [PMID: 33916482 PMCID: PMC8038605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade synthetic chemicals which have been in existence for over 70 years. Though they are currently being phased out, their persistence in the environment is widespread. There is increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure to health effects, an issue of concern since PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) bioaccumulate in humans, with a half-life of years. Many epidemiological studies suggest that, worldwide, semen quality has decreased over the past several decades. One of the most worrying effects of PFOS and PFOA is their associations with lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men. This review thus focuses on PFOS/PFOA-associated effects on male reproductive health. The sources of PFAS in drinking water are listed. The current epidemiological studies linking increased exposure to PFAS with lowered testosterone and semen quality, and evidence from rodent studies supporting their function as endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system, exhibiting non-monotonic dose responses, are noted. Finally, their mechanisms of action and possible toxic effects on the Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells are discussed. Future research efforts must consider utilizing better human model systems for exposure, using more accurate PFAS exposure susceptibility windows, and improvements in statistical modeling of data to account for the endocrine disruptor properties of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-558-5148
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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Prevalence and Predictors of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Serum Levels among Members of a Suburban US Volunteer Fire Department. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073730. [PMID: 33918459 PMCID: PMC8038206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are ubiquitous pollutants associated with adverse health outcomes. High PFAS levels have been demonstrated among career firefighters; less is known about PFAS levels among volunteer firefighters who comprise two-thirds of US firefighters. METHODS Volunteer fire department members completed a survey and provided blood samples. We calculated geometric means and 95% CIs for PFAS reported by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We compared PFAS distribution and levels among non-Hispanic white adult male study participants to those in the 2015-2016 and 2017-2018 NHANES cycles. We assessed associations between PFAS serum levels and years of firefighting controlling demographics and occupation using linear regression. RESULTS Participant's average age was 46.6 years (sd. 17.1). Perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoA) was detected in almost half study but <3% of NHANES participants; serum levels of PFDoA, perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) were elevated among participants compared with NHANES. Serum levels of both PFDA and PFDoA were positively associated with years of firefighting. CONCLUSIONS Volunteer firefighters may have a different serum profile and levels of PFAS than the general population. Future work in this area should include volunteer firefighters from other geographic locations and assess sources of PFAS exposure.
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Allonneau A, Mercier S, Maurin O, Robardet F, Menguy-Fleuriot A, Luu SC, Louyot C, Jacques N, Jouffroy R, Prunet B. Lead contamination among Paris Fire Brigade firefighters who fought the Notre Dame Cathedral fire in Paris. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 233:113707. [PMID: 33631659 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND On 15th April 2019, the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, resulted in the melting of 410 tons of lead. Four hundred fourteen Paris firefighters were involved. For the purpose of preventive medicine, the level of lead contamination among the firefighters was assessed. This study objectives' were to describe the blood lead levels (BLLs) in the firefighters, to study the influence of some parameters such as the function of firefighters and the decrease in BLLs during the follow-up investigations. METHODS The emission of 138 kg of melted lead from the roof and spire of the Notre Dame Cathedral during the fire was estimated by the National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks. Three categories were defined according to the estimated levels of external lead exposure and fire proximity: high (category 1, n = 170), medium (category 2, n = 151), and low (category 3, n = 93). Two to three weeks after the fire, blood samples to assess the BLLs were taken from firefighters in category 1 (N = 164) and from every female firefighter in category 1 and 2 (N = 4). When the BLL was above 50 μg/L (95th percentile of reference range concentrations for a sample of the French population), it was checked again at one month later (N = 31) and then, if still above 50 μg/L, at six months later (N = 10). RESULTS The geometric mean of initial blood lead level was 31.5 μg/L (CI 95% [27.7-35.9]; Min-Max: 7.0-307.6 μg/L). Twenty-five percent (n = 42) of initial BLLs were above 50 μg/L, versus 10% (n = 16) at 1 month, and 2% (n = 3) at 6 months. The French binding biological BLL limit value (400 μg/L for men and 300 μg/L for women was never exceeded and all BLLs decreased over time. BLLs varied according to the function occupied during the extinguishing of the fire: operators', officers' and those of unknown function. BLLs were significantly higher compared to drivers reflecting their lower distance to fire and fume. CONCLUSIONS The fire at Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, resulted in moderate lead contamination among firefighters. Individual and collective protection measures probably helped to limit the contamination. Nevertheless, an effort could be made to improve the working conditions by rethinking the respiratory protection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Olga Maurin
- Health Department, Paris Fire Brigade, Paris, France.
| | | | | | - Say-Chong Luu
- Health Department, Paris Fire Brigade, Paris, France.
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Wu CM, Song CC, Chartier R, Kremer J, Naeher L, Adetona O. Characterization of occupational smoke exposure among wildland firefighters in the midwestern United States. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 193:110541. [PMID: 33249041 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Wildland firefighters are repeatedly exposed to elevated levels of wildland fire smoke (WFS) while protecting lives and properties from wildland fires. Studies reporting personal exposure concentrations of air pollutants in WFS during fire suppression or prescribed burn activities have been geographically limited to the western and southeastern United States. The objective of this study is to characterize exposure concentrations of air pollutants in WFS emissions among wildland firefighters who conducted prescribed burns in the Midwest. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 35 firefighters (31 males and 4 females, age of 35.63 ± 9.31 years) were recruited to participate in this study. Personal particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure concentrations were measured during prescribed burns. The level of black carbon (BC) in WFS particulates was determined using the light transmission technique, while trace metal composition was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results showed geometric means for PM2.5, CO, and BC concentrations were 1.43 ± 0.13 mg/m3, 7.02 ± 0.69 ppm, and 58.79 ± 5.46 μg/m3, respectively. Although no occupational exposure limits (OELs) were exceeded by 8-h time-weighted average (TWA) exposure concentration observed in the firefighters, a total of 28 personal CO exposure concentrations were above the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) Ceiling (200 ppm) for CO. PM2.5 and CO concentrations were about 2-7 times higher in the Midwest than the other regions. Firefighters who performed holding had higher CO exposure concentrations compared to firefighters who performed lighting (p < 0.01), while lighters were exposed to higher level of BC in the smoke particulates (p < 0.01), possibly due to the domination of exposure by different combustion sources and stages. The levels of trace metals in WFS particulates were well below the corresponding OELs and no task-related difference was observed except for manganese. Our results suggest that wildland firefighters in the midwestern region have higher WFS exposures while working at prescribed burns compared to those western and southeastern United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chieh-Ming Wu
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Chi Chuck Song
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Ryan Chartier
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Jacob Kremer
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Luke Naeher
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Olorunfemi Adetona
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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Hall SM, Patton S, Petreas M, Zhang S, Phillips AL, Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Dust Collected from Residential Homes and Fire Stations in North America. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14558-14567. [PMID: 33143410 PMCID: PMC7939574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has garnered increased attention. Research has focused on PFAS exposure via drinking water and diet, and fewer studies have focused on exposure in the indoor environment. To support more research on the latter exposure pathway, we conducted a study to evaluate PFAS in indoor dust. Dust samples from 184 homes in North Carolina and 49 fire stations across the United States and Canada were collected and analyzed for a suite of PFAS using liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and di-polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid esters (diPAPs) were the most prevalent PFAS in both fire station and house dust samples, with medians of approximately 100 ng/g dust or greater. Notably, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, and 6:2 diPAP were significantly higher in dust from fire stations than from homes, and 8:2 FTOH was significantly higher in homes than in fire stations. Additionally, when comparing our results to earlier published values, we see that perfluoroalkyl acid levels in residential dust appear to decrease over time, particularly for PFOA and PFOS. These results highlight a need to better understand what factors contribute to PFAS levels in dust and to understand how much dust contributes to overall human PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hall
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Bolinas, California, USA, 451 Mesa Road, Bolinas, California, United States
| | - Myrto Petreas
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, 700 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Allison L. Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Heather M. Stapleton, PhD, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
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Clarity C, Trowbridge J, Gerona R, Ona K, McMaster M, Bessonneau V, Rudel R, Buren H, Morello-Frosch R. Associations between polyfluoroalkyl substance and organophosphate flame retardant exposures and telomere length in a cohort of women firefighters and office workers in San Francisco. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2020:2020.11.05.20226183. [PMID: 33173912 PMCID: PMC7654908 DOI: 10.1101/2020.11.05.20226183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Environmental chemical exposures can affect telomere length, which in turn has been associated with adverse health outcomes including cancer. Firefighters are occupationally exposed to many hazardous chemicals and have higher rates of certain cancers. As a potential marker of effect, we assessed associations between chemical exposures and telomere length in women firefighters and office workers from San Francisco, CA. METHODS We measured serum levels of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), urinary metabolites of flame retardants, including organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), and telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes in women firefighters and office workers who participated in the 2014-15 Women Workers Biomonitoring Collaborative. Multiple linear regression models were used to assess associations between chemical exposures and telomere length. RESULTS Regression results revealed significant positive associations between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and telomere length and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and telomere length among the whole cohort. Models stratified by occupation showed stronger and more significant associations among firefighters as compared to office workers. Among firefighters in models adjusted for age, we found positive associations between telomere length and log-transformed PFOA ( β (95%CI) = 0.57(0.12, 1.02)), PFOS (0.44 (0.05, 0.83)), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) (0.43 (0.02, 0.84)). Modeling PFAS as categories of exposure showed significant associations between perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and telomere length among firefighters. Significant associations between OPFR metabolites and telomere length were seen for bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (BDCPP) and telomere length among office workers (0.21(0.03, 0.40)) and bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (BCEP) and telomere length among firefighters (-0.14(-0.28, -0.01)). For OPFRs, the difference in the direction of effect by occupational group may be due to the disparate detection frequencies and levels of exposure between the two groups and/or potential unmeasured confounding. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest positive associations between PFAS and telomere length in women workers, with larger effects seen among firefighters as compared to office workers. The OPFR metabolites BDCPP and BCEP are also associated with telomere length in firefighters and office workers. Associations between chemical exposures and telomere length reported here and by others suggest mechanisms by which these chemicals may affect carcinogenesis and other adverse health outcomes.
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Ceccatelli S, Cravedi J, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, Knutsen HK, Rose M, Roudot A, Van Loveren H, Vollmer G, Mackay K, Riolo F, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06223. [PMID: 32994824 PMCID: PMC7507523 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food. Based on several similar effects in animals, toxicokinetics and observed concentrations in human blood, the CONTAM Panel decided to perform the assessment for the sum of four PFASs: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These made up half of the lower bound (LB) exposure to those PFASs with available occurrence data, the remaining contribution being primarily from PFASs with short half-lives. Equal potencies were assumed for the four PFASs included in the assessment. The mean LB exposure in adolescents and adult age groups ranged from 3 to 22, the 95th percentile from 9 to 70 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week. Toddlers and 'other children' showed a twofold higher exposure. Upper bound exposure was 4- to 49-fold higher than LB levels, but the latter were considered more reliable. 'Fish meat', 'Fruit and fruit products' and 'Eggs and egg products' contributed most to the exposure. Based on available studies in animals and humans, effects on the immune system were considered the most critical for the risk assessment. From a human study, a lowest BMDL 10 of 17.5 ng/mL for the sum of the four PFASs in serum was identified for 1-year-old children. Using PBPK modelling, this serum level of 17.5 ng/mL in children was estimated to correspond to long-term maternal exposure of 0.63 ng/kg bw per day. Since accumulation over time is important, a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was established. This TWI also protects against other potential adverse effects observed in humans. Based on the estimated LB exposure, but also reported serum levels, the CONTAM Panel concluded that parts of the European population exceed this TWI, which is of concern.
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Engelsman M, Toms LML, Banks APW, Wang X, Mueller JF. Biomonitoring in firefighters for volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, persistent organic pollutants, and metals: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2020; 188:109562. [PMID: 32526498 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.109562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals due to combustion, with numerous biomonitoring studies completed that have assessed exposure. Many of these studies focus on individual classes of chemicals, with a few considering a broad range of systemic exposures. As yet, no review process has been undertaken to comprehensively examine these studies. The aims of this review are to: (1) ascertain whether biomonitoring studies pertaining to firefighters demonstrate occupational exposure to volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, and metals; (2) determine and present results of biomonitoring studies; (3) provide any recommendations presented from the literature that may support exposure mitigation; and (4) suggest future study parameters that may assist in providing a greater understanding surrounding the occupational exposure of firefighters. A systematic review was undertaken with regards to firefighters and biomonitoring studies utilising the matrices of blood, urine, semen and breast milk. This yielded 5690 results. Following duplicate removal, inclusion and exclusion criteria screening and full text screening, 34 studies remained for review. Results of over 80% of studies analysed determined firefighters to experience occupational exposure. Results also show firefighters to be exposed to a wide range of toxic chemicals due to fire smoke; potentially exceeding the range of exposure of other occupations. As firefighters may face increased risk of health effects due to the additive, synergistic, and/or antagonistic effects of chemical exposure, all care must be taken to reduce exposure. This may be achieved by considering tactical decisions, increased personal hygiene, and thorough decontamination procedures. Future biomonitoring studies recognising and assessing the range of chemical exposure firefighters face would be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- Fire and Rescue NSW, 1 Amarina Avenue, Greenacre, NSW, 2190, Australia; QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Leisa-Maree L Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Biomedical Health and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Andrew P W Banks
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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Gao S, Jing M, Xu M, Han D, Niu Q, Liu R. Cytotoxicity of perfluorodecanoic acid on mouse primary nephrocytes through oxidative stress: Combined analysis at cellular and molecular levels. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 393:122444. [PMID: 32169814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) such as perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) are toxic, persistent organic pollutants. This study investigated the harmful effect of PFDA on mouse primary nephrocytes and its mechanism at cellular and molecular levels. Cellular results showed that PFDA exhibited nephrotoxicity with decreased cell viability and increased apoptosis. The increase of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and the decrease of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were significant (p < 0.01) when PFDA concentration exceeded 10 μM. Additionally, the molecular results indicated that PFDA bind with Val-A98 in the surface of Cu/Zn-SOD by a 3.11 Å hydrogen bond driven by Van der Waals' force and hydrogen bonding force, which triggered the structural changes and decreased activity of Cu/Zn-SOD. Altogether, the intracellular oxidative stress is the main driver of nephrocyte apoptosis; and the interaction of PFDA and Cu/Zn-SOD exacerbated the oxidative stress in nephrocytes, which is also a nonnegligible reason of cytotoxicity induced by PDFA. This study represented a meaningful method to explore the toxic effect and mechanism of xenobiotics at cellular and molecular levels. The findings have implications for revealing the clearance of long-chain PFAAs in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Gao
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Mingyang Jing
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Mengchen Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Dengcheng Han
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Qigui Niu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, China-America CRC for Environment & Health, Shandong University, 72# Jimo Binhai Road, Qingdao, Shandong, 266237, PR China.
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Trowbridge J, Gerona RR, Lin T, Rudel RA, Bessonneau V, Buren H, Morello-Frosch R. Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances in a Cohort of Women Firefighters and Office Workers in San Francisco. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:3363-3374. [PMID: 32100527 PMCID: PMC7244264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b05490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies of firefighters have shown increased exposures to carcinogenic compounds and elevated rates of certain cancers compared to the general population, yet this research has focused almost exclusively on men. To address this gap, the Women Firefighters Biomonitoring Collaborative created a biological sample archive and analyzed levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) among women firefighters (N = 86) and office workers (N = 84) in San Francisco. Serum samples were collected and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to measure and compare PFAS levels between firefighters and office workers. 7 of 12 PFAS congeners were detected in the least 70% of the study population, and 4 congeners were detected in 100% of participants. In regression models comparing PFAS levels by occupation and adjusting for potential confounders, firefighters had higher geometric mean concentrations of PFAS compared to office workers PFHxS (2.22 (95% CI = 1.55, 3.18)), PFUnDA (1.83 (95% CI = 0.97, 3.45)), and PFNA (1.26 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.58)). Among firefighters, occupational position predicted exposure-firefighters and officers had higher PFNA, PFOA, PFDA, and PFUnDA levels compared to drivers. Women firefighters are exposed to higher levels of some PFAS compared to office workers, suggesting that some of these exposures may be occupationally related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Trowbridge
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
| | - Roy R. Gerona
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Thomas Lin
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Lab, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | | | | | | | - Rachel Morello-Frosch
- Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
- Corresponding author: Rachel Morello-Frosch, , 510-643-6358, Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, 130 Mulford, Hall #3144, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley CA, 94720
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Engelsman M, Snoek MF, Banks APW, Cantrell P, Wang X, Toms LM, Koppel DJ. Exposure to metals and semivolatile organic compounds in Australian fire stations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 179:108745. [PMID: 31546131 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Firefighting is an occupation with exposure to a wide range of chemicals by means of inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact. Although advancements in personal protective clothing and equipment have reduced the risks for acute exposure during fire suppression operations, chronic exposure may still be present at elevated levels in fire stations. The aim of this study was to assess chemicals in air and on surfaces in fire stations, compare this with other indoor environments, and use this data to estimate firefighter exposure within the fire station. Fifteen Australian fire stations were selected for chemical exposure assessment by means of 135 active air monitors, 60 passive air monitors, and 918 wipe samples. These samples were collected from the interior and exterior of fire stations, from personal protective clothing and equipment, and from within the cabins of vehicles. Chemicals analysed included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, volatile organic compounds, metals, and diesel particulate matter. Specific chemicals were detected from within each class of chemicals, with metals being most frequently detected. Statistical analysis by means of Pearson's Correlations and threshold tests were used to consider the source of exposure, and a collective addition risk quotient calculation was used to determine firefighter exposure. The presence of metals in fire stations was compared with findings from global indoor dust measurements. Concentrations across firefighter ensemble, inside vehicle cabins, and within fire stations for chromium (39.5-493 μg/m2), lead (46.7-619 μg/m2), copper (594-3440 μg/m2), zinc (11100-20900 μg/m2), nickel (28.6-2469 μg/m2) and manganese (73.0-997 μg/m2) were in most instances orders of magnitude higher when compared with concentrations measured in homes and offices. Our study suggests that the elevated concentrations are associated with the transfer of chemicals from fire suppression operations. Due to this elevated concentration of chemicals, firefighters may face increased exposure, and in turn increased risk of adverse health effects. Data suggest that exposure may be mitigated by means of increased laundering frequency and increased decontamination at the scene of the fire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Engelsman
- Fire and Rescue NSW, 1 Amarina Avenue, Greenacre, NSW, 2190, Australia; QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
| | - Milena F Snoek
- Centre for Health Service Development, Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI), Faculty of Business, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Andrew P W Banks
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Phillip Cantrell
- SafeWork NSW, Hygiene & Toxicology Team, Hazardous Chemical Facilities & Safety Management Audits, Policy and Regulation Division, Department of Customer Services, Australia
| | - Xianyu Wang
- QAEHS, Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work and Institute of Biomedical Health and Innovation, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Australia
| | - Darren J Koppel
- Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; CSIRO Land and Water, Lucas Heights, NSW, Australia
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Use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foams and Knowledge of Perfluorinated Compounds Among Florida Firefighters. J Occup Environ Med 2019; 61:e227-e231. [PMID: 31045850 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000001566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Xu X, Shang Y, Tian L, Weng W, Tu J. Fate of the inhaled smoke particles from fire scenes in the nasal airway of a realistic firefighter: A simulation study. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE 2019; 16:273-285. [PMID: 30668285 DOI: 10.1080/15459624.2019.1572900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the inhalation, transport and deposition of smoke particles during fire missions are important to evaluating the health risks for firefighters. In this study, measurements from Underwriters Laboratories' large-scale fire experiments on smoke particle size distribution and concentration in three residential fire scenes were incorporated into models to investigate the fate of inhaled toxic ultrafine particulates in a realistic firefighter nasal cavity model. Deposition equations were developed, and the actual particle dosimetry (in mass, number and surface area) was evaluated. A strong monotonic growth of nasal airway dosages of simulated smoke particles was identified for airflow rates and fire duration across all simulated residential fire scene conditions. Even though the "number" dosage of arsenic in the limited ventilation living room fire was similar to the "number" dosage of chromium in the living room, particle mass and surface area dosages simulated in the limited living room were 90-200 fold higher than that in the ventilated living room. These were also confirmed when comparing the dosimetry in the living room and the kitchen. This phenomenon implied that particles with larger size were the dominant factors in mass and surface area dosages. Firefighters should not remove the self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) during fire suppression and overhaul operations, especially in smoldering fires with limited ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Xu
- a Institute of Public Safety Research, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing , China
- b School of Engineering - Mechanical and Automotive , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria , Australia
- c School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering , University of New South Wales , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
| | - Yidan Shang
- b School of Engineering - Mechanical and Automotive , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria , Australia
| | - Lin Tian
- b School of Engineering - Mechanical and Automotive , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria , Australia
| | - Wenguo Weng
- a Institute of Public Safety Research, Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University , Beijing , China
| | - Jiyuan Tu
- b School of Engineering - Mechanical and Automotive , RMIT University , Bundoora , Victoria , Australia
- c School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering , University of New South Wales , Sydney , New South Wales , Australia
- d Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Advanced Reactor Engineering and Safety , Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University , Beijing , China
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Zhou J, Jenkins TG, Jung AM, Jeong KS, Zhai J, Jacobs ET, Griffin SC, Dearmon-Moore D, Littau SR, Peate WF, Ellis NA, Lance P, Chen Y, Burgess JL. DNA methylation among firefighters. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0214282. [PMID: 30913233 PMCID: PMC6435149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0214282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens and have elevated cancer rates. We hypothesized that occupational exposures in firefighters would lead to DNA methylation changes associated with activation of cancer pathways and increased cancer risk. To address this hypothesis, we collected peripheral blood samples from 45 incumbent and 41 new recruit non-smoking male firefighters and analyzed the samples for DNA methylation using an Illumina Methylation EPIC 850k chip. Adjusting for age and ethnicity, we performed: 1) genome-wide differential methylation analysis; 2) genome-wide prediction for firefighter status (incumbent or new recruit) and years of service; and 3) Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Four CpGs, including three in the YIPF6, MPST, and PCED1B genes, demonstrated above 1.5-fold statistically significant differential methylation after Bonferroni correction. Genome-wide methylation predicted with high accuracy incumbent and new recruit status as well as years of service among incumbent firefighters. Using IPA, the top pathways with more than 5 gene members annotated from differentially methylated probes included Sirtuin signaling pathway, p53 signaling, and 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. These DNA methylation findings suggest potential cellular mechanisms associated with increased cancer risk in firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Timothy G. Jenkins
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Alesia M. Jung
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Kyoung Sook Jeong
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jing Zhai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth T. Jacobs
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Stephanie C. Griffin
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Devi Dearmon-Moore
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Sally R. Littau
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | | | - Nathan A. Ellis
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Peter Lance
- University of Arizona Cancer Center, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Yin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Jefferey L. Burgess
- Department of Community, Environment and Policy, Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
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Graber JM, Alexander C, Laumbach RJ, Black K, Strickland PO, Georgopoulos PG, Marshall EG, Shendell DG, Alderson D, Mi Z, Mascari M, Weisel CP. Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) blood levels after contamination of a community water supply and comparison with 2013-2014 NHANES. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2019; 29:172-182. [PMID: 30482936 PMCID: PMC6380951 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-018-0096-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), were detected in the community water supply of Paulsboro New Jersey in 2009. METHODS A cross-sectional study enrolled 192 claimants from a class-action lawsuit, not affiliated with this study, who had been awarded a blood test for 13 PFAS. Study participants provided their blood test results and completed a survey about demographics; 105 participants also completed a health survey. Geometric means, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 95th percentiles of exposure of PFNA blood serum concentrations were compared to that of the 2013-2014 NHANES, adjusted for reporting level. Associations between PFNA, PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS and self-reported health outcomes were assessed using logistic regression. RESULTS PFNA serum levels were 285% higher in Paulsboro compared with U.S. residents. PFNA serum levels were higher among older compared with younger, and male compared to female, Paulsboro residents. After adjustment for potential confounding, there was a significant association between increased serum PFNA levels and self-reported high cholesterol (OR: 1.15, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.29). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Further investigation into possible health effects of PFAS exposure in Paulsboro and other community settings is warranted. Since exposure has ceased, toxicokinetics of PFAS elimination should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith M Graber
- Rutgers School of Public, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Cora Alexander
- Rutgers School of Public, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Robert J Laumbach
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Clinical Research and Occupational Medicine, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Kathleen Black
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Clinical Research and Occupational Medicine, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | | | - Panos G Georgopoulos
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Elizabeth G Marshall
- Rutgers School of Public, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Derek G Shendell
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Donald Alderson
- Rutgers University Biostatistics and Epidemiology Services Center (RUBIES), Rutgers Biological and Health Sciences, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Zhongyuan Mi
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Michael Mascari
- Rutgers School of Public, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Clifford P Weisel
- Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Science Institute-Division of Exposure Science and Epidemiology, Piscataway, NJ, USA
- Rutgers School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Dauchy X, Boiteux V, Colin A, Bach C, Rosin C, Munoz JF. Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in Runoff Water and Wastewater Sampled at a Firefighter Training Area. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2019; 76:206-215. [PMID: 30515647 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-018-0585-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are key ingredients of firefighting foams designed to suppress fires involving flammable and combustible liquids. Such foams are used by firefighters during fire training at dedicated sites. Because PFASs are very persistent chemicals, substantial soil and groundwater contamination has been observed in the vicinity of firefighter training areas. However, very few data are available on PFAS contamination of wastewater and runoff water on such sites. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of more than 50 PFASs in 43 water samples (effluent from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), lagoon, runoff water, and wastewater drained from firefighter training areas) collected from a large firefighter training site, using target and suspect screening. A comparison of the PFAS classes analyzed revealed the overwhelming contribution of fluorotelomers. This indicates that the PFAS emission from the use of firefighting foams cannot be monitored only by measuring perfluoroalkyl acids. Based on the PFAS concentrations measured through target screening, the PFAS mass discharged into the river receiving WWTP effluent and the lagoon was on average 387 ± 183 kg and 56 ± 15 kg per year respectively. Due to the unavailability of standards, it was impossible to take into account the PFASs detected with suspect screening. The present study emphasizes that, above and beyond soil and groundwater contamination, such sites also contribute to the PFAS burden of surface water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Dauchy
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France.
| | - Virginie Boiteux
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Adeline Colin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Cristina Bach
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Christophe Rosin
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Jean-François Munoz
- Nancy Laboratory for Hydrology, Water Chemistry Department, ANSES, 40 Rue Lionnois, 54000, Nancy, France
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50
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French firefighters exposure to Benzo[a]pyrene after simulated structure fires. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2019; 222:84-88. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2018.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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