Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Personal Hygiene Products: The Implications for Human Exposure and Emission to the Environment

Development of certified reference materials for measuring perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate concentrations in soil

This study developed certified reference materials (CRMs) for measuring perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations in soil. Three soil candidate CRMs were collected from different fluoride contamination regions and dried, ground, sieved, homogenized, and bottled in 30 g portions. To promote their practicability, underlying concerns about potential factors effect (the particle size of samples, extraction reagents, extraction times, extraction pH, equilibration time, cartridge type, and filters) have been addressed using a pretreatment optimization strategy. The isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC-MS/MS) was applied for the homogeneity study, stability assessment and characterization of the PFOA and PFOS concentrations in the soil candidates. The combined uncertainties of the certified values including characterization, homogeneity, and stability were evaluated. In addition, an interlaboratory study involving 11 laboratories was conducted to support characterization. The certified values and expanded uncertainties were 0.82 ± 0.13 μg/kg (ESF1), 6.5 ± 0.8 μg/kg (ESF3) for PFOA and 2.4 ± 0.4 μg/kg (ESF1), 17 ± 2 μg/kg (ESF2), 85 ± 8 μg/kg (ESF3) for PFOS, respectively, which can be used for quality control in environmental monitoring.

PFAS regulations and economic impact: A review of U.S. pulp & paper and textiles industries

Public concern over per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) continues to grow as evidence highlights their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and adverse health effects. Increasing detections in drinking water, consumer products, and industrial discharges have intensified regulatory scrutiny. This review examines the evolving PFAS regulatory landscape in the United States, focusing on the pulp, paper, and textiles industries, which contribute significantly to PFAS contamination through wastewater discharges, end-product disposal, and the absence of dedicated removal technologies. PFAS emissions from food packaging alone are estimated at 2,300 kg annually. Addressing contamination presents substantial economic challenges, with wastewater treatment costs projected to reach USD 3 billion annually and growing risks of legal liabilities exemplified by paper mill settlements reaching USD 11.9 million for historical pollution. Large-scale remediation of PFAS remains financially prohibitive, with estimates exceeding the global gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 106 trillion. Additionally, healthcare costs for PFAS-linked diseases exceed USD 62 billion and further emphasize the need for prevention. State-level restrictions on PFAS-containing consumer products are expanding, particularly in food packaging and textiles, which are now the most regulated across the United States. As PFAS-containing products face increasing market limitations and potential loss of sustainability certifications, which have already reduced sales growth by 70% in some cases, transitioning to non-fluorinated alternatives could significantly mitigate economic risks for paper and textiles companies. Within this context, this review highlights the urgency of integrating policy, technological innovation, and economic incentives to accelerate the transition away from PFAS and mitigate long-term environmental and financial liabilities.

Research Progress in Current and Emerging Issues of PFASs' Global Impact: Long-Term Health Effects and Governance of Food Systems

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are found everywhere, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This review introduces PFASs comprehensively, discussing their nature and identifying their interconnection with microplastics and their impacts on public health and the environment. The human cost of decades of delay, cover-ups, and mismanagement of PFASs and plastic waste is outlined and briefly explained. Following that, PFASs and long-term health effects are critically assessed. Risk assessment is then critically reviewed, mentioning different tools and models. Scientific research and health impacts in the United States of America are critically analyzed, taking into consideration the Center for Disease Control (CDC)'s PFAS Medical Studies and Guidelines. PFAS impact and activities studies around the world have focused on PFAS levels in food products and dietary intake in different countries such as China, European countries, USA and Australia. Moreover, PFASs in drinking water and food are outlined with regard to risks, mitigation, and regulatory needs, taking into account chemical contaminants in food and their impact on health and safety. Finally, PFAS impact and activities briefings specific to regions around the world are discussed, referring to Australia, Vietnam, Canada, Europe, the United States of America (USA), South America, and Africa. The PFAS crisis is a multifaceted issue, exacerbated by mismanagement, and it is discussed in the context of applying the following problem-solving analytical tools: the Domino Effect Model of accident causation, the Swiss Cheese Theory Model, and the Ishikawa Fish Bone Root Cause Analysis. Last but not least, PFASs' impacts on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of 2030 are rigorously discussed.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Female Health Concern: Gender-based Accumulation Differences, Adverse Outcomes, and Mechanisms

The deleterious health implications of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely recognized. Females, in contrast to males, exhibit unique pathways for PFAS exposure and excretion, leading to complex health outcomes. The health status of females is largely influenced by hormone-related processes. PFAS have been reported to be associated with various aspects of female health, including reproductive system disorders and pregnancy-related diseases. In this article, we provide insights into the correlations between PFAS and female-prevalent diseases. Current epidemiological and toxicological evidence has demonstrated that the adverse effects of PFAS on the health of the female reproductive system are primarily attributed to the disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis and hormonal homeostasis. However, these findings do not sufficiently elucidate the intricate associations between PFAS and specific diseases. Furthermore, autoimmune disorders, another category that is more prevalent in women compared to men, require additional investigation. Immune biomarkers pertinent to autoimmune disorders have been observed to be influenced by PFAS exposure, although epidemiological evidence is insufficient to substantiate these relations. Further thorough exploration encompassing epidemiological and toxicological studies is essential to elucidating the inherent influence of PFAS on human pathologies. Additionally, comprehensive investigations into female health issues beyond their reproductive functions is essential.

Targeted investigation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from domestic cosmetics and personal care products in China and its implications for human exposure

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are synthetic chemicals reported in daily supplies, and skin absorption is one of the routes for human exposure to PFASs. This study aims to evaluate the potential risk of PFASs exposure from cosmetics and personal care products in China. A random sampling of 44 domestic cosmetics and personal care products, summarized into 6 categories, was conducted to investigate the concentrations of 24 target PFASs. PFASs concentrations of 86.4 % products were lower than 100 ng/g, and 34.2 % products were lower than 10 ng/g. PFCAs and PAPs were dominant. Keywords of "wear-resistant" and "long-lasting" may indicate the presence of PFASs in products. Disabled PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were not detected. Notably, the presence of PFHxA should be of concern, and its detection frequency reached 59.1 %, with the maximum concentration of 1274.77 ng/g. Further, the daily exposure dose (DED) of ∑PFASs from skin exposure through cosmetics and personal care products was evaluated to be 3.01 ng/kg-bw/day, which wasn't negligible compared to the prescribed acceptable intake value. Conclusively, this study emphasizes that cosmetics and personal care products are important sources leading to the PFASs skin exposure and provides a basis for future regulation of PFASs as product additive.

Addressing the commercial determinants of menstrual health: a call to regulate menstrual product manufacturers

Over the last two decades, menstrual health and hygiene have become increasingly common on the global health agenda. While governments and international organizations are adopting measures to make menstrual products more accessible, corporate actors producing them have only been subject to limited scrutiny. Yet, their products and commercial practices raise environmental, health, equity and societal issues, which warrant attention and regulation. As such, commercial disposable menstrual products are largely made up of plastic, sometimes as much as 90%. Menstrual pads and tampons also contain some chemicals, the health impact of which is still unclear. In addition, these products are often sold with high-profit margins, and marketing campaigns to sell such products tend to reinforce shame and secrecy. So far, no global standards exist to regulate menstrual products and manufacturers, and evidence in the field of menstrual health and hygiene is lagging behind. To fill this gap, countries have started to regulate menstrual products and the International Standards Organization is in the process of developing global standards to better regulate the content and labeling of menstrual products. To support the emergence of regulation in this area, this article conceptualizes for the first time a comprehensive framework for the regulation of menstrual product manufacturers. This framework encompasses five complementary measures to regulate the content; labeling; production and waste management; pricing; advertising and marketing of menstrual products. The article also calls for more research to produce evidence and for increased governmental and inter-governmental attention to menstrual product manufacturers.

Infants exposure to chemicals in diapers: A review and perspective

Diapers are a staple care product for infants, yet concerns persist regarding the potential risks posed by dermal exposure to chemicals through their usage. This review provides a comprehensive summary of reported chemicals, highlighting the frequent detection of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), phthalates (PAEs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), bisphenols (BPs), organotins, and heavy metals. Disposable diapers commonly exhibit higher concentrations of VOCs, PAEs, BPs, and heavy metals than other chemicals. Our estimation reveals formaldehyde as posing the highest dermal exposure dose, reaching up to 0.018 mg/kg bw/day. Conversely, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) exhibits lower exposure, but its non-cancer hazard quotient (0.062) is the highest. In most scenarios, the risk of chemical exposure through diapers for infants is deemed acceptable, while the risk is higher under some extreme exposure scenarios. Using the cancer slope factor recently suggested by U.S. EPA, the cancer risk in diapers raised by PFOA is 5.5 × 10-5. It should be noted that our estimation is approximately 1000-10,000 folds lower than some previous estimations. The high uncertainties associated with exposure and risk estimations are primarily raised by unclear parameters related to chemical migration coefficients, absorption factors, concentrations, and toxicity data for skin exposure, which requires research attention in future. Besides that, future research endeavors should prioritize the identification of potential toxic chemicals and the development of hygiene guidelines and standards.

Drivers of change behind the spatial distribution and fate of typical trace organic pollutants in fresh waste leachate across China

There have been growing concerns regarding the health and environmental impacts of trace organic pollutants (TOPs). However, fresh leachate from municipal solid waste (MSW) has been overlooked as a potential reservoir of TOPs. Therefore, we investigated 90 legacy and emerging TOPs in fresh leachate from 14 provinces and municipalities in China. Additionally, the fate and final discharge impacts of TOPs in 14 leachate treatment systems were analyzed. The results revealed that the detection rate of 90 TOPs was over 50 % in all samples. Notably, polychlorinated biphenyls, banned for 40 years, were frequently detected in fresh leachate. The concentration of pseudo-persistent TOPs (105-107 ng/L) is significantly higher than that of persistent TOPs (102-104 ng/L). Spatial distribution patterns of TOPs in fresh leachate suggest that economy, population, climate, and policies impact TOPs discharge from MSW. For example, economically developed and densely populated areas displayed higher TOPs concentrations, whereas warmer climates facilitate TOPs leaching from MSW. We confirmed that waste classification policies were a key driver of the decline in multiple TOPs in leachate. Mass balance analysis shows that the final effluent and sludge from current dominant leachate treatment systems contain refractory TOPs, especially perfluoroalkyl acids, which must be prioritized for control. This paper was the first comprehensive investigation of multiple TOPs in fresh leachate at a large geographic scale. The factors affecting the occurrence, spatial distribution, and fate of TOPs in fresh leachate were revealed. It provides a valuable reference for the establishment of policies for the management of TOPs in MSW and the associated leachate.

Predictors of Serum Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Concentrations among U.S. Couples Attending a Fertility Clinic

Previous studies have examined the predictors of PFAS concentrations among pregnant women and children. However, no study has explored the predictors of preconception PFAS concentrations among couples in the United States. This study included 572 females and 279 males (249 couples) who attended a U.S. fertility clinic between 2005 and 2019. Questionnaire information on demographics, reproductive history, and lifestyles and serum samples quantified for PFAS concentrations were collected at study enrollment. We examined the PFAS distribution and correlation within couples. We used Ridge regressions to predict the serum concentration of each PFAS in females and males using data of (1) socio-demographic and reproductive history, (2) diet, (3) behavioral factors, and (4) all factors included in (1) to (3) after accounting for temporal exposure trends. We used general linear models for univariate association of each factor with the PFAS concentration. We found moderate to high correlations for PFAS concentrations within couples. Among all examined factors, diet explained more of the variation in PFAS concentrations (1-48%), while behavioral factors explained the least (0-4%). Individuals reporting White race, with a higher body mass index, and nulliparous women had higher PFAS concentrations than others. Fish and shellfish consumption was positively associated with PFAS concentrations among both females and males, while intake of beans (females), peas (male), kale (females), and tortilla (both) was inversely associated with PFAS concentrations. Our findings provide important data for identifying sources of couples' PFAS exposure and informing interventions to reduce PFAS exposure in the preconception period.

Unveiling per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance contamination in Chinese paper products and assessing their exposure risk

The contamination characteristics, migration patterns and health risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were investigated in 66 Chinese paper products by using target and non-target screening methods. Among 57 target PFASs, 5 and 6 PFASs were found in the hygiene paper products ( Collapse

Key Words

• Migration
• Non-target analysis
• Paper products
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
• Risk assessment

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MESH Headings

• Humans
• Fluorocarbons/analysis
• Ethanol
• Food
• Food Safety
• China
• Alkanesulfonic Acids/analysis

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Affiliation(s)

Yan-Fei Chen SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Ting Liu SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Li-Xin Hu SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Chang-Er Chen SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China
Bin Yang SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
Guang-Guo Ying SCNU Environmental Research Institute, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Pollution and Environmental Safety & MOE Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China; School of Environment, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, China

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Investigation of pH-dependent extraction methods for PFAS in (fluoropolymer-based) consumer products: A comparative study between targeted and sum parameter analysis

Here, we report a comparative study of different sum parameter analysis methods for the extraction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from manufactured consumer products, which can be measured by combustion ion chromatography (CIC). Therefore, a hydrolysis-based extraction method was further developed, which accounts for the addition of hydrolyzable covalently bound polyfluoroalkylated side-chain polymers (SFPs) to the extractable organic fluorine portion of the mass balance proposed as "hydrolyzable organically bound fluorine" (HOF). To test this hypothesis, the method was applied to 39 different consumer products containing fluoropolymers or monomeric PFAS taken from four different categories: outdoor textiles, paper packaging, carpeting, and permanent baking sheets. We also evaluated the method's efficiency by extracting four synthesized fluorotelomer polyacrylate reference compounds. The total fluorine (TF) and extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF) values were measured through CIC using established protocols. The TF values ranged from sub-ppb to %-levels, depending on the compound class. All samples showed results for hydrolyzed organofluorine (HOF) between 0.03 and 76.3 μg/g, while most EOF values were lower ( Collapse

Key Words

• Combustion ion chromatography (CIC)
• Extractable organically bound fluorine (EOF)
• Hydrolytic extraction
• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) sum parameter
• Side-chain fluorinated polymers (SFPs)
• Solid-liquid extraction

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MESH Headings

• Fluorocarbon Polymers/analysis
• Fluorocarbons/analysis
• Chromatography, Liquid
• Fluorine/chemistry
• Tandem Mass Spectrometry
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration

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Affiliation(s)

Philipp Roesch Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany.
Andrea Schinnen Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
Maren Riedel Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
Thomas Sommerfeld Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 1.7 - Organic Trace and Food Analysis, Richard-Willstätter-Straße 11, 12489, Berlin, Germany
George Sawal German Environment Agency, Colditzstr. 34, 12099, Berlin, Germany
Nicole Bandow German Environment Agency, Colditzstr. 34, 12099, Berlin, Germany
Christian Vogel Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
Ute Kalbe Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany
Franz-Georg Simon Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, Division 4.3 - Contaminant Transfer and Environmental Technologies, Unter den Eichen 87, 12205, Berlin, Germany

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Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) as PFAS substitutes and precursors: An overview

Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs) are emerging substitutes for legacy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely applied in consumer products and closely related to people's daily lives. Increasing concern has been raised about the safety of PAPs due to their metabolism into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) in vivo. This review summarizes the current knowledge on PAPs and highlights the knowledge gaps. PAPs dominated the PFAS profiles in wastewater, sludge, household dust, food-contact materials, paper products, paints, and cosmetics. They exhibit biomagnification due to their higher levels in top predators. PAPs have been detected in human blood worldwide, with the highest mean levels being found in the United States (1.9 ng/mL) and China (0.4 ng/mL). 6:2 diPAP is the predominant PAP among all identified matrices, followed by 8:2 diPAP. Toxicokinetic studies suggest that after entering the body, most PAPs undergo biotransformation, generating phase Ⅰ (i.e., PFCAs), phase II, and intermediate products with toxicity to be verified. Several epidemiological and toxicological studies have reported the antiandrogenic effect, estrogenic effect, thyroid disruption, oxidative damage, and reproductive toxicity of PAPs. More research is urgently needed on the source and fate of PAPs, human exposure pathways, toxicity other than reproductive and endocrine systems, toxic effects of metabolites, and mixed exposure effects.

Elevated levels of serum per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contact lens users of U.S. young adults

Despite evidence indicating the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in contact lenses (CL), it remains unclear whether CL use increases PFAS exposure in the general population. We aimed to determine whether CL users have higher serum concentrations of PFAS than non-users, using data of 1660 adults aged 20-39 years participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2000 and 2003-2008. We classified the individuals into CL users and non-users using the record of vision correction types during a vision test. Serum concentrations of six individual PFAS were measured, and the overall PFAS burden was calculated by item response theory scoring. Survey-weighted linear models were used to compare serum PFAS levels between CL users and non-users after adjusting for covariates. Distributions of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) concentrations were compared with reference values (e.g., human biomonitoring [HBM]-II values) indicating potential for adverse health effects. Survey-weighted linear models revealed that covariate-adjusted serum PFOA concentration was higher in CL users (geometric mean [GM]: 3.68 ng/mL; 95% CI: 3.00, 4.50) than in non-users (GM: 3.27 ng/mL; 95% CI: 2.81, 3.80; p = 0.02). Similarly, CL users had a significantly higher serum PFHxS concentration (GM: 1.58 ng/mL; 95% CI: 1.13, 2.20) than non-users (GM: 1.30 ng/mL; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.66; p = 0.03). CL users also had a significantly higher overall burden of PFAS than non-users. The differences in PFAS concentrations between CL users and non-users were more pronounced in females than in males. Moreover, a larger proportion of lens users (4.5%), compared to non-users (3.9%), had PFOA concentrations above the HBM-II, where adverse health effects are expected from PFOA exposure. This study suggests that CL use in general U.S. young adults may contribute significantly to PFAS body burden, which can potentially lead to public health problem.

Examining differences in menstrual and intimate care product use by race/ethnicity and education among menstruating individuals

Introduction

United States consumers spend over two billion dollars a year on intimate care products. These products, along with scented menstrual products, are marketed for odor control, perceived "freshness," and vaginal/vulvar cleanliness. However, these scent-altering products may increase exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Prior research has not adequately characterized demographic differences in product use. The objective of our study is to examine racial/ethnic and educational differences in menstrual and intimate care product use among people who menstruate.

Methods

We pooled data from two US-based cross sectional studies to examine demographic characteristics and product use in 661 participants aged 18-54 years. Participants reported use of scented and unscented menstrual products (tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups) and intimate care products (vaginal douches, sprays, wipes, and powders). We examined differences by race/ethnicity and education using log-binomial regression and latent class analysis (LCA), which can identify groups based on product use patterns.

Results

Our sample was 33.4% Black, 30.9% Latina, 18.2% White, and 16.2% another identity. Approximately half the population had a bachelor's degree or more; 1.4% identified as transgender and 1.8% as non-binary. In adjusted models, scent-altering products (i.e., scented menstrual and intimate care products) were more likely to be used by those with less formal education (p < 0.05). Unscented menstrual products were more likely to be used by those with more formal education. Compared to Black participants, White participants were more likely to use unscented tampons and menstrual cups and less likely to use douches and wipes (p < 0.05). Using LCA we identified two groups: one more likely to use scent-altering products, and a second more likely to use unscented menstrual products. Less education and older age, but not race/ethnicity, was significantly associated with membership in the group more likely to use scent-altering products. While sex/gender composition did not statistically vary across groups, all non-binary participants fell in the unscented menstrual product group.

Discussion

Lower educational attainment was consistently associated with greater use of scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products. Future research should examine associations between body odor stigma, product use, and health risks at intersections of race, class, and gender.