Perfluorinated Alkyl Acids in Hawaiian Cetaceans and Potential Biomarkers of Effect: Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Alpha and Cytochrome P450 4A

Profiles and transplacental transfer of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in maternal and umbilical cord blood: A birth cohort study in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can pass through the placental barrier and pose health risks to fetuses. However, exposure and transplacental transfer patterns of emerging PFAS remain unclear. Here, 24 PFAS were measured in paired maternal whole blood (n = 228), umbilical cord whole blood (n = 119) and serum (n = 120). Orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was used to differentiate PFAS between different matrices. The transplacental transfer (TPT) of PFAS was calculated using cord to maternal whole blood concentration ratios. PFOS and PFOA were still the dominant PFAS in maternal samples. The emerging PFAS had higher TPT than PFOS and PFOA. Moreover, PFAS with the same chain length but different functional groups and C-F bonds showed different TPT, such as PFOS and PFOSA (C8, median: 0.090 vs. 0.305, p < 0.05) and PFHxS and 4:2 FTS (C6, median: 0.220 vs. 1.190, p < 0.05). A significant sex difference in 4:2 FTS (median: boys 1.250, girls 1.010, p < 0.05) were found. Furthermore, we observed a significant U-shaped trend for the TPT of carboxylates with increasing carbon chain length. PFAS showed a compound-specific transfer through placental barrier and a compound-specific distribution between different matrices in this study.

Evaluation of fatty acids and carnitine as biomarkers of PFOS exposure in biota (fish and dolphin) from Galveston Bay and the northwestern Gulf of Mexico

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is a ubiquitous pollutant that elicits a wide range of toxic effects in exposed biota. Coastal zones in highly urbanized or industrial areas are particularly vulnerable to PFOS pollution. At present, information is lacking on biomarkers to assess PFOS effects on aquatic wildlife. This study investigated the efficacy of l-carnitine (or carnitine) and fatty acids as biomarkers of PFOS exposure in aquatic biota. The levels of PFOS, total and free carnitine, and 24 fatty acids (measured as fatty acid methyl esters or FAMEs) were measured in the liver, and muscle or blubber, of fish and dolphins sampled from Galveston Bay and the northern Gulf of Mexico (nGoM). Overall, bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) had the highest hepatic PFOS levels. Galveston Bay fish, gafftopsail catfish (Bagre marinus), red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus), and spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus), had hepatic PFOS levels ∼8-13× higher than nGoM pelagic fish species, red snapper (Lutjanus campechanus) and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares). The multivariate analysis of PFOS liver body-burdens and biomarkers found carnitine to be a more modal biomarker of PFOS exposure than FAMEs. Significant positive correlation of hepatic PFOS levels with total carnitine was evident for biota from Galveston Bay (fish only), and a significant correlation between PFOS and total and free carnitine was evident for biota from the nGoM (fish and dolphins). Given the essential role of carnitine in mediating fatty acid β-oxidation, our results suggest carnitine to be a likely candidate biomarker of environmental PFOS exposure and indicative of potential dyslipidemia effects.

Mercury accumulation and biomarkers of exposure in two popular recreational fishes in Hawaiian waters

Mercury (Hg) exposure has not been examined in many recreational nearshore fish species that are commonly consumed around the Hawaiian Islands. Specific gene transcripts, such as metallothionein (MET) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), can be used to examine Hg exposure responses in aquatic organisms. This study measured total mercury (THg) in four species from two groups of Hawaiian nearshore fishes: giant trevally (Caranx ignobilis, n = 13), bluefin trevally (C. melampygus, n = 4), sharp jaw bonefish (Albula virgata, n = 2), and round jaw bonefish (A. glossodonta, n = 19). Total Hg accumulation and abundance profiles of MET and TrxR were evaluated for muscle, liver, and kidney tissues. Total Hg in round jaw bonefish and giant trevally tissues accumulated with length and calculated age. In round jaw bonefish tissues, mean THg was greater in kidney (1156 ng/g wet mass (wm)) than liver (339 ng/g wm) and muscle (330 ng/g wm). Giant trevally muscle (187 ng/g wm) and liver (277 ng/g wm) mean THg did not differ significantly. Fish species in this study were compared to commercial and local fish species with state and federal muscle tissue consumption advisories based on THg benchmarks developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Both bonefishes had mean muscle THg that exceeded benchmarks suggesting consumption advisories should be considered. MET transcript in round jaw bonefish kidney tissue and kidney THg exhibited a marginally significant positive correlation, while TrxR transcript in liver tissue negatively correlated with increasing liver THg. These results contribute to our understanding of Hg exposure associated health effects in fish.

Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Surveillance in Bufo gargarizans from Inlet Watersheds of Chaohu Lake, China: Tissue Distribution and Bioaccumulation Potential

Amphibians are sensitive biomonitors of environmental pollutants but reports regarding per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of synthetic organofluorine substances, are limited. In this study, samples of water and Chinese toads (Bufo gargarizans) were collected in Chaohu Lake, China. Tissue-specific bioaccumulation characteristics of 39 PFAS, including 19 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), 8 emerging PFAS, and 12 PFAA precursors, were investigated, and the levels of some biochemical indicators were determined. The highest PFAS concentrations were found in the liver [215.97 ng/g dry weight (dw)] of Chinese toads, followed by gonads (135.42 ng/g dw) and intestine (114.08 ng/g dw). A similar tissue distribution profile was found between legacy and emerging PFAS in the toads, and the occurrence of two emerging PFAS, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-propanoate (HFPO-DA) and 6:2 hydrogen-substituted polyfluorooctane ether sulfonate (6:2 H-PFESA) in the amphibians were for the first time reported. Field-based bioaccumulation factors of HFPO-DA were higher than perfluorooctanoic acid, indicating the higher bioaccumulation potential of this emerging PFAS than the legacy C8 compound. Males had significantly higher gonad PFAS levels than females while estradiol levels in gonads increased with increasing concentrations of certain PFAS (e.g., 6:2 H-PFESA), implying that PFAS may trigger estrogenic effects in the toads, especially for male toads.

Identification of key features relating to the coexistence mechanisms of trace elements and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in marine mammals

Organic and inorganic substances coexist in the livers of marine mammals and may correlate with one another; however, their coexistence mechanisms and relevant key features remain largely unknown. In this study, temporal variations (2011-2021) in the concentrations of nine trace elements and 19 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the livers of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) were investigated. Interannual Cd in dolphins increased significantly whereas Pb concentrations decreased over the past decade (p < 0.05). Interannual levels of seven and four PFASs in dolphins and porpoises decreased significantly with time (p < 0.05). By further extending the timescale to 1993-2021, the sensitivity of trace elements to annual change further increased, whereas the sensitivity of PFASs remained relatively stable. Cu levels, similar to the majority of PFASs, were negatively correlated with the body length of the studied cetaceans, which led to positive correlations of Cu with six long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids, perfluorodecane sulfonic acid, and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonic acid. The concentrations of trace elements in the cetacean liver were closely correlated with cetacean sex, species, and body length, whereas PFAS concentration was responsive to time-related features such as stranded season and year. By further employing a machine learning method, we demonstrated that body length and a time-related factor (year) played a crucial role in predicting the concentrations of certain trace elements and PFASs, respectively, particularly Cu and perfluoroheptanoic acid.

Widespread presence of chlorinated paraffins in consumer products

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were listed for elimination under the Stockholm Convention in 2017 due to their persistence and toxicity. Although Canada and other Stockholm signatories have prohibited the manufacture, usage and import of SCCPs since 2013, they can still be detected at high concentrations in indoor dust. To identify the sources of the SCCPs in the Canadian indoor environment, short-, medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, MCCPs, LCCPs, respectively) were measured using a sensitive LC-ESI-orbitrap method. SCCPs were detected in 84 of the 96 products purchased in Canada after 2013 (87.5%) including electronic devices, clothing, plastics (toys), and paintings. Concentrations of SCCPs were up to 0.93% (9.34 mg g^-1). SCCPs were also detected in newly purchased toys at 0.005-2.02 mg g^-1, indicating the potential for children's exposure. Profiles of chlorinated paraffins differed among categories of products. For example, C₁₃-SCCPs were most common in toys, while electronic devices like headphones showed comparable concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs. Additionally, four new carboxylate derivatives of CPs were detected in an electronic device sample. These are the first data to show the ubiquitous occurrences of SCCPs in a wide range of products currently marketed in Canada, suggesting continuing indoor exposure to SCCPs despite their prohibition.

Estimation of Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substance Induction Equivalency Factors for Humpback Dolphins by Transactivation Potencies of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors

The potential risks of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) accumulation in nearshore dolphins are not well understood. Here, transcriptional activities of 12 PFAS on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR-α, -β/δ, and -γ) in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) were evaluated. All PFAS activated scPPAR-α in a dose-dependent manner. PFHpA exhibited the highest induction equivalency factors (IEFs). The order of IEFs for other PFAS was as follows: PFOA > PFNA > PFHxA > PFPeA > PFHxS > PFBA > PFOS > PFBuS ≈ PFDA ≫ PFUnDA and PFDoDA (not activated). The total induction equivalents (∑IEQs, 5537 ng/g wet weight) indicated that more attention should be paid to investigating contamination levels in dolphins, especially in PFOS (82.8% contribution to the ∑IEQs). The scPPAR-β/δ and -γ were not affected by any PFAS, except for PFOS, PFNA, and PFDA. Furthermore, PFNA and PFDA could induce higher PPAR-β/δ and PPAR-γ-mediated transcriptional activities than PFOA. Compared to human beings, PFAS might be more potent PPAR-α activators in humpback dolphins, suggesting that the dolphins may be more susceptible to the adverse effects of PFAS. Our results may be instructive for understanding the impacts of PFAS on marine mammal health due to the identical PPAR ligand-binding domain.

Spatiotemporal and life history related trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises from south China sea (2007-2020)

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) levels in Indo-Pacific finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE), near the most economically developed region in China, have not been characterized. We measured the hepatic concentrations of twelve PFASs, including nine perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and three perfluoroalkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs) in the finless porpoises (n = 21) collected from the PRE between 2007 and 2020. The average level of PFSAs was more than 2-times higher than that of PFCAs. The order of six dominant PFASs was perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) > perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUdA) > perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) > perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA) > perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) > perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA). The levels of Hepatic PFOS of 29% samples exceeded the no observable adverse effect level (NOAEL) values. The concentration of PFASs in males was significant higher than in females. PFASs levels were significantly negatively correlated with body length in males and positively correlated in females. PFASs levels in the PRE finless porpoises were lower than in humpback dolphins possibly due to different foraging habitat toward the coast and the consumption of less fish. PFCAs levels in finless porpoises from the western PRE were higher compared to Hong Kong, possibly due to the high-intensity sources of terrestrial anthropogenic pollutants. Significant increasing spatiotemporal trends of PFSAs, PFCAs and PFASs were found in finless porpoises from 2007 to 2020, suggesting a continuously increased risk of PFASs exposure for PRE cetaceans in the last decade.

Occurrence, profiles, and ecotoxicity of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances and their alternatives in global apex predators: A critical review

Certain poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) exhibit significant bioaccumulation/biomagnification behaviors in ecosystems. PFASs, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and related precursors, have elicited attention from both public and national regulatory agencies, which has resulted in worldwide restrictions on their production and use. Apex predators occupy the top trophic positions in ecosystems and are most affected by the biomagnification behavior of PFASs. Meanwhile, the long lifespans of apex predators also lead to the high body burden of PFASs. The high body burden of PFASs might be linked to adverse health effects and even pose a potential threat to their reproduction. As seen in previous reviews of PFASs, knowledge is lacking between the current stage of the PFAS body burden and related effects in apex predators. This review summarized PFAS occurrence in global apex predators, including information on the geographic distribution, levels, profiles, and tissue distribution, and discussed the trophic transfer and ecotoxicity of PFASs. In the case where legacy PFASs were restricted under international convention, the occurrence of novel PFASs, such as 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA) and perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulfonate (PFECHS), in apex predators arose as an emerging issue. Future studies should develop an effective analytical method and focus on the toxicity and trophic transfer behavior of novel PFASs.

Sea turtles across the North Pacific are exposed to perfluoroalkyl substances

Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) are global, persistent, and toxic contaminants. We assessed PFAS concentrations in green (Chelonia mydas) and hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) turtles from the North Pacific. Fifteen compounds were quantified via liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry from 62 green turtle and 6 hawksbill plasma samples from Hawai'i, Palmyra Atoll, and the Northern Marianas Islands. Plasma from 14 green turtles severely afflicted with fibropapillomatosis, and eggs from 12 Hawaiian hawksbill nests from 7 females were analyzed. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) predominated in green turtle plasma; perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) predominated in hawksbill tissues. Concentrations were greater in hawksbill than green turtle plasma (p < 0.05), related to trophic differences. Green turtle plasma PFOS concentrations were related to human populations from highest to lowest: Hawai'i, Marianas, Palmyra. Influence on fibropapillomatosis was not evident. PFASs were maternally transferred to hawksbill eggs, with decreasing concentrations with distance from airports and with clutch order from one female. A risk assessment of PFOS showed concern for immunosuppression in Kailua green turtles and alarming concern for hawksbill developmental toxicity. Perfluoroundecanoic (PFUnA) and perfluorotridecanoic (PFTriA) acid levels were correlated with reduced emergence success (p < 0.05). Studies to further examine PFAS effects on sea turtle development would be beneficial.

Occurrence and toxicity of perfluoroalkyl acids along the estuarine and coastal regions under varied environmental factors

Due to the significant economic and ecological value, the increasing pollution threat to estuarine and coastal regions is of great concern. Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are emerging pollutants which possess adverse ecological risk. In this review, we have compiled the data on the levels of PFAAs in environmental samples, mainly in estuarine and coastal zones. A worldwide map was generated to show the distribution of PFAAs. The experimental results have also been considered, which, together with those of environmental samples, has allowed us to infer about the factors that intervene in the behavior of PFAAs. The presence of PFAAs is determined primarily by the source of pollution. Salinity is as well shown as a significant condition, dependent too on the sampling environment. The analysis of PFAAs from environmental samples constitutes a fundamental tool for the surveillance of these pollutants, but the lack of homogeneity of protocols for sampling, as well as for the results presentation, limits the comparative capacity. Laboratory studies are also an essential tool in the analysis of particular aspects related to PFAAs, but many times the conditions tested are not environmentally significant. In this way, it would not be prudent to establish "paradigms" about the behavior of the PFAAs in certain areas or organisms, instead to suggest the points that can be considered fundamental for each issue addressed. The main variables that appear to intervene in estuarine and coastal regions are mainly the proximity to the source of pollution, salinity, pH, precipitation (rain) as well as types of PFAAs. All these can synergistically lead to different impacts on the ecosystem. Therefore, the particular risks of PFAAs in estuarine and coastal regions is a set of multiple variables, dependent on each sampling condition and according to the previously named parameters.

Assessing the Ecological Risks of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Current State-of-the Science and a Proposed Path Forward

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) encompass a large, heterogenous group of chemicals of potential concern to human health and the environment. Based on information for a few relatively well-understood PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoate, there is ample basis to suspect that at least a subset can be considered persistent, bioaccumulative, and/or toxic. However, data suitable for determining risks in either prospective or retrospective assessments are lacking for the majority of PFAS. In August 2019, the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry sponsored a workshop that focused on the state-of-the-science supporting risk assessment of PFAS. The present review summarizes discussions concerning the ecotoxicology and ecological risks of PFAS. First, we summarize currently available information relevant to problem formulation/prioritization, exposure, and hazard/effects of PFAS in the context of regulatory and ecological risk assessment activities from around the world. We then describe critical gaps and uncertainties relative to ecological risk assessments for PFAS and propose approaches to address these needs. Recommendations include the development of more comprehensive monitoring programs to support exposure assessment, an emphasis on research to support the formulation of predictive models for bioaccumulation, and the development of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo methods to efficiently assess biological effects for potentially sensitive species/endpoints. Addressing needs associated with assessing the ecological risk of PFAS will require cross-disciplinary approaches that employ both conventional and new methods in an integrated, resource-effective manner. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:564-605. © 2020 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.

Effect of Perfluorooctanoic Acid on the Epigenetic and Tight Junction Genes of the Mouse Intestine

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has been implicated in various toxicities including neurotoxicity, genotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, epigenetic toxicity, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, and hepatotoxicity. However, information on the accumulation of PFOA in the intestine and its toxic effects on intestinal epigenetics and tight junction (TJ) genes is sparse. CD1 mice were dosed with PFOA (1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day) for 10 days, and its accumulation and induced alterations in the expression of epigenetic and tight junction genes in the small intestine and colon were evaluated using LC-MS and qPCR techniques. PFOA reduced the expression levels of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b) primarily in the small intestine whereas, in the colon, a decrease was observed only at high concentrations. Moreover, ten-eleven translocation genes (Tet2 and Tet3) expression was dysregulated in the small intestine, whereas in the colon Tets remained unaffected. The tight junction genes Claudins (Cldn), Occludin (Ocln), and Tight Junction Protein (Tjp) were also heavily altered in the small intestine. TJs responded differently across the gut, in proportion to PFOA dosing. Our study reveals that PFOA triggers DNA methylation changes and alters the expression of genes essential for maintaining the physical barrier of intestine, with more profound effects in the small intestine compared to the colon.

Identifying Risk Factors for Levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Placenta in a High-Risk Pregnancy Cohort in North Carolina

Prenatal exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a ubiquitous class of chemicals, is associated with adverse outcomes such as pre-eclampsia, low infant birth weight, and later-life adiposity. The objectives of this study were to examine PFAS levels in the placenta and identify sociodemographic risk factors in a high-risk pregnancy cohort (n = 122) in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Of concern, PFOS, PFHxS, PFHpS, and PFUnA were detected above the reporting limit in 99, 75, 55, and 49% of placentas, respectively. Maternal race/ethnicity was associated with significant differences in PFUnA levels. While the data from this high-risk cohort did not provide evidence for an association with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, fetal growth, or gestational age, the prevalence of detectable PFAS in the placenta suggests a need to biomonitor for exposure to PFAS during pregnancy. Future research should investigate factors underlying the differences in PFAS levels in association with a mother's race/ethnicity, as well as potential effects on pregnancy and child health.

Flows, Stock, and Emissions of Poly- and Perfluoroalkyl Substances in California Carpet in 2000-2030 under Different Scenarios

In this study, we present a holistic analysis of the stock and emissions of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in California carpet in 2000-2030. Our high estimate is that, in 2017, the total PFAS accumulated in in-use carpet stock and landfilled carpet are ∼60 and ∼120 tonnes, respectively, and the resultant PFAS emissions are ∼800 and ∼100 kg, respectively. Among the three subclasses (side-chain polymers, PFAA, and nonpolymeric precursors), side-chain polymers dominate the in-use stock and landfill accumulation, while nonpolymeric precursors dominate the resultant emissions. Our low estimate is typically 8-15% of the high estimate and follows similar trends and subclass breakdowns as the high estimate. California's new Carpet Stewardship Regulations (24% recycling of end-of-life carpet) will reduce the landfilled PFAS by 6% (7 tonnes) at the cost of increasing the in-use stock by 2% (2 tonnes) in 2030. Aggressive PFAS phase-out by carpet manufacturers (i.e., reduce PFAS use by 15% annually starting 2020) could reduce the in-use PFAS stock by 50% by 2030, but its impact on the total landfilled PFAS is limited. The shift toward short-chain PFAS will also significantly reduce the in-use stock of long-chain PFAS in carpet by 2030 (only 25% of the total PFAS will be long-chain). Among the data gaps identified, a key one is the current area-based PFAS emission reporting (i.e., g PFAS emitted/area carpet/time), which leads to the counterintuitive result that reducing the PFAS use in carpet production has no impact on the PFAS emissions from in-use stock and landfills. Future technical studies should either confirm this or consider a mass-based unit (e.g., g PFAS emitted/g PFAS used/time) for better integration into regional substance flow analysis. Other noticeable data gaps include the lack of time-series data on emissions from the in-use stock and on leaching of side-chain polymers from landfills.

Adverse effects of perfluoroalkyl acids on fish and other aquatic organisms: A review

Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have been widely used in many industrial and consumer products. They have been detected ubiquitously in ambient water along with other environmental matrices, and their adverse effects on aquatic organisms have been a subject of active investigation. Here, we intended to summarize and synthesize the existing body of knowledge on PFAA toxicity through an extensive literature review, and shed light on areas where further research is warranted. PFAA toxicity appears to be influenced by the sex and developmental stages of aquatic organisms, but not significantly by exposure route. PFAA-induced aquatic toxicity could be classified as metabolism disturbance, reproduction disruption, oxidative stress, developmental toxicity, thyroid disruption, etc. At the molecular level, these responses can be initiated by key events, such as nuclear receptor activation, reactive oxygen species induction, or interaction with a membrane, followed by a cascade of downstream responses. PFAA-induced toxicity involves diverse metabolic processes, and therefore elucidating crosstalk or interactions among diverse metabolic pathways is a challenging task. In the presence of other chemicals, PFAAs can function as agonists or antagonists, resulting in different directions of combined toxicity. Therefore, mixture toxicity with other groups of chemicals is another research opportunity. Experimental evidence supports the trans-generational toxicity of PFAAs, suggesting that their long-term consequences for aquatic ecosystems should become of concern. A recent global ban of several PFAAs resulted in an increasing dependence on PFAA alternatives. The lack of sufficient toxicological information on this emerging group of chemicals warrant caution and rigorous toxicological assessments.

Acute PFOA exposure promotes epigenomic alterations in mouse kidney tissues

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a manufactured perfluorochemical is a common surfactant and environmental pollutant found in various consumer products and water sources. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated its association with kidney dysfunction. However, the mechanisms that trigger kidney dysfunction following PFOA exposure is a gap in the field. The work presented explores the potential epigenetic indicators of kidney disease due to exposure to PFOA. In this study, 30 days old CD-1 mice were exposed to 1, 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg/day of PFOA for 10 days. Following acute oral exposure, epigenetic alterations and expression levels of various markers of fibroblast activation were evaluated in kidney tissues. We noted that PFOA-exposed mice exhibited differential methylation yielding 879 differentially methylated regions compared to vehicle. The mRNA expression revealed significant increase in Dnmt1 with decreased Rasal1 expression at higher levels of PFOA exposure suggestive of Rasal1 hypermethylation (an early indicator of fibroblast activation in kidney). Like Dnmt1, we also observed significant increase in Hdac1, 3 and 4. These are class I & II HDACs which are known to be critically altered in some renal diseases. Further, the mRNA expression levels of TGF-β and α-SMA significantly increased compared to vehicle. The KEGG and Go enrichment pathway analysis of reduced representation bisulfite data also revealed pathways implicated in renal fibrosis. Our study shows clear evidence of epigenetic alterations (DNA methylation and HDAC expression changes) in tissues from mouse kidney following PFOA exposure. Our results also suggest that epigenetic alterations in kidney promote the expression of early markers of fibroblast activation.