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Wang Y, Gui J, Howe CG, Emond JA, Criswell RL, Gallagher LG, Huset CA, Peterson LA, Botelho JC, Calafat AM, Christensen B, Karagas MR, Romano ME. Association of diet with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and human milk in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 933:173157. [PMID: 38740209 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173157] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are related to various adverse health outcomes, and food is a common source of PFAS exposure. Dietary sources of PFAS have not been adequately explored among U.S. pregnant individuals. We examined associations of dietary factors during pregnancy with PFAS concentrations in maternal plasma and human milk in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. PFAS concentrations, including perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), perfluorononanoate (PFNA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDA), were measured in maternal plasma collected at ∼28 gestational weeks and human milk collected at ∼6 postpartum weeks. Sociodemographic, lifestyle and reproductive factors were collected from prenatal questionnaires and diet from food frequency questionnaires at ∼28 gestational weeks. We used adaptive elastic net (AENET) to identify important dietary variables for PFAS concentrations. We used multivariable linear regression to assess associations of dietary variables selected by AENET models with PFAS concentrations. Models were adjusted for sociodemographic, lifestyle, and reproductive factors, as well as gestational week of blood sample collection (plasma PFAS), postpartum week of milk sample collection (milk PFAS), and enrollment year. A higher intake of fish/seafood, eggs, coffee, or white rice during pregnancy was associated with higher plasma or milk PFAS concentrations. For example, every 1 standard deviation (SD) servings/day increase in egg intake during pregnancy was associated with 4.4 % (95 % CI: 0.6, 8.4), 3.3 % (0.1, 6.7), and 10.3 % (5.6, 15.2) higher plasma PFOS, PFOA, and PFDA concentrations respectively. Similarly, every 1 SD servings/day increase in white rice intake during pregnancy was associated with 7.5 % (95 % CI: -0.2, 15.8) and 12.4 % (4.8, 20.5) greater milk PFOS and PFOA concentrations, respectively. Our study suggests that certain dietary factors during pregnancy may contribute to higher PFAS concentrations in maternal plasma and human milk, which could inform interventions to reduce PFAS exposure for both birthing people and offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Jiang Gui
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Caitlin G Howe
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Jennifer A Emond
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Rachel L Criswell
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA; Skowhegan Family Medicine, Redington-Fairview General Hospital, Skowhegan, ME 04976, USA
| | - Lisa G Gallagher
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Carin A Huset
- Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN 55101, USA
| | - Lisa A Peterson
- Division of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Brock Christensen
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, The Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
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2
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Wallace MAG, Smeltz MG, Mattila JM, Liberatore HK, Jackson SR, Shields EP, Xhani X, Li EY, Johansson JH. A review of sample collection and analytical methods for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in indoor and outdoor air. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 358:142129. [PMID: 38679180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.142129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a unique class of chemicals synthesized to aid in industrial processes, fire-fighting products, and to benefit consumer products such as clothing, cosmetics, textiles, carpets, and coatings. The widespread use of PFAS and their strong carbon-fluorine bonds has led to their ubiquitous presence throughout the world. Airborne transport of PFAS throughout the atmosphere has also contributed to environmental pollution. Due to the potential environmental and human exposure concerns of some PFAS, research has extensively focused on water, soil, and organismal detection, but the presence of PFAS in the air has become an area of growing concern. Methods to measure polar PFAS in various matrices have been established, while the investigation of polar and nonpolar PFAS in air is still in its early development. This literature review aims to present the last two decades of research characterizing PFAS in outdoor and indoor air, focusing on active and passive air sampling and analytical methods. The PFAS classes targeted and detected in air samples include fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamides (FASAs), perfluoroalkane sulfonamido ethanols (FASEs), perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), and perfluorinated sulfonic acids (PFSAs). Although the manufacturing of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) has been largely phased out, these two PFAS are still often detected in air samples. Additionally, recent estimates indicate that there are thousands of PFAS that are likely present in the air that are not currently monitored in air methods. Advances in air sampling methods are needed to fully characterize the atmospheric transport of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ariel Geer Wallace
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Marci G Smeltz
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - James M Mattila
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA.
| | - Hannah K Liberatore
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Stephen R Jackson
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Erin P Shields
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Xhensila Xhani
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27711, USA; Johnston Community College, 245 College Road, Smithfield, NC, 27577, USA.
| | - Emily Y Li
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, Air Methods and Characterization Division, 109 T.W. Alexander Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
| | - Jana H Johansson
- Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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3
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Ragnarsdóttir O, Abou-Elwafa Abdallah M, Harrad S. Dermal bioavailability of perfluoroalkyl substances using in vitro 3D human skin equivalent models. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 188:108772. [PMID: 38810496 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been identified in various products that come in contact with human skin, ranging from school uniforms to personal care products. Despite this, knowledge on human dermal uptake of PFAS is lacking. Thus, the human dermal absorption of 17 PFAS was assessed, for the first time, using in vitro 3D-human skin equivalent models exposed to 500 ng/cm2 PFAS dissolved in methanol over 24-36 h. The distribution of target PFAS is presented, based on three fractions: absorbed, un-absorbed, and retained within skin tissue (absorbable dose). Perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) had the highest absorbed fraction, 58.9 % and 48.7 % respectively, with the absorbed fraction decreasing with increasing carbon chain length of the studied perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) (r = 0.97, p = 0.001) and perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs) (r = 0.97, p = 0.004). Interestingly, while longer chain PFAS (Cn ≥ 9) were not directly absorbed, a large fraction of the exposure dose was detected within the skin tissue at the end of the exposure. This was most apparent for perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) and perfluorononane sulfonate (PFNS) for which 66.5 % and 68.3 % of the exposure dose was found within the skin tissue, while neither compound was detected in the absorbed fraction. For compounds with a carbon chain length > 11, the fraction found within the skin tissue, decreases with increasing chain length. Physicochemical properties played a role in dermal permeation of PFAS, with a clear inverse correlation between logKOW and absorbed fraction for both PFCAs (r = -0.97; p ≤ 0.001) and PFSAs (r = -0.99; p ≤ 0.001). Steady-state flux (JSS) and permeation coefficients (Papp) were determined for target compounds with significant permeation after 36 h exposure (C5-C8 PFCAs and C4-C7 PFSAs). In general, both the flux and permeation coefficient decreased with increasing chain length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Iannone A, Carriera F, Passarella S, Fratianni A, Avino P. There's Something in What We Eat: An Overview on the Extraction Techniques and Chromatographic Analysis for PFAS Identification in Agri-Food Products. Foods 2024; 13:1085. [PMID: 38611389 PMCID: PMC11011820 DOI: 10.3390/foods13071085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of anthropogenic chemicals used in a range of industrial processes and consumer products. Recently, their ubiquitous presence in the environment as well as their toxicological effects in humans have gained relevant attention. Although the occurrence of PFASs is widely investigated in scientific community, the standardization of analytical method for all matrices still remains an important issue. In this review, we discussed extraction and detection methods in depth to evaluate the best procedures of PFAS identification in terms of analytical parameters (e.g., limits of detection (LODs), limits of quantification (LOQs), recoveries). Extraction approaches based on liquid-liquid extraction (LLE), alkaline digestion, and solid phase extraction (SPE), followed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis are the main analytical methods applied in the literature. The results showed detectable recoveries of PFOA and PFOS in meat, milk, vegetables, eggs products (90.6-101.2% and of 89.2-98.4%), and fish (96-108%). Furthermore, the low LOD and LOQ values obtained for meat (0.00592-0.01907 ng g-1; 0.050 ng g-1), milk (0.003-0.009 ng g-1; 0.010-0.027 ng g-1), fruit (0.002-0.009 ng g-1; 0.006-0.024 ng g-1), and fish (0.00369-0.017.33 ng g-1; 0.05 ng g-1) also confirmed the effectiveness of the recent quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method (QuEChERS) for simple, speedy, and sensitive ultra-trace PFAS analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Iannone
- Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, IT-86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.I.); (F.C.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Fabiana Carriera
- Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, IT-86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.I.); (F.C.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Sergio Passarella
- Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, IT-86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.I.); (F.C.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Alessandra Fratianni
- Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, IT-86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.I.); (F.C.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
| | - Pasquale Avino
- Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Food Sciences, University of Molise, Via De Sanctis, IT-86100 Campobasso, Italy; (A.I.); (F.C.); (S.P.); (A.F.)
- Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research, Division of Rome, c/o Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, Via Cristoforo Colombo 44, IT-00147 Rome, Italy
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Thayagabalu S, Cacho N, Sullivan S, Smulian J, Louis‐Jacques A, Bourgeois M, Chen H, Weerasuriya W, Lemas DJ. A systematic review of contaminants in donor human milk. MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION 2024; 20:e13627. [PMID: 38268226 PMCID: PMC10981490 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Donor human milk (DHM) from a milk bank is the recommended feeding method for preterm infants when the mother's own milk (MOM) is not available. Despite this recommendation, information on the possible contamination of donor human milk and its impact on infant health outcomes is poorly characterised. The aim of this systematic review is to assess contaminants present in DHM samples that preterm and critically ill infants consume. The data sources used include PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science. A search of the data sources targeting DHM and its potential contaminants yielded 426 publications. Two reviewers (S. T. and D. L.) conducted title/abstract screening through Covidence software, and predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria yielded 26 manuscripts. Contaminant types (bacterial, chemical, fungal, viral) and study details (e.g., type of bacteria identified, study setting) were extracted from each included study during full-text review. Primary contaminants in donor human milk included bacterial species and environmental pollutants. We found that bacterial contaminants were identified in 100% of the papers in which bacterial contamination was sought (16 papers) and 61.5% of the full data set (26 papers), with the most frequently identified genera being Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus) and Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus cereus). Chemical pollutants were discovered in 100% of the papers in which chemical contamination was sought (eight papers) and 30.8% of the full data set (26 papers). The most frequently identified chemical pollutants included perfluoroalkyl substances (six papers), toxic metal (one paper) and caffeine (one paper). Viral and fungal contamination were identified in one paper each. Our results highlight the importance of establishing standardisation in assessing DHM contamination and future studies are needed to clarify the impact of DHM contaminants on health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sionika Thayagabalu
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Nicole Cacho
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of NeonatologyUniversity of CaliforniaDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Sandra Sullivan
- Envision Healthcare, HCA Florida North Florida HospitalGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - John Smulian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Center for Perinatal Outcomes Research, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Adetola Louis‐Jacques
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Center for Perinatal Outcomes Research, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
| | - Marie Bourgeois
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Henian Chen
- Department of Public HealthUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | | | - Dominick J. Lemas
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
- Center for Perinatal Outcomes Research, College of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFloridaUSA
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6
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Thapa BS, Pandit S, Mishra RK, Joshi S, Idris AM, Tusher TR. Emergence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and advances in the remediation strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 916:170142. [PMID: 38242458 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
A group of fluorinated organic molecules known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been commonly produced and circulated in the environment. PFAS, owing to multiple strong CF bonds, exhibit exceptional stability and possess a high level of resistance against biological or chemical degradation. Recently, PFAS have been identified to cause numerous hazardous effects on the biotic ecosystem. As a result, extensive efforts have been made in recent years to develop effective methods to remove PFAS. Adsorption, filtration, heat treatment, chemical oxidation/reduction, and soil washing are a few of the physicochemical techniques that have shown their ability to remove PFAS from contaminated matrixes. However these methods also carry significant drawbacks, including the fact that they are expensive, energy-intensive, unsuitable for in-situ treatment, and requirement to be carried under dormant conditions. The metabolic products released upon PFAS degradation are largely unknown, despite the fact that thermal disintegration methods are widely used. In contrast to physical and chemical methods, biological degradation of PFAS has been regarded as efficient method. However, PFAS are difficult to instantly and completely metabolize through biological methods due to the limitations of biocatalytic mechanisms. Nevertheless, cost, easy-to-operate and environmentally safe are some of the advantages over its counterpart. The present review comprehensively discusses the occurrence of PFAS, the state-of-the science of remediation technologies and approaches applied, and the remediation challenges. The article also focuses on the future research directions toward the development of effective methods for PFAS-contaminated site in-situ treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhim Sen Thapa
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA
| | - Soumya Pandit
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Rahul Kumar Mishra
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Basic Sciences and Research, Sharda University, Greater Noida 201310, UP, India
| | - Sanket Joshi
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Kant Kalwar, NH 11C, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303002, India
| | - Abubakr M Idris
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia; Research Center for Advanced Materials Science (RCAMS), King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanmoy Roy Tusher
- Department of Biological Sciences, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53233, USA; Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh.
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Zhang X, Zhou X, Chen H, Gao X, Zhou Y, Lee HK, Huang Z. Changes in Concentrations of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Human Milk Over Lactation Time and Effects of Maternal Exposure via Analysis of Matched Samples. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2024; 58:4115-4126. [PMID: 38390687 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c09896] [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: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are potentially related to many adverse health outcomes and could be transferred from maternal blood to human milk, which is an important exposure source for infants during a long-term period. In this study, the maternal blood of 76 women after delivery and their matched human milk samples obtained at 0.5, 1, and 3 months were analyzed by solid-phase extraction method with metal-organic framework/polymer hybrid nanofibers as the sorbents and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-negative electrospray ionization mass spectrometric for quantitative analysis of 31 PFAS. The perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctane sulfonate, and N-methyl perfluorooctane sulfonamido acetic acid (N-MeFOSAA) contributed to more than approximately 50% of the total PFAS concentrations in blood and human milk, while N-MeFOSAA (median: 0.274 ng/mL) was the highest PFAS in human milk at 3 months. The transfer efficiencies for PFAS from maternal blood to human milk at 0.5 months were generally lower, with medians ranging from 0.20% to 16.9%. The number of PFAS species detected in human milk increased as the lactation time went on from 0.5 to 3 months, and the concentrations of 10 PFAS displayed an increasing trend as the prolongation of lactation time (p < 0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xingyan Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Xinyi Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, PR China
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Vera P, Canellas E, Dreolin N, Goshawk J, Nerín C. The analysis of the migration of per and poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from food contact materials using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography coupled to ion-mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC- IMS-QTOF). Talanta 2024; 266:124999. [PMID: 37524039 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2023.124999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Per-poly fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a group of synthetic fluorine compounds used in food packaging materials to repel water and fats. This study assessed the chemical migration of PFAS from different food contact materials, including cardboard, recycled cardboard, biopolymer, paper and Teflon trays, from various markets. Migration assays were conducted using Tenax® as a food simulant, which was optimized by subjecting it to three consecutive extractions with 3 mL of ethanol within an hour. The resulting extractions were combined and concentrated to 0.5 mL using a nitrogen stream. The analysis was performed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with ion-mobility (IMS) quadrupole-time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry, which provided a powerful and novel tool for identifying a library of targets containing collision cross section values (CCS) and increasing confidence in subsequent identifications. Eleven PFAS compounds belonging to the family of perfluorocarboxylic acid, perfluorosulfonic acid and perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetic acid substances (PFCAs, PFSAs and FOSAAs) were found in packaging samples obtained from China, with migrant concentrations ranging 3.2 and 22.3 μg/kg. In contrast, no detectable levels of PFAS were observed in packaging samples obtained in Spain. All trays tested were deemed to be suitable for use as food contact materials due to the fact that their migrant values were lower than 0.025 mg/kg for PFOA and its salts, and lower than a maximum concentration of 1 mg/kg for PFOA-related compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Vera
- Analytical Chemistry Department, GUIA Group, I3A, EINA, University of Zaragoza, M(a) de Luna 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | - Elena Canellas
- Analytical Chemistry Department, GUIA Group, I3A, EINA, University of Zaragoza, M(a) de Luna 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
| | | | - Jeff Goshawk
- Waters Corporation, Wilmslow, SK9 4AX, United Kingdom.
| | - Cristina Nerín
- Analytical Chemistry Department, GUIA Group, I3A, EINA, University of Zaragoza, M(a) de Luna 3, 50018, Zaragoza, Spain.
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9
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Lin X, Xing Y, Chen H, Zhou Y, Zhang X, Liu P, Li J, Lee HK, Huang Z. Characteristic and health risk of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from cosmetics via dermal exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 338:122685. [PMID: 37804905 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
In this work, 45 cosmetic samples were collected from China, and 27 target per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were analyzed by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. PFAS were found in all samples, including the products marketed for pregnant women, and the total concentrations of PFAS measured in each sample were in the range of 4.05 - 94.9 ng/g. Short-chain perfluorinated carboxylic acids were the dominant compounds contributing to over 60% of the total content. Perfluorobutanoic acid, with high placental transfer efficiency, was the major PFAS in cosmetics for pregnant women. Three emerging PFAS, 2-perfluorohexyl ethanoic acid, 3-perfluoropentyl propanoic acid (5:3) and perfluoro-2-propoxypropanoic acid, were also identified in the cosmetic samples at quantifiable levels. Significantly, positive correlations between individual PFAS were observed, indicating that there may be a common source for PFAS in these samples. Statistical analyses suggested that using plastic containers and precursor substances may be potential sources of PFAS in terminal products, and product aging may increase PFAS levels. From the PFAS analysis of the cosmetics, the margin of safety (MoS) and hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated to assess human health risks through dermal exposure by using these products. Although the MoS and HQ values obtained were deemed acceptable, the cumulative effect caused by composite and long-term exposure to these contaminants needs to be given greater attention by health authorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Lin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yudong Xing
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Huijun Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Jiaoyang Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, PR China.
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10
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Ragnarsdóttir O, Abdallah MAE, Harrad S. Dermal bioaccessibility of perfluoroalkyl substances from household dust; influence of topically applied cosmetics. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 238:117093. [PMID: 37683793 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
PFAS are known contaminants of indoor dust. Despite the adherence of such dust to skin, the dermal penetration potential of PFAS is not well understood. By applying in vitro physiologically based extraction tests, the bioaccessibility of 17 PFAS from indoor dust to synthetic human sweat sebum mixtures (SSSM) was assessed. The composition of the SSSM substantially impacted the bioaccessibility of all target compounds. PFAS bioaccessibility in a 1:1 sweat:sebum mixture ranged from 54 to 92% for perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and 61-77% for perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs). Commonly applied cosmetics (foundation, sunscreen, moisturiser, and deodorant) significantly impacted the dermal bioaccessibility of target PFAS, e.g., the presence of moisturiser significantly decreased the total bioaccessibility of both PFCAs and PFSAs. Preliminary human exposure estimates revealed dermal contact with indoor dust could contribute as much as pathways such as drinking water and dust ingestion to an adult's daily intake of PFAS. While further research is needed to assess the percutaneous penetration of PFAS in humans, the current study highlights the potential substantial contribution of dermal exposure to human body burdens of PFAS and the need for further consideration of this pathway in PFAS risk assessment studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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11
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Zhuchen HY, Wang JY, Liu XS, Shi YW. Research Progress on Neurodevelopmental Toxicity in Offspring after Indirect Exposure to PFASs in Early Life. TOXICS 2023; 11:571. [PMID: 37505537 PMCID: PMC10386615 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11070571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental pollutants. There is increasing evidence that PFASs have various adverse health effects, including renal toxicity, metabolic dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and developmental toxicity. PFASs have been found to accumulate in the placenta, and some PFASs can cross the placental barrier and subsequently accumulate in the fetus via the maternal-fetal circulation. An increasing number of studies have shown that early life exposure to PFASs can affect fetal neurodevelopment. This paper reviews the characteristics of indirect exposure to PFASs in early life, the effects on neurodevelopment in offspring, and the possible mechanisms of toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Yu Zhuchen
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jie-Yu Wang
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Shan Liu
- Dongguan Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan 523808, China
| | - Yan-Wei Shi
- Faculty of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
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12
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Martín-Carrasco I, Carbonero-Aguilar P, Dahiri B, Moreno IM, Hinojosa M. Comparison between pollutants found in breast milk and infant formula in the last decade: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 875:162461. [PMID: 36868281 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Since ancient times, breastfeeding has been the fundamental way of nurturing the newborn. The benefits of breast milk are widely known, as it is a source of essential nutrients and provides immunological protection, as well as developmental benefits, among others. However, when breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula is the most appropriate alternative. Its composition meets the nutritional requirements of the infant, and its quality is subject to strict control by the authorities. Nonetheless, the presence of different pollutants has been detected in both matrices. Thus, the aim of the present review is to make a comparison between the findings in both breast milk and infant formula in terms of contaminants in the last decade, in order to choose the most convenient option depending on the environmental conditions. For that, the emerging pollutants including metals, chemical compounds derived from heat treatment, pharmaceutical drugs, mycotoxins, pesticides, packaging materials, and other contaminants were described. While in breast milk the most concerning contaminants found were metals and pesticides, in infant formula pollutants such as metals, mycotoxins, and packaging materials were the most outstanding. In conclusion, the convenience of using a feeding diet based on breast milk or either infant formula depends on the maternal environmental circumstances. However, it is important to take into account the immunological benefits of the breast milk compared to the infant formula, and the possibility of using breast milk in combination with infant formula when the nutritional requirements are not fulfilled only with the intake of breast milk. Therefore, more attention should be paid in terms of analyzing these conditions in each case to be able to make a proper decision, as it will vary depending on the maternal and newborn environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Martín-Carrasco
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - P Carbonero-Aguilar
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - B Dahiri
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain
| | - I M Moreno
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain.
| | - M Hinojosa
- Area of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sevilla, C/ Profesor García González 2, 41012 Seville, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Institutionen för biokemi och biofysik, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Mahfouz M, Harmouche-Karaki M, Matta J, Mahfouz Y, Salameh P, Younes H, Helou K, Finan R, Abi-Tayeh G, Meslimani M, Moussa G, Chahrour N, Osseiran C, Skaiki F, Narbonne JF. Maternal Serum, Cord and Human Milk Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Association with Predictors and Effect on Newborn Anthropometry. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11050455. [PMID: 37235269 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11050455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The understanding of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) health effects is rapidly advancing among critical populations. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess PFAS serum levels among Lebanese pregnant women, cord serum and human milk levels, their determinants, and effects on newborn anthropometry. METHODS We measured concentrations of six PFAS (PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS, PFOS, PFNA and PFDA) using liquid chromatography MS/MS for 419 participants, of which 269 had sociodemographic, anthropometric, environmental and dietary information. RESULTS The percentage of detection for PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS was 36.3-37.7%. PFOA and PFOS levels (95th percentile) were higher than HBM-I and HBM-II values. While PFAS were not detected in cord serum, five compounds were detected in human milk. Multivariate regression showed that fish/shellfish consumption, vicinity to illegal incineration and higher educational level were associated with an almost twice higher risk of elevated PFHpA, PFOA, PFHxS and PFOS serum levels. Higher PFAS levels in human milk were observed with higher eggs and dairy products consumption, in addition to tap water (preliminary findings). Higher PFHpA was significantly associated with lower newborn weight-for-length Z-score at birth. CONCLUSIONS Findings establish the need for further studies, and urgent action to reduce exposure among subgroups with higher PFAS levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Mireille Harmouche-Karaki
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Joseph Matta
- Industrial Research Institute, Lebanese University Campus, Hadath Baabda P.O. Box 112806, Lebanon
| | - Yara Mahfouz
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 1102 2801, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Younes
- Institut Polytechnique UniLaSalle, Collège Santé, Equipe PANASH, Membre de l'ULR 7519, Université d'Artois, 19 Rue Pierre Waguet, 60026 Beauvais, France
| | - Khalil Helou
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmacy, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Medical Sciences Campus, Damascus Road, P.O. Box 115076, Riad Solh Beirut 1107 2180, Lebanon
| | - Ramzi Finan
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, Beirut P.O. Box 166830, Lebanon
| | - Georges Abi-Tayeh
- Hotel-Dieu de France, Saint Joseph University of Beirut Hospital, Blvd Alfred Naccache, Beirut P.O. Box 166830, Lebanon
| | | | - Ghada Moussa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chtoura Hospital, Beqaa, Lebanon
| | - Nada Chahrour
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, SRH University Hospital, Nabatieh, Lebanon
| | - Camille Osseiran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kassab Hospital, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Farouk Skaiki
- Department of Molecular Biology, General Management, Al Karim Medical Laboratories, Saida, Lebanon
| | - Jean-François Narbonne
- Laboratoire de Physico-Toxico Chimie des Systèmes Naturels, University of Bordeaux, CEDEX, 33405 Talence France
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14
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Kaiser AM, Forsthuber M, Widhalm R, Granitzer S, Weiss S, Zeisler H, Foessleitner P, Salzer H, Grasl-Kraupp B, Moshammer H, Hartmann C, Uhl M, Gundacker C. Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and pregnancy outcome in Austria. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115006. [PMID: 37182303 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of persistent industrial chemicals that can harm reproductive health. PFAS levels were analysed to determine the current sources of exposure and possible associations between prenatal PFAS exposure and adverse pregnancy outcome. Samples from 136 mother-newborn pairs recruited between 2017 and 2019 were analysed for the presence of 31 target PFAS in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum, and placental tissue by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer. Questionnaires and medical records were used to survey sources of exposure and pregnancy outcome, including small for gestational age (SGA), fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia (PE), preterm birth, large for gestational age (LGA) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Data were analysed for individual PFAS and sum4PFAS (sum of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) serum levels) in logistic regression analyses and categorical regression analyses. Compared to data from a previous Viennese study in 2010-12, sum4PFAS levels were generally lower. Sum4PFAS serum levels of three women (2.2%) exceeded 6.9 µg/L, a level that corresponds to the recently established tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of EFSA for nursing mothers aged 35 years; in the 2010/2012 study it was 13.6%. The large contribution of unidentified extractable organofluorine (EOF) fractions to total PFAS exposure is a concern. Study site, mean maternal corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), use of facial lotion, and owning upholstered furniture were significantly influencing maternal exposure. While no effect of sum4PFAS on pregnancy outcome could be detected, we found highest placental PFDA levels in SGA births. PFHxS levels in umbilical cord and placenta were highest in preterm births. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship of prenatal PFAS exposure and pregnancy outcome, in particular to confirm whether and how placental PFDA levels may contribute to an increased risk for SGA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas-Marius Kaiser
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Martin Forsthuber
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Raimund Widhalm
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian Granitzer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefan Weiss
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Harald Zeisler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Foessleitner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria; Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital St. Pölten, A-3100 St. Pölten, Austria
| | - Hans Salzer
- Clinic for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Tulln, A-3430 Tulln, Austria
| | - Bettina Grasl-Kraupp
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hanns Moshammer
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Maria Uhl
- Environment Agency Austria, Spittelauer Lände 5, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claudia Gundacker
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Center for Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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15
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McAdam J, Bell EM. Determinants of maternal and neonatal PFAS concentrations: a review. Environ Health 2023; 22:41. [PMID: 37161484 PMCID: PMC10170754 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00992-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used for their properties such as stain and water resistance. The substances have been associated with adverse health outcomes in both pregnant mothers and infants, including pre-eclampsia and low birthweight. A growing body of research suggests that PFAS are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta, leading to in utero exposure. A systematic review was performed using the PubMed database to search for studies evaluating determinants of PFAS concentrations in blood matrices of pregnant mothers and neonates shortly after birth. Studies were included in this review if an observational study design was utilized, exposure to at least one PFAS analyte was measured, PFAS were measured in maternal or neonatal matrices, at least one determinant of PFAS concentrations was assessed, and results such as beta estimates were provided. We identified 35 studies for inclusion in the review and evaluated the PFAS and determinant relationships among the factors collected in these studies. Parity, breastfeeding history, maternal race and country of origin, and household income had the strongest and most consistent evidence to support their roles as determinants of certain PFAS concentrations in pregnant mothers. Reported study findings on smoking status, alcohol consumption, and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) suggest that these factors are not important determinants of PFAS concentrations in pregnant mothers or neonates. Further study into informative factors such as consumer product use, detailed dietary information, and consumed water sources as potential determinants of maternal or neonatal PFAS concentrations is needed. Research on determinants of maternal or neonatal PFAS concentrations is critical to estimate past PFAS exposure, build improved exposure models, and further our understanding on dose-response relationships, which can influence epidemiological studies and risk assessment evaluations. Given the potential for adverse outcomes in pregnant mothers and neonates exposed to PFAS, it is important to identify and understand determinants of maternal and neonatal PFAS concentrations to better implement public health interventions in these populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan McAdam
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | - Erin M Bell
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, Rensselaer, NY, USA.
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16
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LaKind JS, Naiman J, Verner MA, Lévêque L, Fenton S. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in breast milk and infant formula: A global issue. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 219:115042. [PMID: 36529330 PMCID: PMC9872587 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are transferred from mother to infants through breastfeeding, a time when children may be particularly vulnerable to PFAS-mediated adverse health effects. Infants can also be exposed to PFAS from infant formula consumption. Our recent literature-based scoping of breast milk levels reported that four PFAS often exceeded the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) children's drinking water screening levels in both the general population and highly impacted communities in the U.S. and Canada. This work presents a comparison of global breast milk and infant formula PFAS measurements with the only reported health-based drinking water screening values specific to children. METHODS We focused on four PFAS for which ATSDR has developed children's drinking water screening values: PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), PFOS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid), PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid), and PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid). Published literature on PFAS levels in breast milk and infant formula were identified via PubMed searches. Data were compared to children's drinking water screening values. DISCUSSION Breast milk concentrations of PFOA and PFOS often exceed children's drinking water screening values, regardless of geographic location. The limited information on infant formula suggests its use does not necessarily result in lower PFAS exposures, especially for formulas reconstituted with drinking water containing PFAS. Unfortunately, individuals generally cannot know whether their infant's exposures exceed children's drinking water screening values. Thus, it is essential that pregnant and lactating women and others, especially those having lived in PFAS-contaminated communities, have data required to make informed decisions on infant nutrition. An international monitoring effort and access to affordable testing are needed for breast milk, drinking water and infant formula to fully understand infant PFAS exposures. Currently, our understanding of demonstrable methods for reducing exposures to emerging PFAS is limited, making this research and the communications surrounding it even more important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judy S LaKind
- LaKind Associates, LLC, 106 Oakdale Avenue, Catonsville, MD 21228, USA; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
| | - Josh Naiman
- Naiman Associates, LLC, 504 S 44th St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Marc-Andre Verner
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Laura Lévêque
- Departement of Occuptional and Environmental Health, Université de Montréal School of Public Health, 2375 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Office 4105, Montreal (Québec) H3T 1A8 Canada; Centre de Recherche en Santé Publique (CReSP), Université de Montréal and CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montreal (Québec) H3C 3J7 Canada.
| | - Suzanne Fenton
- Mechanistic Toxicology Branch, Division of Translational Toxicology, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA.
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17
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Freire C, Iribarne-Durán LM, Gil F, Olmedo P, Serrano-Lopez L, Peña-Caballero M, Hurtado-Suazo JA, Alvarado-González NE, Fernández MF, Peinado FM, Artacho-Cordón F, Olea N. Concentrations and predictors of aluminum, antimony, and lithium in breast milk: A repeated-measures study of donors. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 319:120901. [PMID: 36565913 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aluminum (Al), antimony (Sb), and lithium (Li) are relatively common toxic metal(oid)s that can be transferred into breast milk and potentially to the nursing infant. This study assessed concentrations of Al, Sb, and Li in breast milk samples collected from donor mothers and explored the predictors of these concentrations. Two hundred forty-two pooled breast milk samples were collected at different times post-partum from 83 donors in Spain (2015-2018) and analyzed for Al, Sb, and Li concentrations. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to investigate the association of breast milk concentrations of these elements with the sociodemographic profile of the women, their dietary habits and utilization of personal care products (PCPs), the post-partum interval, and the nutritional characteristics of milk samples, among other factors. Al was detected in 94% of samples, with a median concentration of 57.63 μg/L. Sb and Li were detected in 72% and 79% of samples at median concentrations of 0.08 μg/L and 0.58 μg/L, respectively. Concentrations of Al, Sb, and Li were not associated with post-partum time. Al was positively associated with total lipid content of samples, weight change since before pregnancy, and coffee and butter intakes and inversely with meat intake. Li was positively associated with intake of chocolate and use of face cream and eyeliner and inversely with year of sample collection, egg, bread, and pasta intakes, and use of hand cream. Sb was positively associated with fatty fish, yoghurt, rice, and deep-fried food intakes and use of eyeliner and inversely with egg and cereal intakes and use of eyeshadow. This study shows that Al, Sb, and Li, especially Al, are widely present in donor breast milk samples. Their concentrations in the milk samples were most frequently associated with dietary habits but also with the lipid content of samples and the use of certain PCPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain.
| | | | - Fernando Gil
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, 108016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Pablo Olmedo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Toxicology and Physical Anthropology, University of Granada, 108016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Laura Serrano-Lopez
- Neonatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014, Granada, Spain.
| | - Manuela Peña-Caballero
- Neonatology Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18014, Granada, Spain; Human Milk Bank, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | | | - Nelva E Alvarado-González
- Instituto Especializado de Análisis (IEA), Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Postgrado, Universidad de Panamá, Panama.
| | - Mariana F Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Francisco M Peinado
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain.
| | - Francisco Artacho-Cordón
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Nicolás Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), 18012, Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016, Granada, Spain; Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, 18016, Granada, Spain.
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18
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Fábelová L, Beneito A, Casas M, Colles A, Dalsager L, Den Hond E, Dereumeaux C, Ferguson K, Gilles L, Govarts E, Irizar A, Lopez Espinosa MJ, Montazeri P, Morrens B, Patayová H, Rausová K, Richterová D, Rodriguez Martin L, Santa-Marina L, Schettgen T, Schoeters G, Haug LS, Uhl M, Villanger GD, Vrijheid M, Zaros C, Palkovičová Murínová Ľ. PFAS levels and exposure determinants in sensitive population groups. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 313:137530. [PMID: 36509187 PMCID: PMC9846180 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.137530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent organic pollutants. The first exposure to PFAS occurs in utero, after birth it continues via breast milk, food intake, environment, and consumer products that contain these chemicals. Our aim was to identify determinants of PFAS concentrations in sensitive population subgroups- pregnant women and newborns. METHODS Nine European birth cohorts provided exposure data on PFAS in pregnant women (INMA-Gipuzkoa, Sabadell, Valencia, ELFE and MoBa; total N = 5897) or newborns (3xG study, FLEHS 2, FLEHS 3 and PRENATAL; total N = 940). PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA concentrations were measured in maternal or cord blood, depending on the cohort (FLEHS 2 measured only PFOS and PFOA). PFAS concentrations were analysed according to maternal characteristics (age, BMI, parity, previous breastfeeding, smoking, and food consumption during pregnancy) and parental educational level. The association between potential determinants and PFAS concentrations was evaluated using multiple linear regression models. RESULTS We observed significant variations in PFAS concentrations among cohorts. Higher PFAS concentrations were associated with higher maternal age, primipara birth, and educational level, both for maternal blood and cord blood. Higher PFAS concentrations in maternal blood were associated with higher consumption of fish and seafood, meat, offal and eggs. In cord blood, higher PFHxS concentrations were associated with daily meat consumption and higher PFNA with offal consumption. Daily milk and dairy consumption were associated with lower concentrations of PFAS in both, pregnant women and newborns. CONCLUSION High detection rates of the four most abundant PFAS demonstrate ubiquitous exposure of sensitive populations, which is of concern. This study identified several determinants of PFAS exposure in pregnant women and newborns, including dietary factors, and these findings can be used for proposing measures to reduce PFAS exposure, particularly from dietary sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Fábelová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - A Beneito
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - M Casas
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - A Colles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L Dalsager
- Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - E Den Hond
- Provincial Institute of Hygiene (PIH), Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - K Ferguson
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), North Carolina, USA
| | - L Gilles
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - E Govarts
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - A Irizar
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biodonostia, Epidemiology and Public Health Area, Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - M J Lopez Espinosa
- Epidemiology and Environmental Health Joint Research Unit, FISABIO-Universitat Jaume I-Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5 28029 Madrid, Spain; Faculty of Nursing and Chiropody, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - B Morrens
- Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Antwerp, Belgium
| | - H Patayová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - K Rausová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - D Richterová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - L Rodriguez Martin
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L Santa-Marina
- Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5 28029 Madrid, Spain; Biodonostia, Epidemiology and Public Health Area, Environmental Epidemiology and Child Development Group, 20014 San Sebastian, Spain; Public Health Division of Gipuzkoa, Basque Government, 20013 San Sebastian, Spain
| | - T Schettgen
- Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - G Schoeters
- VITO Health, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), Mol, Belgium
| | - L S Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - M Uhl
- Umweltbundesamt, Vienna, Austria
| | - G D Villanger
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway
| | - M Vrijheid
- ISGlobal, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain; Spanish Consortium for Research on Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, C/Monforte de Lemos 3-5 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - C Zaros
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Aubervilliers, France
| | - Ľ Palkovičová Murínová
- Slovak Medical University in Bratislava, Faculty of Public Health, Department of Environmental Medicine, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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19
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Mikolajczyk S, Warenik-Bany M, Pajurek M. Infant formula and baby food as a source of perfluoroalkyl substances for infants. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120810. [PMID: 36470453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The present study reports infants' exposure to fourteen perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in infant formula and baby food. First infant milk, follow-on milk and three types of baby food were analyzed: a variety made of fruits and vegetables, a variety with added fish and one containing meat. The mean lower-bound (LB) concentration of ∑14 PFASs was 0.22 μg/kg wet weight (w.w.) in first infant milk and 0.24 μg/kg w. w. In follow-on milk. Lower levels were noticed in baby food, where the mean LB concentration of ∑14 PFASs was in a 0.019-0.025 μg/kg w. w. Range. Perfluorotetradecanoic acid was found to be in the highest concentration both in baby formula and baby food. Dietary intake of ∑14 PFASs (LB concentration) via infant formula was in 0.3-83.1 ng/kg body weight (b.w.) and 0.3-31.1 ng/kg b. w ranges for first infant milk and follow-on milk respectively. The mean dietary intakes of ∑14 PFASs via one serving of baby food were similar for three varieties and were in a 0.46-0.57 ng/kg b. w. Range. Dietary intake of ∑4 PFASs was negligible in regard to the tolerable weekly intake of 4.4 ng/kg b. w. Recently established by the European Food Safety Authority. This preliminary study brings new information on infant exposure to PFASs in Poland. It is suggested that more sensitive methods be used in the future, and since there are many types of infant foods with different compositions of ingredients, more studies should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Mikolajczyk
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - M Warenik-Bany
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - M Pajurek
- Radiobiology Department, National Veterinary Research Institute, National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs (PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs) in Food and Feed, Aleja Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
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20
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Hassan HF, Bou Ghanem H, Abi Kharma J, Abiad MG, Elaridi J, Bassil M. Perfluorooctanoic Acid and Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Human Milk: First Survey from Lebanon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20010821. [PMID: 36613141 PMCID: PMC9819430 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Human milk is the primary source of nutrition for infants in their first year of life. Its potential contamination with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), a group of toxic man-made chemicals, is a health concern that may threatens infants' health. Our study aims to assess the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the breast milk of Lebanese lactating mothers and the maternal factors associated with their presence. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a Micromass Quattro micro API triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was used to detect the level of contamination in 57 collected human milk samples. PFOA and PFOS were present in 82.5% and 85.7% of the samples, respectively, while PFOA levels ranged between 120 and 247 pg/mL with a median of 147 pg/mL, and those of PFOS ranged between 12 and 86 pg/mL with a median of 27.5 pg/mL. The median contamination for PFOA exceeded the threshold set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (60 pg/mL); however, that of PFOS was below the threshold (73 pg/mL). The consumption of bread, pasta, meat, and chicken more than twice per week and that of white tubers and roots at least once per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOA (p < 0.05). No significant association was found between maternal age, BMI, parity, level of education, place of residence, source of water used, and smoking with the levels of PFOA and PFOS in the human milk. Additionally, the consumption of cereals at least twice per week was significantly associated with higher levels of PFOS. These findings call for actions to improve the local environmental and agricultural practices, and the regulations and standards for inspecting imported food. It is important to highlight that the benefits of breastfeeding outweigh the reported contamination with PFOS and PFOA in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein F. Hassan
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Haneen Bou Ghanem
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Joelle Abi Kharma
- Nutrition Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Mohamad G. Abiad
- Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
- LEAF—The Laboratories for the Environment, Agriculture and Food, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107-2020, Lebanon
| | - Jomana Elaridi
- Chemistry Program, Natural Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Beirut 1102-2801, Lebanon
| | - Maya Bassil
- Human Nutrition Department, College of Health Sciences, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
- Correspondence:
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21
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Xu P, Zheng Y, Wang X, Shen H, Wu L, Chen Y, Xu D, Xiang J, Cheng P, Chen Z, Lou X. Breastfed infants' exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: A cross-sectional study of a municipal waste incinerator in China. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 309:136639. [PMID: 36183877 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
A municipal waste incinerator (MWI) in Zhejiang, China, operating since 2008 was completely reconstructed from 2016 to 2019. In 2013, we conducted a cross-sectional study of breastfeeding mothers living near the MWI. We evaluated the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the mothers' breast milk and their infants' estimated daily intake (EDI). To investigate the temporal variations of these pollutants, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 29 mothers in 2019. We assessed the levels of 18 PCB congeners, 17 PCDD/F congeners, and 21 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) congeners in breast milk and estimated the EDI. The mean total concentrations of PCDD/Fs (ΣPCDD/Fs) and PCBs (ΣPCBs) were 81.2 and 4.90 ng/g lipid, respectively, while the toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) levels of ΣPCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (ΣDL-PCBs) were 2.7 and 1.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid, respectively. Compared to our 2013 measurements, the mass concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs and ΣPCBs decreased by 13% and 35%, respectively (3.361 vs. 2.915 pg/g wet weight [ww] and 269.1 vs. 175.0 pg/g ww, respectively). The TEQ-ΣPCDD/F levels decreased by 67% (0.241 vs. 0.080 pg/g ww), but the TEQ-ΣDL-PCB levels increased by 11% (0.046 vs. 0.051 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww). The median concentration of PFASs was 0.250 ng/mL, ranging from 0.151 to 0.833 ng/mL. The infants' mean EDI of total PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs was 17.7 pg TEQ/kg body weight [bw], representing a 20% decline compared to 2013. The average EDI levels of PFOS, PFOA, and PFNA were 5.8, 17.9, and 1.7 ng/kg bw, respectively. A comprehensive comparison of the results with studies from around the world showed that the potential health risks posed by legacy PCDD/F and PCB pollutants were not as grave for mothers and infants living near this MWI, but the emerging PFAS pollutants represented a new cause for concern. MAIN FINDINGS: The potential health risks posed by legacy PCDD/F and PCB pollutants were not particularly serious for mothers and infants living near the MWI, but the emerging PFAS pollutants raised new concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Yibin Zheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Haitao Shen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Lizhi Wu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Yuan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Dandan Xu
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Jie Xiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Ping Cheng
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China
| | - Zhijian Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
| | - Xiaoming Lou
- Zhejiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 3399 Bin Sheng Road, Binjiang District, Hangzhou, 310051, China.
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22
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Abraham K, Monien BH. Transdermal absorption of 13C 4-perfluorooctanoic acid ( 13C 4-PFOA) from a sunscreen in a male volunteer - What could be the contribution of cosmetics to the internal exposure of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)? ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 169:107549. [PMID: 36191486 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a complex group of man-made chemicals with high stability and mobility leading to ubiquitous environmental contamination and accumulation especially of some long-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) in humans. While dietary intake is the main route of exposure, transdermal uptake from cosmetic products usually is considered negligible. However, PFAS are present in a part of these products, and recent epidemiological studies have provided evidence for relevant uptake via this route. The crucial question is whether PFAA in cosmetic products can cross the human skin barrier. A defined amount (110 µg) of 13C4-perfluorooctanoic acid (13C4-PFOA) was mixed into a sunscreen (30 g) which was applied on the whole skin of a volunteer. The plasma concentrations of 13C4-PFOA were determined in serial blood samples taken over 115 days using UHPLC-MS/MS and 13C2-PFOA as internal standard. After application, 13C4-PFOA plasma levels increased continuously, reaching levels of 3, 56 and 118 ng/L after 6 h, 3 days and 10 days, respectively. A maximum level of 132 ng/L was measured 22 days after application, representing 9.4 % of the PFOA level resulting from the volunteer's background exposure (1400 ng/L, equivalent to 1.4 ng/mL). In the following weeks, the levels slightly decreased with an estimated half-life of 1.8 years. The best estimate for the fraction absorbed may be 1.6 % of the dose, using a volume of distribution of 0.17 L/kg body weight. For PFOA mixed into a sunscreen, this experimental approach demonstrates a significant uptake of a PFAA via transdermal absorption in humans. In the past, some cosmetic products contained relevant PFAA levels as contaminants/impurities of PFAS added as active ingredients. Depending on these levels and the use (frequency, skin area involved), it is plausible that this route of exposure has contributed to the internal exposure to PFAA, as already suggested by epidemiological observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Abraham
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Food Safety, 10589 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Bernhard H Monien
- German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR), Department of Food Safety, 10589 Berlin, Germany
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23
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Huang Z, Zhang X, Wang X, Deji Z, Lee HK. Occurrence of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Ice Cream, Instant Noodles, and Bubble Tea. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:10836-10846. [PMID: 35998314 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Food consumption is a significant exposure route to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The concentrations of 27 PFAS in fast food were determined by ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry. In ice cream, instant noodles, and bubble tea, some PFAS were detected, among which perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluoro-n-butanoic acid, and 6:2 polyfluoroalkyl phosphate monoester showed relatively high concentrations. PFAS migrating from bubble tea cups to the food simulant of 50% ethanol aqueous solution showed a difference compared with those migrating into bubble tea matrices. The migration of 27 PFAS to bubble tea samples indicated that long storage time increased PFAS levels (up to 4.8 times) and so did high storage temperature (up to 7.3 times). The hazard ratio, defined as the ratio of the estimated daily intake and the reference dose, was calculated, and it suggests that the total PFAS exposure risk due to consumption of bubble tea should be of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenzhen Huang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoma Deji
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, P.R. China
| | - Hian Kee Lee
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, 3 Science Drive 3, Singapore 117543, Singapore
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24
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Ragnarsdóttir O, Abdallah MAE, Harrad S. Dermal uptake: An important pathway of human exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances? ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 307:119478. [PMID: 35588958 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been produced and used in a broad range of products since the 1950s. This class, comprising of thousands of chemicals, have been used in many different products ranging from firefighting foam to personal care products and clothes. Even at relatively low levels of exposure, PFAS have been linked to various health effects in humans such as lower birth weight, increased serum cholesterol levels, and reduced antibody response to vaccination. Human biomonitoring data demonstrates ubiquitous exposure to PFAS across all age groups. This has been attributed to PFAS-contaminated water and dietary intake, as well as inadvertent ingestion of indoor dust for adults and toddlers. In utero exposure and breast milk have been indicated as important exposure pathways for foetuses and nursing infants. More recently, PFAS have been identified in a wide range of products, many of which come in contact with skin (e.g., cosmetics and fabrics). Despite this, few studies have evaluated dermal uptake as a possible route for human exposure and little is known about the dermal absorption potential of different PFAS. This article critically investigates the current state-of-knowledge on human exposure to PFAS, highlighting the lack of dermal exposure data. Additionally, the different approaches for dermal uptake assessment studies are discussed and the available literature on human dermal absorption of PFAS is critically reviewed and compared to other halogenated contaminants, e.g., brominated flame retardants and its implications for dermal exposure to PFAS. Finally, the urgent need for dermal permeation and uptake studies for a wide range of PFAS and their precursors is highlighted and recommendations for future research to advance the current understanding of human dermal exposure to PFAS are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oddný Ragnarsdóttir
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
| | | | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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25
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Rovira J, Martínez MÁ, Mari M, Cunha SC, Fernandes JO, Marmelo I, Marques A, Haug LS, Thomsen C, Nadal M, Domingo JL, Schuhmacher M. Mixture of environmental pollutants in breast milk from a Spanish cohort of nursing mothers. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 166:107375. [PMID: 35777115 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, with several benefits for both the infants and their mothers. However, breast milk can contain environmental pollutants with endocrine disruption capacity, neurotoxicity and/or potential to alter microbiota. Monitoring breast milk provides information on the current chemical exposure of breastfed infants and, in addition, on the current and historical exposure of nursing mothers. In this study, the levels of a wide range of pollutants were measured in breast milk of Spanish nursing mothers. Target chemicals were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), oxy-chlordane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) (including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)), chlorpyrifos, bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), and a number of toxic and essential elements. Traces of most chemicals were found. A correlation between the levels of some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and maternal characteristics (age and body mass index) was observed, while smoking was associated to higher concentrations of some toxic elements. Higher levels of PCBs were detected in samples from Spanish primiparous mothers compared to non-Spanish multiparous women. Breast milk from low-income mothers showed higher content of DDT and DDE than high-income mothers. Although breastfeeding is clearly beneficial for babies, the exposure to this mixture of hazardous substances, as well as their interaction and combined effects must not be disregarded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquim Rovira
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain; Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Martínez
- Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Reus, Spain; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Departament de Bioquímica i Biotecnologia, Unitat de Nutrició, Reus, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Institute of Health Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Montse Mari
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sara Cristina Cunha
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Jose Oliveira Fernandes
- LAQV-REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Bromatology and Hydrology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Isa Marmelo
- Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisboa, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; UCIBIO-REQUIMTE, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, NOVA School of Science and Technology, NOVA University of Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
| | - António Marques
- Division of Aquaculture, Upgrading and Bioprospection (DivAV), Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA, I.P.), Av. Doutor Alfredo Magalhães Ramalho 6, 1495-165 Lisboa, Portugal; Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Line Småstuen Haug
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Cathrine Thomsen
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Division of Climate and Environmental Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Martí Nadal
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - José L Domingo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Sant Llorenç 21, 43201 Reus, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Marta Schuhmacher
- Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Departament d'Enginyeria Quimica, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Av. Països Catalans 26, 43007 Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain
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Iribarne-Durán LM, Serrano L, Peinado FM, Peña-Caballero M, Hurtado JA, Vela-Soria F, Fernández MF, Freire C, Artacho-Cordón F, Olea N. Biomonitoring bisphenols, parabens, and benzophenones in breast milk from a human milk bank in Southern Spain. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 830:154737. [PMID: 35337871 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human breast milk is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants. Milk from breast milk banks offers an alternative to infant formulas for vulnerable hospitalized neonates most likely to benefit from exclusive human milk feeding. However, breast milk can also be a source of exposure to environmental contaminants, including endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). AIM To evaluate concentrations of phenolic EDCs, including bisphenols, parabens (PBs), and benzophenones (BPs), in samples from a human milk bank in Granada, Southern Spain and to explore sociodemographic, reproductive, and lifestyle factors related to their concentrations in the milk. METHODS Concentrations of three bisphenols [bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol F (BPF), and bisphenol S (BPS)], four PBs [methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), propyl- (n-PrP), and butyl-paraben (n-BuP)], and six BPs [BP-1, BP-2, BP-3, BP-6, BP-8, and 4-hydroxy-BP] were determined in milk samples from 83 donors. Information on potential explanatory variables was gathered using the milk bank donor form and an ad hoc questionnaire. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were fitted. RESULTS Detectable concentrations were found of at least one of the analyzed compounds in all donor breast milk samples and at least five compounds in one-fifth of them. The most frequently detected compounds were MeP (90.5%), BP-3 (75.0%), EtP (51.2%), n-PrP (46.4%), and BPA (41.7%). Median concentrations ranged between <0.10 ng/mL (n-PrP, n-BuP, BP-1) and 0.59 ng/mL (BP-3). No sample contained detectable concentrations of BPF, BPS, or most BPs (BP-2, BP-6, BP-8, and 4- hydroxy-BP). Breast milk phenol concentrations were associated with parity, the utilization of deodorants, mouthwash, skin care products, and cosmetics, and the intake of nutritional supplements. CONCLUSIONS Results reveal the widespread presence of BPA, PBs, and BP-3 in donor breast milk samples, highlighting the need for preventive measures to enhance the benefits of breast milk from milk banks and from breastfeeding women in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Iribarne-Durán
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - L Serrano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - F M Peinado
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - M Peña-Caballero
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - J A Hurtado
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - F Vela-Soria
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain
| | - M F Fernández
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - C Freire
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), E-28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - F Artacho-Cordón
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain.
| | - N Olea
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada (ibs.GRANADA), E-18012 Granada, Spain; CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), E-28029 Madrid, Spain; Department of Radiology and Physical Medicine, University of Granada, E-18016 Granada, Spain; Nuclear Medicine Unit, San Cecilio University Hospital, E-18016 Granada, Spain
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27
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Predicting Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) among US Infants. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19148402. [PMID: 35886252 PMCID: PMC9318798 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PFASs have been detected in nearly every serum sample collected over the last two decades from US adults as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and are commonly found in other data sets from around the world. However, less is known about infant PFAS exposures, primarily because the collection of infant serum samples is less common and frequently avoided. Cord blood samples are often preferred for chemical exposure assessments because this is thought to provide a good representation of infant serum concentrations, at least at the time of birth. In this paper, we will provide a statistical and probabilistic analysis of what can be expected for infants living in the US using NHANES from 2007 to 2008, which contains a rare subset of infant data. Regulatory efforts that require estimation of exposures among the very youth can be challenging, both because of a lack of data in general and because variability among this most vulnerable population can be uncertain. We report that US infant exposures are extremely common and that serum concentrations remain fairly constant, despite infant growth rates and relatively high caloric and fluid intake, with the possible exception of PFOS. Infant serum PFOS concentrations between months 1 and 3 are consistently higher than at less than one month, even though healthy infants at 1 and 2 months weigh more than they did at birth. This suggests that the babies are exposed to greater concentrations of PFOS after birth or that excretion kinetics differ for this PFAS.
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Fromme H, Fuchs V, Albrecht M, Aschenbrenner B, Röhl C, Janitzki N, Herber-Jonat S, Wöckner M, Völkel W, Flemmer AW, Schober W. Polychlorinated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), polybrominated dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in German breast milk samples (LUPE 8). THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:154066. [PMID: 35217048 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Most organic pollutants (POP) are persistent in the environment, accumulate in fatty tissues, and so a transfer through the food chain is probably, thereby causing various health effects. We quantified PCDD/F, PBDD/F, PCB, PBDE, perfluorinated substances, and ADONA in breast milk samples collected in two German federal states and breast milk and blood samples from subjects additionally exposed to PFOA. The median (95th percentile) concentrations were 2.43 (6.58) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for PCDD/F, 2.45 (4.82) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for dioxin-like PCB (dl-PCB), and 0.62 (2.69) pgWHO2005TEQ/g l.w. for PBDD/F. The relative contributions of the median values of PCDD/F, dl-PCB, and PBDD/F to the total-TEQ were approximately 41%, 42%, and 11%, respectively. Nondioxin-like PCB (ndl-PCB) concentrations were clearly dominated by the higher chlorinated PCB congeners, with medians of 23.2 ng/g l.w. for PCB 153, 13.9 ng/g l.w. for PCB 138, and 13.0 ng/g l.w. for PCB 180. The sum of the 3 congeners (PCB 138, 153, and 180) were multiplied with 1.64 (total PCB) and showed a median of 82.16 ng/g l.w. and a 95th percentile of 173.3 ng/g l.w. Only PFOA and PFOS could be quantified in 29% and 17% of in total 180 samples with 95th percentiles of 53 ng/l and 33 ng/l, respectively. Milk samples (n = 13) from subjects living on PFOA contaminated sites showed higher levels between 33 and 854 ng/l PFOA (mean: 199 ng/l), whilst PFOS could be quantified only in three samples. The sum of 17 PBDE congeners showed medians (95th percentile) of 1737 pg/g l.w. (22,806 pg/g l.w.), with the highest medians of 422 pg/g l.w. for BDE 209 and 378 pg/g l.w. for BDE 153. Overall, our study confirms the declining contamination level in breast milk during the last decade, but points out the need to further reduce the environmental contamination with persistent substances and subsequently the exposure in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Fromme
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Ziemssenstrasse 1, D-80336 Munich, Germany.
| | - Veronika Fuchs
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Albrecht
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Dioxins, Irradiation, Nitrosamines, Radioactivity, Veterinaerstrasse 2, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany
| | - Bettina Aschenbrenner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Claudia Röhl
- Schleswig-Holstein State Agency for Social Services, Department of Environmental Health Protection, Gartenstrasse 24, D-24534 Neumünster, Germany
| | - Nora Janitzki
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Susanne Herber-Jonat
- Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Dr. V. Hauner and Perinatal Center, LMU Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich D-81377, Germany
| | - Mandy Wöckner
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Völkel
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas W Flemmer
- Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Dr. V. Hauner and Perinatal Center, LMU Hospital, Marchioninistrasse 15, Munich D-81377, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schober
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Department of Chemical Safety and Toxicology, Pfarrstrasse 3, D-80538 Munich, Germany
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Macheka LR, Abafe OA, Mugivhisa LL, Olowoyo JO. Occurrence and infant exposure assessment of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in breast milk from South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 288:132601. [PMID: 34673042 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The exposure of infants to per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through breast-feeding is of global concern owing to their numerous detrimental health effects. This study investigated the occurrence of eleven perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and four perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs) in breast milk of nursing mothers from South Africa. The concentrations of PFAS in these samples were measured by using a validated UHPLC - MS/MS method. The median concentrations of Σ15 PFAS ranged from <LOQ - 0.420 ng mL-1, with PFCAs frequently detected in breast milk than PFSAs. However, perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA) accounted for 28% of total PFAS concentrations in all samples, the median concentrations of PFUdA, PFDoA and PFTrDA were at par with those of PFOA. The estimated feeding frequency and infant sex but not birth weight and gestation period, were strongly correlated with the body-burden of some short- and long-chain PFAS in breastmilk. On the average, the EDI and HQ of PFOA and Σ4 PFAS (PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS & PFOS) but not PFOS present significant risk to exclusively breastfed infants in South Africa. The results of this study reflect the widespread occurrence of short chain (i.e., C < 6) and long chain (i.e., C11 - C13) PFAS and provide preliminary data for future human biomonitoring of PFAS and other persistent organic pollutants in South Africa, and indeed the African continent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda R Macheka
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Science and Technology, Pretoria, 0204, South Africa; Chemical Residue Analysis Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa
| | - Ovokeroye A Abafe
- Chemical Residue Analysis Laboratory, Agricultural Research Council, Pretoria, 0110, South Africa; School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag x5400, Durban, 4001, South Africa.
| | - Liziwe L Mugivhisa
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Science and Technology, Pretoria, 0204, South Africa
| | - Joshua O Olowoyo
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, School of Science and Technology, Pretoria, 0204, South Africa
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30
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Rickard BP, Rizvi I, Fenton SE. Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease. Toxicology 2022; 465:153031. [PMID: 34774661 PMCID: PMC8743032 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread environmental contaminants frequently detected in drinking water supplies worldwide that have been linked to a variety of adverse reproductive health outcomes in women. Compared to men, reproductive health effects in women are generally understudied while global trends in female reproduction rates are declining. Many factors may contribute to the observed decline in female reproduction, one of which is environmental contaminant exposure. PFAS have been used in home, food storage, personal care and industrial products for decades. Despite the phase-out of some legacy PFAS due to their environmental persistence and adverse health effects, alternative, short-chain and legacy PFAS mixtures will continue to pollute water and air and adversely influence women's health. Studies have shown that both long- and short-chain PFAS disrupt normal reproductive function in women through altering hormone secretion, menstrual cyclicity, and fertility. Here, we summarize the role of a variety of PFAS and PFAS mixtures in female reproductive tract dysfunction and disease. Since these chemicals may affect reproductive tissues directly or indirectly through endocrine disruption, the role of PFAS in breast, thyroid, and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis function are also discussed as the interplay between these tissues may be critical in understanding the long-term reproductive health effects of PFAS in women. A major research gap is the need for mechanism of action data - the targets for PFAS in the female reproductive and endocrine systems are not evident, but the effects are many. Given the global decline in female fecundity and the ability of PFAS to negatively impact female reproductive health, further studies are needed to examine effects on endocrine target tissues involved in the onset of reproductive disorders of women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany P Rickard
- Curriculum in Toxicology & Environmental Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA
| | - Imran Rizvi
- Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Suzanne E Fenton
- Division of the National Toxicology Program, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 111 TW Alexander Dr., Rm E121A, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA.
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Concentrations and determinants of lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in pooled donor breast milk in Spain. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2021; 240:113914. [PMID: 34974272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2021.113914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIM To measure concentrations of lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in longitudinally collected donor breast milk samples and to determine associated factors. METHODS Pb, Hg, Cd, and As concentrations were measured in 242 pooled breast milk samples from 83 donors to a Human Milk Bank in Spain, in 2015-2018, determining their association with the donors' sociodemographic profile, dietary and lifestyle habits, and post-partum time, among other factors, and with the nutritional characteristics of samples. Mixed-effect linear regression was used to identify predictors of Hg and As concentrations in breast milk and mixed-effect logistic regression to identify predictors of the presence of Pb and Cd. RESULTS As was the element most frequently detected in milk samples (97.1%), followed by Hg (81.2%), Pb (50.6%), and Cd (38.0%). Their median breast milk concentrations were 1.49 μg/L, 0.26 μg/L, 0.14 μg/L, and <0.04 μg/L, respectively. Concentrations of As were higher in breast milk from primiparous donors, while Hg was higher in donors with a greater intake of fatty fish and meat and lower in samples collected after a longer post-partum time and with higher lactose content. Detection of Pb was higher among multiparous donors, those gaining weight since before pregnancy, and ex-smokers and was lower in samples collected more recently and from donors with greater intake of red meat and eggs. Cd detection was higher for donors with university education and those with greater intake of fried and canned food and more frequent use of hand cream and was lower for donors with greater bread intake. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal relatively high As concentrations, moderate Hg concentrations, and low Pb and Cd concentrations in pooled donor breast milk. Several factors including post-partum time, parity, smoking habit, and the intake of certain food items were associated with the metal content of milk samples.
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