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Göen T, Abballe A, Bousoumah R, Godderis L, Iavicoli I, Ingelido AM, Leso V, Müller J, Ndaw S, Porras SP, Verdonck J, Santonen T. HBM4EU chromates study - PFAS exposure in electroplaters and bystanders. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 346:140613. [PMID: 37944767 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The study aims to reveal the exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in workers in different industry sectors with exposures to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The PFAS exposure of in total 172 individuals from 4 countries was assessed by the determination of 8 perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids and 4 perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids in plasma samples. The participants were 52 chrome plating workers, 43 welders, 3 surface treating workers and 74 workers without any occupational Cr exposure as controls. Significant differences between workers with Cr exposure and controls were found for the perfluoroalkyl sulfonic acids, particularly for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS). The median and maximum levels were, respectively, 4.83 and 789 μg/l for chrome plating workers, 4.97 and 1513 μg/l for welders, and 3.65 and 13.9 μg/l for controls. The considerably high PFOS exposure in Cr platers and welders can be explained by the former application of PFOS as mist suppressants in electroplating baths, which resulted in an exposure of the directly involved operators, but also of welders performing maintenance and repair service at these workplaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Göen
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Annalisa Abballe
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Environment and Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Radia Bousoumah
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Lode Godderis
- Catholic University Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
| | - Ivo Iavicoli
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Public Health, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Ingelido
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Department of Environment and Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Veruscka Leso
- University of Naples Federico II, Department of Public Health, Naples, Italy
| | - Johannes Müller
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Institute and Outpatient Clinic of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sophie Ndaw
- French National Research and Safety Institute (INRS), Vandœuvre-Lès-Nancy, France
| | - Simo P Porras
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jelle Verdonck
- Catholic University Leuven, Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tiina Santonen
- Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH), Helsinki, Finland
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Christensen BT, Calkins MM. Occupational exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: a scope review of the literature from 1980-2021. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 33:673-686. [PMID: 36977833 PMCID: PMC10533727 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00536-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) comprise a large group of chemicals that have been integrated into a wide variety of industrial processes and consumer products since the 1950s. Due to their profuse usage and high persistence in human serum, understanding workplace exposures to PFAS is critical. OBJECTIVE We aimed to characterize the PFAS exposure profiles of relevant occupational populations, elucidate trends in the PFAS exposure characterization process, and identify major research gaps that remain within the occupational PFAS exposure literature. METHODS A systematic search of four literature databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2021 on PFAS exposure in occupational settings was conducted. RESULTS Of the 2574 articles identified, 92 met the inclusion criteria. Fluorochemical workers were the target population in most early exposure assessment research; however, studies conducted within the last 10 years have evaluated a wider range of occupational populations and settings. The highest exposures were reported in fluorochemical workers, but, in comparison to reference populations, one or more PFAS were elevated in most workers and in most workplaces that were assessed. PFAS was most frequently assessed in worker serum using a discrete analytical panel of PFAS, with earlier studies restricted to a few long-alkyl chain PFAS while more recent studies have included more expansive panels due to more robust methods. SIGNIFICANCE Characterization of occupational exposure to PFAS is limited but expanding. Current analytical methods are not robust enough to fully capture the potential range of PFAS present across different workers and workplaces. While exposures to PFAS for certain occupational groups have been studied in detail, exposure information for other occupational groups with high potential for exposure are limited. This review highlights substantial findings and major research gaps within the occupational literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Christensen
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA.
| | - Miriam M Calkins
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Cincinnati, OH, 45213, USA
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3
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Mesfin Tefera Y, Gaskin S, Mitchell K, Springer D, Mills S. Temporal decline in serum PFAS concentrations among metropolitan firefighters: Longitudinal study on post-exposure changes following PFAS foam cessation. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 179:108167. [PMID: 37651929 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are at a high risk of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to their frequent use of PFAS-containing foams in training and emergency situations. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the changes in serum PFAS levels among firefighters following cessation of their exposure to PFAS-containing foams. The study involved 130 firefighters from the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Services (SAMFS), and serum samples were collected at two time points: baseline in 2018-19 and follow-up in 2021-22. Along with the collection of samples, a survey questionnaire was administered to gather information on firefighters' employment and demographic characteristics. Regression models were employed to assess the association between these factors and the outcome variable (annual percentage change in serum PFAS concentration). The results indicated a decline in serum PFAS concentrations over time, with the main contaminants being perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The median and Interquartile Range (IQR) of total PFAS (∑PFAS) concentration reduced from 21.5 ng/ml (IQR: 11 to 53 ng/ml) at baseline to 15 ng/ml (IQR: 8 to 33 ng/ml) at follow-up. On average, there was an annual reduction of 13%, 7%, and 4.4% in serum concentrations of PFOS, PFHxS, and PFOA, respectively. Firefighters under the age of 55, those who used PFAS in the past ten years, or those who had little to no frequency of PFAS exposure in their previous employment, encountered a significantly higher annual percentage reduction (P < 0.05) in both ∑PFAS and PFOS concentrations. None of the independent variables analysed could significantly predict the annual percentage change in PFOA and PFHxS. This study provides evidence for a declining temporal trend in serum PFAS concentrations among metropolitan firefighters following workplace interventions that involved the removal of PFAS-containing foams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonatal Mesfin Tefera
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia; Department of Environmental Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Wollo University, Ethiopia.
| | - Sharyn Gaskin
- Adelaide Exposure Science and Health, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, Australia
| | - Krystle Mitchell
- South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia
| | - David Springer
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
| | - Simon Mills
- Envirolab Services, Sydney, New South Wales 2067, Australia
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4
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Ateia M, Buren JV, Barrett W, Martin T, Back GG. Sunrise of PFAS Replacements: A Perspective on Fluorine-Free Foams. ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING 2023; 11:7986-7996. [PMID: 37476647 PMCID: PMC10354943 DOI: 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
One type of firefighting foam, referred to as aqueous filmforming foams (AFFF), is known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The concerns raised with PFAS, and their potential environmental and health impacts, have led to a surge in research on fluorine-free alternatives both in the United States and globally. Particularly, in January 2023, a new military specification (MIL-PRF-32725) for fluorine-free foam was released in accordance with Congressional requirements for the U.S. Department of Defense. This paper provides a critical analysis of the present state of the various fluorine-free options that have been developed to date. A nuanced perspective of the challenges and opportunities of more sustainable replacements is explored by examining the performance, cost, and regulatory considerations associated with these fluorine-free alternatives. Ultimately, this evaluation shows that the transition to fluorine-free replacements is likely to be complex and multifaceted, requiring careful consideration of the trade-offs involved. Yet, the ongoing work will provide valuable insights for future research on alternatives to AFFF and enhancing the safety and sustainability of fire suppression systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Ateia
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77005, United States
| | - Jean Van Buren
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - William Barrett
- Center for Environmental Solutions & Emergency Response, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - Todd Martin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Cincinnati, Ohio 45204, United States
| | - Gerard G Back
- Jensen Hughes, Inc., Halethorpe, Maryland 21227, United States
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Rosenfeld PE, Spaeth KR, Remy LL, Byers V, Muerth SA, Hallman RC, Summers-Evans J, Barker S. Perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in firefighters: Sources and implications. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 220:115164. [PMID: 36584840 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.115164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters are at risk of occupational exposure to long-chain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), most notably from PFASs present in Class B aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Firefighters have been found to have elevated serum levels of long-chain PFASs. Due to the persistence of PFAS chemicals in the human body and their ability to bioaccumulate, firefighters experience the latent and cumulative effects of PFAS-containing AFFF exposure that occurs throughout their careers. This article summarizes the history of AFFF use by firefighters and current AFFF use practices. In addition, this paper describes PFAS levels in firefighter serum, PFAS serum removal pathways, PFAS exposure pathways, and occupational factors affecting PFAS levels in firefighters. International, national, and state agencies have concluded that PFOA, a long-chain PFAS, is potentially carcinogenic and that carcinogens have an additive effect. From the cancer types that may be associated with PFAS exposure, studies on cancer risk among firefighters have shown an elevated risk for thyroid, kidney, bladder, testicular, prostate, and colon cancer. Thus, exposure to PFAS-containing AFFF may contribute to firefighter cancer risk and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Rosenfeld
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Kenneth R Spaeth
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, NY, USA.
| | - Linda L Remy
- Family Health Outcomes Project, Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, 500 Parnassus Ave. Room MU-337, San Francisco, CA, 94143-0900, USA.
| | - Vera Byers
- Immunology Inc. PO Box 4703, Incline Village, NV, 89450, USA.
| | - Stuart A Muerth
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Ryan C Hallman
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
| | - Jasmine Summers-Evans
- University of California, Los Angeles, Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. LaKretz Hall, 619 Charles E Young Dr E #300, Los Angeles, CA, 90024, USA.
| | - Sofia Barker
- Soil Water Air Protection Enterprise (SWAPE), 2656 29th Street, Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA, 90405, USA.
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6
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Nilsson S, Smurthwaite K, Aylward LL, Kay M, Toms LM, King L, Marrington S, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Bräunig J. Associations between serum perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) concentrations and health related biomarkers in firefighters. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 215:114370. [PMID: 36174755 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114370] [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: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Firefighters who used aqueous film forming foam in the past have experienced elevated exposures to perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between clinical chemistry endpoints and serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in firefighters. Multiple linear regression was used to assess relationships between PFAA serum concentrations and biochemical markers for cardiovascular disease, kidney-, liver- and thyroid function, in a cross-sectional survey of 783 firefighters with elevated levels of PFHxS, PFHpS and PFOS in relation to the most recently reported levels in the general Australian population. Linear logistic regression was used to assess the odds ratios for selected self-reported health outcomes. Repeated measures linear mixed models were further used to assess relationships between PFAAs and biomarkers for cardiovascular disease and kidney function longitudinally in a subset of the firefighters (n = 130) where serum measurements were available from two timepoints, five years apart. In the cross-sectional analysis, higher levels of all PFAAs were significantly associated with higher levels of biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (total-cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol). For example, doubling in PFOS serum concentration were associated with increases in total cholesterol (β:0.111, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 0.026, 0.195 mmol/L) and LDL-cholesterol (β: 0.104, 95%CI:0.03, 0.178 mmol/L). Doubling in PFOA concentration, despite not being elevated in the study population, were additionally positively associated with kidney function marker urate (e.g., β: 0.010, 95%CI; 0.004, 0.016 mmol/L) and thyroid function marker TSH (e.g., β: 0.087, 95%CI: 0.014, 0.161 mIU/L). PFAAs were not associated with any assessed self-reported health conditions. No significant relationships were observed in the longitudinal analysis. Findings support previous studies, particularly on the association between PFAAs and serum lipids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Kayla Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton 2600, Australia
| | - Lesa L Aylward
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia; Summit Toxicology, LLP, La Quinta, 92253, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Kay
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Health Sciences Building, RBWH Complex, Herston, 4029, QLD, Australia
| | - Leisa-Maree Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, 4059, QLD, Australia
| | - Leisa King
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Shelby Marrington
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Martyn D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton 2600, Australia
| | - Jochen F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Jennifer Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
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7
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Ho SH, Soh SXH, Wang MX, Ong J, Seah A, Wong Y, Fang Z, Sim S, Lim JT. Perfluoroalkyl substances and lipid concentrations in the blood: A systematic review of epidemiological studies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 850:158036. [PMID: 35973530 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158036] [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: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used synthetic aliphatic compounds. This systematic review aims to assess PFAS associations with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) concentrations in human populations. METHOD We systematically searched four online databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Library for relevant peer-reviewed English language articles published until July 2021. Additional relevant articles identified were also included in the search results. We categorised populations into adults (≥18 years old) and children. Primary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and LDL, HDL, TC, and TG concentrations in the serum, plasma, or whole blood; secondary findings were the associations between PFAS concentrations and the odds of lipid-related health outcomes. Quantitative synthesis was done by vote counting of the effect directions between concentrations of PFAS and lipids/health outcomes, repeated on articles with sample size >1000. Sign tests were performed to assess the statistical significance of the differences between positive and negative associations. Sensitivity analysis was performed by separating out articles with populations having high concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Quality was assessed with the STROBE checklist and NHBLI Study Quality Assessment Tool. RESULTS A total of 58 articles were included for review. There was evidence that PFAS exposure is associated with higher concentrations of LDL, HDL, and TC, particularly for PFOA-LDL, PFOA-TC, PFOS-TC, and PFNA-LDL. Associations between PFAS and TG tended to be negative, especially for perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA). Associations between PFAS concentration and the odds of secondary outcomes generally supported a positive association between PFAS and cholesterol concentrations. CONCLUSION We found evidence of associations between the concentrations of some PFAS-lipid pairs in human populations. Future research should be conducted on the less well-studied PFAS to explore their effects on human health and in regions where such studies are currently lacking. (300 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Hoe Ho
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore.
| | - Stacy Xin Hui Soh
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Min Xian Wang
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Tahir Foundation Building, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Janet Ong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Annabel Seah
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Yvonne Wong
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Zhanxiong Fang
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Shuzhen Sim
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore
| | - Jue Tao Lim
- Environmental Health Institute, National Environment Agency, 11 Biopolis Way, #06-05/08 Helios Block, Singapore 138667, Singapore; Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, Tahir Foundation Building, National University of Singapore, 12 Science Drive 2, #10-01, Singapore 117549, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Novena Campus, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore
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8
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Nilsson S, Smurthwaite K, Aylward LL, Kay M, Toms LM, King L, Marrington S, Barnes C, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Bräunig J. Serum concentration trends and apparent half-lives of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Australian firefighters. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 246:114040. [PMID: 36162311 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.114040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are persistent manmade compounds used in aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). The extensive use of AFFF has led to widespread environmental PFAS contamination and exposures of firefighters. OBJECTIVES To determine PFAS blood serum concentration trends and apparent serum half-lives in firefighters after the replacement of AFFF. METHODS Current and former employees of an Australian corporation providing firefighting services, where AFFF formulations had been used since the 1980s up until 2010, were recruited in 2018-2019 to participate in this study. Special focus was put on re-recruiting participants who had provided blood samples five years prior (2013-2014). Participants were asked to provide a blood sample and fill in a questionnaire. Serum samples were analysed for 40 different PFASs using HP LC-MS/MS. RESULTS A total of 799 participants provided blood samples in 2018-2019. Of these, 130 previously provided blood serum in 2013-2014. In 2018-2019, mean (arithmetic) serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, 27 ng/mL), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS, 1.7 ng/mL) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, 14 ng/mL) were higher than the levels in the general Australian population. Serum concentrations were associated with the use of PFOS/PFHxS based AFFF. Participants who commenced service after the replacement of this foam had serum concentrations similar to those in the general population. Mean (arithmetic) individual apparent half-lives were estimated to be 5.0 years (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)), 7.8 years (PFHxS), 7.4 years (PFHpS) and 6.5 years (PFOS). CONCLUSION This study shows how workplace interventions such as replacement of AFFF can benefit employees at risk of occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nilsson
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - K Smurthwaite
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton, 2600, Australia
| | - L L Aylward
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia; Summit Toxicology, LLP, La Quinta, 92253, CA, USA
| | - M Kay
- General Practice Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Health Sciences Building, RBWH Complex, Herston, 4029, QLD, Australia
| | - L M Toms
- School of Public Health and Social Work, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, 4059, QLD, Australia
| | - L King
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - S Marrington
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - C Barnes
- Airservices Australia, 25 Constitution Ave, Canberra, 2601, ACT, Australia
| | - M D Kirk
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Cnr of Eggleston and Mills Roads Acton, 2600, Australia
| | - J F Mueller
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - J Bräunig
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences (QAEHS), The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, 4102, QLD, Australia
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9
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Burgess JL, Fisher JM, Nematollahi A, Jung AM, Calkins MM, Graber JM, Grant CC, Beitel SC, Littau SR, Gulotta JJ, Wallentine DD, Hughes RJ, Popp C, Calafat AM, Botelho JC, Coleman AD, Schaefer-Solle N, Louzado-Feliciano P, Oduwole SO, Caban-Martinez AJ. Serum per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations in four municipal US fire departments. Am J Ind Med 2022; 66:411-423. [PMID: 35864570 PMCID: PMC9859935 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Firefighters have occupational and environmental exposures to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The goal of this study was to compare serum PFAS concentrations across multiple United States fire departments to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) participants. METHODS Nine serum PFAS were compared in 290 firefighters from four municipal fire departments (coded A-D) and three NHANES participants matched to each firefighter on sex, ethnicity, age, and PFAS collection year. Only Departments A and C had sufficient women study participants (25 and six, respectively) to compare with NHANES. RESULTS In male firefighters compared with NHANES, geometric mean perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) was elevated in Departments A-C, sum of branched perfluoromethylheptane sulfonate isomers (Sm-PFOS) was elevated in all four departments, linear perfluorooctane sulfonate (n-PFOS) was elevated in Departments B and C, linear perfluorooctanoate (n-PFOA) was elevated in Departments B-D, and perfluorononanoate (PFNA) was elevated in Departments B-D, but lower in A. In male firefighters compared with NHANES, perfluoroundecanoate (PFUnDA) was more frequently detected in Departments B and D, and 2-(N-methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamido) acetate (MeFOSAA) was less frequently detected in Departments B-D. In female firefighters compared with NHANES, PFHxS and Sm-PFOS concentrations were elevated in Departments A and C. Other PFAS concentrations were elevated and/or reduced in only one department or not significantly different from NHANES in any department. CONCLUSIONS Serum PFHxS, Sm-PFOS, n-PFOS, n-PFOA, and PFNA concentrations were increased in at least two of four fire departments in comparison to NHANES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferey L. Burgess
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Julia M. Fisher
- Statistics Consulting Laboratory, BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Amy Nematollahi
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Alesia M. Jung
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Miriam M. Calkins
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Judith M. Graber
- Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Casey C. Grant
- D&S Research Associates & Engineers, LLC, Belmont, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Shawn C. Beitel
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sally R. Littau
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles Popp
- Boston Fire Department, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Antonia M. Calafat
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Julianne C. Botelho
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Alissa D. Coleman
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Simi O. Oduwole
- Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
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10
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Nilsson S, Smurthwaite K, Aylward LL, Kay M, Toms LM, King L, Marrington S, Hobson P, Barnes C, Rotander A, Kirk MD, Mueller JF, Braeunig J. Biomonitoring of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure in firefighters: Study design and lessons learned from stakeholder and participant engagement. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2022; 242:113966. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2022.113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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11
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Understanding the Role of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Stress in the Association between Proximity to the World Trade Center Disaster and Birth Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042008. [PMID: 35206202 PMCID: PMC8871981 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth is affected by exposure to both prenatal stress and environmental contaminants. The attacks on the World Trade Center (WTC) resulted in exposure to chemicals and psychological stress amongst New York City residents. We measured prenatal maternal stress and exposure to persistent organic pollutants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)) in 108 participants from a Columbia University WTC birth cohort. Principal component (PC) analyses were conducted to characterize the mixture of exposure to the three groups of chemicals. We evaluated the associations between geographical exposures (proximity to the WTC disaster) and both chemical exposures (PCs) and stress (demoralization). We then evaluated the effect these exposures (PCs and stress) had on previously reported associations between geographical WTC exposure and birth outcomes (birth weight and birth length) in this study population to understand their individual roles in the observed associations. Geographical exposure via proximity to the WTC was associated with the PC reflecting higher PCDD exposure (PC3) (β = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.03, 1.18 for living/working within 2 miles of the WTC; and β = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.08, 1.38 for living within 2 miles of WTC). Previously reported reductions in birth weight and length associated with WTC proximity (β = −215.2, 95% CI: −416.2, −14.3 and β = −1.47, 95% CI: −2.6, −0.34, respectively) were attenuated and no longer significant for birth weight (β = −156.4, 95% CI: −358.2, 45.4) after adjusting for PC3, suggesting that PCDDs may act as partial mediators in this previously observed association. The results of this study can help focus future research on the long-term health effects of these prenatally exposed populations.
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12
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Young AS, Sparer-Fine EH, Pickard HM, Sunderland EM, Peaslee GF, Allen JG. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and total fluorine in fire station dust. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:930-942. [PMID: 33542478 PMCID: PMC8339150 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of over 4700 fluorinated compounds used in industry and consumer products. Studies have highlighted the use of aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) as an exposure source for firefighters, but little is known about PFAS occurrence inside fire stations, where firefighters spend most of their shifts. In this study, we aimed to characterize PFAS concentrations and sources inside fire stations. We measured 24 PFAS (using LC-MS/MS) and total fluorine (using particle-induced gamma ray emission) in dust from multiple rooms of 15 Massachusetts stations, many of which (60%) no longer use PFAS-containing AFFF at all and the rest of which only use it very rarely. Compared to station living rooms, turnout gear locker rooms had higher dust levels of total fluorine (p < 0.0001) and three PFAS: perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA), perfluoroheptanoate (PFHpA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDoDA) (p < 0.05). These PFAS were also found on six wipes of station turnout gear. By contrast, the dominant PFAS in living rooms was N-ethyl perfluorooctane sulfonamidoacetic acid (N-MeFOSAA), a precursor to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) that still persists despite phase-outs almost two decades ago. The Σ24 PFAS accounted for less than 2% of fluorine in dust (n = 39), suggesting the potential presence of unknown PFAS. Turnout gear may be an important PFAS source in stations due to intentional additives and/or contamination from firefighting activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna S Young
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | - Heidi M Pickard
- Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Elsie M Sunderland
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Graham F Peaslee
- Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Joseph G Allen
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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13
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Tarapore P, Ouyang B. Perfluoroalkyl Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health: Do PFOA and PFOS Increase Risk for Male Infertility? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18073794. [PMID: 33916482 PMCID: PMC8038605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are manmade synthetic chemicals which have been in existence for over 70 years. Though they are currently being phased out, their persistence in the environment is widespread. There is increasing evidence linking PFAS exposure to health effects, an issue of concern since PFAS such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) bioaccumulate in humans, with a half-life of years. Many epidemiological studies suggest that, worldwide, semen quality has decreased over the past several decades. One of the most worrying effects of PFOS and PFOA is their associations with lower testosterone levels, similar to clinical observations in infertile men. This review thus focuses on PFOS/PFOA-associated effects on male reproductive health. The sources of PFAS in drinking water are listed. The current epidemiological studies linking increased exposure to PFAS with lowered testosterone and semen quality, and evidence from rodent studies supporting their function as endocrine disruptors on the reproductive system, exhibiting non-monotonic dose responses, are noted. Finally, their mechanisms of action and possible toxic effects on the Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells are discussed. Future research efforts must consider utilizing better human model systems for exposure, using more accurate PFAS exposure susceptibility windows, and improvements in statistical modeling of data to account for the endocrine disruptor properties of PFAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pheruza Tarapore
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Cincinnati Cancer Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-513-558-5148
| | - Bin Ouyang
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Center of Environmental Genetics, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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14
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Barr DB, Kannan K, Cui Y, Merrill L, Petrick LM, Meeker JD, Fennell TR, Faustman EM. The use of dried blood spots for characterizing children's exposure to organic environmental chemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 195:110796. [PMID: 33508256 PMCID: PMC7988293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.110796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biomonitoring is a commonly used tool for exposure assessment of organic environmental chemicals with urine and blood samples being the most commonly used matrices. However, for children's studies, blood samples are often difficult to obtain. Dried blood spots (DBS) represent a potential matrix for blood collection in children that may be used for biomonitoring. DBS are typically collected at birth to screen for several congenital disorders and diseases; many of the states that are required to collect DBS archive these spots for years. If the archived DBS can be accessed by environmental health researchers, they potentially could be analyzed to retrospectively assess exposure in these children. Furthermore, DBS can be collected prospectively in the field from children ranging in age from newborn to school-aged with little concern from parents and minimal risk to the child. Here, we review studies that have evaluated the measurement of organic environmental toxicants in both archived and prospectively collected DBS, and where available, the validation procedures that have been performed to ensure these measurements are comparable to traditional biomonitoring measurements. Among studies thus far, the amount of validation has varied considerably with no studies systematically evaluating all parameters from field collection, shipping and storage contamination and stability to laboratory analysis feasibility. These validation studies are requisite to ensure reliability of the measurement and comparability to more traditional matrices. Thus, we offer some recommendations for validation studies and other considerations before DBS should be adopted as a routine matrix for biomonitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Boyd Barr
- Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health, Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yuxia Cui
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | | | - Lauren M Petrick
- The Senator Frank R. Lautenberg Environmental Health Sciences Laboratory, Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - John D Meeker
- School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Elaine M Faustman
- University of Washington, School of Public Health, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Seattle, WA, USA
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15
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Owumi SE, Akomolafe AP, Imosemi IO, Odunola OA, Oyelere AK. N-acetyl cysteine co-treatment abates perfluorooctanoic acid-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Andrologia 2021; 53:e14037. [PMID: 33724529 DOI: 10.1111/and.14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid is a synthetic perfluoroalkyl-persistent in the environment and toxic to humans. N-acetylcysteine is a pro-drug of both amino acid l-cysteine and glutathione-a non-enzymatic antioxidant. N-acetylcysteine serves as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and alleviates cellular oxidative and inflammatory stressors. We investigated N-acetylcysteine role against reproductive toxicity in male Wistar rats (weight: 140-220 g; 10 weeks old) posed by perfluorooctanoic acid exposure. Randomised rat cohorts were dosed both with perfluorooctanoic acid (5 mg/kg; p.o) or co-dosed with N-acetylcysteine (25 and 50 mg/kg p.o) for 28 days. Sperm physiognomies, biomarkers of testicular function and reproductive hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine significantly (p < .05) reversed perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated decreases in reproductive enzyme activities, and adverse effect on testosterone, luteinising and follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. N-acetylcysteine treatment alone, improved sperm motility, count and viability, and reduced total sperm abnormalities. Co-treatment with N-acetylcysteine mitigated perfluorooctanoic acid-induced alterations in sperm function parameters. N-acetylcysteine abated (p < .05) perfluorooctanoic acid-induced oxidative stress in experimental rats testes and epididymis, and generally improved antioxidant enzyme activities and cellular thiol levels. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine suppressed inflammatory responses and remedied perfluorooctanoic acid-mediated histological injuries in rat. Cooperatively, N-acetylcysteine enhanced reproductive function in perfluorooctanoic acid dosed rats, by lessening oxidative and nitrative stressors and mitigated inflammatory responses in the examined organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon E Owumi
- Change-Lab, CRMB Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Ayomide P Akomolafe
- Change-Lab, CRMB Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Innocent O Imosemi
- Neuroanatomy Research Laboratories, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Oyeronke A Odunola
- Change-Lab, CRMB Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Adegboyega K Oyelere
- School of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
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16
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Bălan SA, Mathrani VC, Guo DF, Algazi AM. Regulating PFAS as a Chemical Class under the California Safer Consumer Products Program. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2021; 129:25001. [PMID: 33595352 PMCID: PMC7888260 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of manmade chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. The widespread use, large number, and diverse chemical structures of PFAS pose challenges to any sufficiently protective regulation, emissions reduction, and remediation at contaminated sites. Regulating only a subset of PFAS has led to their replacement with other members of the class with similar hazards, that is, regrettable substitutions. Regulations that focus solely on perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) are ineffective, given that nearly all other PFAS can generate PFAAs in the environment. OBJECTIVES In this commentary, we present the rationale adopted by the State of California's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) for regulating PFAS as a class in certain consumer products. DISCUSSION We at the California DTSC propose regulating certain consumer products if they contain any member of the class of PFAS because: a) all PFAS, or their degradation, reaction, or metabolism products, display at least one common hazard trait according to the California Code of Regulations, namely environmental persistence; and b) certain key PFAS that are the degradation, reaction or metabolism products, or impurities of nearly all other PFAS display additional hazard traits, including toxicity; are widespread in the environment, humans, and biota; and will continue to cause adverse impacts for as long as any PFAS continue to be used. Regulating PFAS as a class is thus logical, necessary, and forward-thinking. This technical position may be helpful to other regulatory agencies in comprehensively addressing this large class of chemicals with common hazard traits. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP7431.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Andreea Bălan
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Vivek Chander Mathrani
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Dennis Fengmao Guo
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - André Maurice Algazi
- Safer Consumer Products Program, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, Sacramento, California, USA
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17
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Hall SM, Patton S, Petreas M, Zhang S, Phillips AL, Hoffman K, Stapleton HM. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Dust Collected from Residential Homes and Fire Stations in North America. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:14558-14567. [PMID: 33143410 PMCID: PMC7939574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c04869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, human exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has garnered increased attention. Research has focused on PFAS exposure via drinking water and diet, and fewer studies have focused on exposure in the indoor environment. To support more research on the latter exposure pathway, we conducted a study to evaluate PFAS in indoor dust. Dust samples from 184 homes in North Carolina and 49 fire stations across the United States and Canada were collected and analyzed for a suite of PFAS using liquid and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and di-polyfluoroalkyl phosphoric acid esters (diPAPs) were the most prevalent PFAS in both fire station and house dust samples, with medians of approximately 100 ng/g dust or greater. Notably, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonate, perfluorononanoic acid, and 6:2 diPAP were significantly higher in dust from fire stations than from homes, and 8:2 FTOH was significantly higher in homes than in fire stations. Additionally, when comparing our results to earlier published values, we see that perfluoroalkyl acid levels in residential dust appear to decrease over time, particularly for PFOA and PFOS. These results highlight a need to better understand what factors contribute to PFAS levels in dust and to understand how much dust contributes to overall human PFAS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M. Hall
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Commonweal, Bolinas, California, USA, 451 Mesa Road, Bolinas, California, United States
| | - Myrto Petreas
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, California Department of Toxic Substances Control, 700 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, California, United States
| | - Sharon Zhang
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Allison L. Phillips
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Kate Hoffman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Heather M. Stapleton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina, United States
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Heather M. Stapleton, PhD, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 9 Circuit Drive, Box 90328, Durham, North Carolina 27708;
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18
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Schrenk D, Bignami M, Bodin L, Chipman JK, del Mazo J, Grasl‐Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom L(R, Leblanc J, Nebbia CS, Nielsen E, Ntzani E, Petersen A, Sand S, Vleminckx C, Wallace H, Barregård L, Ceccatelli S, Cravedi J, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, Knutsen HK, Rose M, Roudot A, Van Loveren H, Vollmer G, Mackay K, Riolo F, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances in food. EFSA J 2020; 18:e06223. [PMID: 32994824 PMCID: PMC7507523 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2020.6223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in food. Based on several similar effects in animals, toxicokinetics and observed concentrations in human blood, the CONTAM Panel decided to perform the assessment for the sum of four PFASs: PFOA, PFNA, PFHxS and PFOS. These made up half of the lower bound (LB) exposure to those PFASs with available occurrence data, the remaining contribution being primarily from PFASs with short half-lives. Equal potencies were assumed for the four PFASs included in the assessment. The mean LB exposure in adolescents and adult age groups ranged from 3 to 22, the 95th percentile from 9 to 70 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week. Toddlers and 'other children' showed a twofold higher exposure. Upper bound exposure was 4- to 49-fold higher than LB levels, but the latter were considered more reliable. 'Fish meat', 'Fruit and fruit products' and 'Eggs and egg products' contributed most to the exposure. Based on available studies in animals and humans, effects on the immune system were considered the most critical for the risk assessment. From a human study, a lowest BMDL 10 of 17.5 ng/mL for the sum of the four PFASs in serum was identified for 1-year-old children. Using PBPK modelling, this serum level of 17.5 ng/mL in children was estimated to correspond to long-term maternal exposure of 0.63 ng/kg bw per day. Since accumulation over time is important, a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 4.4 ng/kg bw per week was established. This TWI also protects against other potential adverse effects observed in humans. Based on the estimated LB exposure, but also reported serum levels, the CONTAM Panel concluded that parts of the European population exceed this TWI, which is of concern.
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19
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Spratlen MJ, Perera FP, Lederman SA, Rauh VA, Robinson M, Kannan K, Trasande L, Herbstman J. The association between prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and childhood neurodevelopment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2020; 263:114444. [PMID: 32272335 PMCID: PMC7362877 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2020.114444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were among various persistent organic pollutants suspected to have been released during the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 9/11. Evidence on the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and child neurodevelopment is limited and inconsistent. This study evaluated the association between prenatal PFAS exposure and child cognitive outcomes measured at 5 different time points in a population prenatally exposed to the WTC disaster. The study population included 302 pregnant women in the Columbia University WTC birth cohort enrolled between December 13, 2001 and June 26, 2002 at three hospitals located near the WTC site: Beth Israel, St. Vincent's, and New York University Downtown. We evaluated the association between prenatal exposure to four PFAS (perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA)) and child neurodevelopment measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II) at approximately 1, 2 and 3 years of age and using The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) at approximately 4 and 6 years of age. Geometric mean (range) concentrations of PFAS were 6.03 (1.05, 33.7), 2.31 (0.18, 8.14), 0.43 (<LOQ, 10.3) and 0.67 (<LOQ, 15.8) ng/mL for PFOS, PFOA, PFNA and PFHxS, respectively. Several PFAS were associated with increases in cognitive outcomes in females and overall (males and females combined). Child sex modified the association between PFOS and the mental development index measured using BSID-II, with the observed relationship being positive for females and negative for males. Through principal component analyses, we observed a negative relationship between PFNA and the psychomotor development index measured using BSID-II and the verbal IQ measured using WPPSI. Our results suggest a sex- and compound-specific relationship between prenatal PFAS exposures and childhood neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J Spratlen
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Frederica P Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally Ann Lederman
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Virginia A Rauh
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Panikkar B, Lemmond B, Allen L, DiPirro C, Kasper S. Making the invisible visible: results of a community-led health survey following PFAS contamination of drinking water in Merrimack, New Hampshire. Environ Health 2019; 18:79. [PMID: 31470871 PMCID: PMC6717361 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-019-0513-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2016, citizens of Merrimack, New Hampshire, learned that their public water supply was contaminated with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). A subsequent state-led investigation revealed widespread contamination of both public and private well water with PFOA and several related chemicals, broadly termed per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This research examines the local response to PFAS contamination of the public water system and well water in Merrimack and the results from the health survey administered by a local advocacy group, Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water (MCFCW). METHODS MCFCW designed and implemented a community health survey (n = 596) representing 213 households exposed to PFAS through drinking water. The surveys were conducted in the summer of 2017. Respondents used an online survey platform to report demographic information, exposure sources, and health conditions. Logistic regression was used to analyze the community-based health survey results . RESULTS There were several important associations that warrant further investigation and more immediate attention, especially: 1) elevated incidence of developmental, autoimmune and kidney disorders among those under 18 years of age; 2) elevated levels of health concerns, multiple health concerns, autoimmune disorders, and reproductive disorders among women, 3) elevated levels of health concerns, multiple health conditions, cardiovascular, respiratory, reproductive, and liver disorders in those with industrial occupational exposures, and; 4) elevated incidence of health concerns, cardiovascular, and developmental disorders among those who have been living in Merrimack for a long time versus newer residents. CONCLUSIONS The limitations inherent in the study design warrant caution in interpreting the results, however the associations found in this study merit further investigation. This health survey highlights foremost the critical gap in information-lack of access to blood testing, medical monitoring and physician guidance of PFAS-exposed residents. This study provides a model for conducting community-based health studies to advocate for pathways to state supported biomonitoring and medical monitoring for those exposed to industrial toxins and to take into consideration the human health burden in shaping the future of chemical regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bindu Panikkar
- Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources, 81 Carrigan Dr., University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Benjamin Lemmond
- Rubenstein School of the Environment and Natural Resources, 81 Carrigan Dr., University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405 USA
| | - Laurene Allen
- Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, 16 French Court, Merrimack, NH 03054 USA
| | - Carol DiPirro
- Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water, 16 French Court, Merrimack, NH 03054 USA
| | - Shaina Kasper
- Toxics Action Center, 141 Main St., Suite 6, Montpelier, VT 05602 USA
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21
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Liu F, Fan Z, Song N, Han M, Yan M, Guo LH, Jihui J, Liu S. XRCC4, which is inhibited by PFDA, regulates DNA damage repair and cell chemosensitivity. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:12665-12676. [PMID: 30834581 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanism of environmental pollution promoting gastric cancer incidence and difficulty of treatment is not fully understood. In the present article, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), a common persistent environmental pollutant, was used to treat the gastric cell lines and mice to test its genotoxicity. The γ-H2AX immunoblot and plasmid fragment PCR results showed that PFDA had a promotion effect on the DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in human and mouse cells. Subsequent results showed that PFDA significantly altered the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapy. Microarray data showed that the expressions of some important DNA repair genes were changed. Further investigation discovered that PFDA inhibition of DNA repair was mediated by X-ray repair cross complementing 4 (XRCC4). The cells deficient in XRCC4 generally exhibited reduced proliferation and premature aging in culture; however, our results indicated that PFDA induced p53 inhibition rescued cells from the apoptosis that was triggered by nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) inactivation, and overexpression of p53 expression in PFDA-treated cells enhanced their apoptosis. Finally, T-cell specific factor 4 was suggested by the results as an upstream regulator of XRCC4. This article revealed for the first time that perfluorinated chemicals affect chemotherapeutic sensitivity and the NHEJ pathway, and p53 reduction rescues cells from death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengyan Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ziyan Fan
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Ning Song
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Mingyong Han
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.,Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ming Yan
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Jihui
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
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22
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Spratlen MJ, Perera FP, Lederman SA, Robinson M, Kannan K, Trasande L, Herbstman J. Cord blood perfluoroalkyl substances in mothers exposed to the World Trade Center disaster during pregnancy. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 246:482-490. [PMID: 30583156 PMCID: PMC6402332 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) may have been released during the collapse of the World Trade Center (WTC) on 9/11. Evidence suggests PFAS can cross the placental barrier in humans and cause harm to the developing fetus; however, no studies have measured PFAS in mothers exposed to the WTC disaster during pregnancy. We measured PFAS in maternal plasma (n = 48) or cord blood (n = 231) from pregnant women in the Columbia University WTC birth cohort, enrolled between December 13, 2001 and June 26, 2002 at one of three hospitals located near the WTC site. In order to maximize sample size, we used a linear regression to transform the 48 maternal plasma samples to cord blood equivalents in our study; cord blood and transformed maternal plasma-to-cord blood samples were then analyzed together. We evaluated the association between WTC exposure and PFAS concentrations using three exposure variables: 1) living/working within two miles of WTC; 2) living within two miles of WTC regardless of work location; and 3) working but not living within two miles of WTC. Exposure was compared with those not living/working within two miles of WTC (reference group). Living/working within two miles of WTC was associated with 13% higher perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations compared with the reference group [GMR (95% CI): 1.13 (1.01, 1.27)]. The association was stronger when comparing only those who lived within two miles of WTC to the reference group [GMR (95% CI): 1.17 (1.03, 1.33)], regardless of work location. Our results provide evidence that exposure to the WTC disaster during pregnancy resulted in increases in PFAS concentrations, specifically PFOA. This work identifies a potentially vulnerable and overlooked population, children exposed to the WTC disaster in utero, and highlights the importance of future longitudinal studies in this cohort to investigate later life effects resulting from these early life exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda J Spratlen
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health & Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Frederica P Perera
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sally Ann Lederman
- Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morgan Robinson
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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23
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Knutsen HK, Alexander J, Barregård L, Bignami M, Brüschweiler B, Ceccatelli S, Cottrill B, Dinovi M, Edler L, Grasl-Kraupp B, Hogstrand C, Hoogenboom LR, Nebbia CS, Oswald IP, Petersen A, Rose M, Roudot AC, Vleminckx C, Vollmer G, Wallace H, Bodin L, Cravedi JP, Halldorsson TI, Haug LS, Johansson N, van Loveren H, Gergelova P, Mackay K, Levorato S, van Manen M, Schwerdtle T. Risk to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctanoic acid in food. EFSA J 2018; 16:e05194. [PMID: 32625773 PMCID: PMC7009575 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2018.5194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The European Commission asked EFSA for a scientific evaluation on the risks to human health related to the presence of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food. Regarding PFOS and PFOA occurrence, the final data set available for dietary exposure assessment contained a total of 20,019 analytical results (PFOS n = 10,191 and PFOA n = 9,828). There were large differences between upper and lower bound exposure due to analytical methods with insufficient sensitivity. The CONTAM Panel considered the lower bound estimates to be closer to true exposure levels. Important contributors to the lower bound mean chronic exposure were 'Fish and other seafood', 'Meat and meat products' and 'Eggs and egg products', for PFOS, and 'Milk and dairy products', 'Drinking water' and 'Fish and other seafood' for PFOA. PFOS and PFOA are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, excreted in urine and faeces, and do not undergo metabolism. Estimated human half-lives for PFOS and PFOA are about 5 years and 2-4 years, respectively. The derivation of a health-based guidance value was based on human epidemiological studies. For PFOS, the increase in serum total cholesterol in adults, and the decrease in antibody response at vaccination in children were identified as the critical effects. For PFOA, the increase in serum total cholesterol was the critical effect. Also reduced birth weight (for both compounds) and increased prevalence of high serum levels of the liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (for PFOA) were considered. After benchmark modelling of serum levels of PFOS and PFOA, and estimating the corresponding daily intakes, the CONTAM Panel established a tolerable weekly intake (TWI) of 13 ng/kg body weight (bw) per week for PFOS and 6 ng/kg bw per week for PFOA. For both compounds, exposure of a considerable proportion of the population exceeds the proposed TWIs.
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24
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Januszkiewicz AJ, Bazar MA, Crouse LCB, Chapman MA, Hodges SE, McCormick SJ, O'Neill AJ. Morbidity and mortality resulting from acute inhalation exposures to hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride in rats. Inhal Toxicol 2018; 30:114-123. [PMID: 29764242 DOI: 10.1080/08958378.2018.1465494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Experiments were undertaken to compare morbidity and mortality from brief inhalation exposures to high levels of hydrogen fluoride (HF) and carbonyl fluoride (COF2). METHODS Rats from both sexes were exposed for durations of 5 and 10 min to nominal concentrations of 10,000 to 57,000 ppm HF or 500 to 10,000 ppm COF2. Respiration was monitored before, during, and after exposure. Animals were observed up to 6 days post-exposure. Terminal blood samples were collected for routine clinical chemistry and hematology. Post-mortem lung fluoride concentrations and lung weights were measured, and gross pathology noted. RESULTS Both gases produced respiratory depression independent of concentration or exposure duration with minute ventilation decreasing to approximately 50% of baseline. Estimated mixed-gender HF and COF2 10-min LC50's were 48,661 ppm and 1083 ppm, respectively. HF mortalities were generally delayed 3 to 4 days post-exposure, while COF2 mortalities occurred during or briefly after exposure. Lung fluoride levels increased with COF2 dose, though elevated lung weights occurred only at the mid-level exposures. Lung weights were unaffected in the HF-exposed animals, and their lung fluoride concentrations were variable. Clinical chemistry and hematology had few consistent trends with the exception of hemoconcentration primarily in HF-exposed males. These short-term exposure experiments conclude that COF2 is nearly 45 times more lethal than HF in rats. CONCLUSIONS These experiments suggest that hydrolysis to HF cannot solely explain COF2 toxicity. Although HF and COF2 may have common injury mechanisms, they are expressed to markedly different degrees and temporal occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adolph J Januszkiewicz
- a Toxicity Evaluation Division , Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD , USA
| | - Matthew A Bazar
- a Toxicity Evaluation Division , Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD , USA
| | - Lee C B Crouse
- a Toxicity Evaluation Division , Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD , USA
| | - Michael A Chapman
- b U.S. Army Aberdeen Test and Evaluation Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD , USA
| | - Steven E Hodges
- c Army TARDEC Ground Systems Survivability, Alion Science and Technology , Santa Barbara , CA , USA
| | - Steven J McCormick
- d Development and Engineering Center , U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research , Warren , MI , USA
| | - Arthur J O'Neill
- a Toxicity Evaluation Division , Army Public Health Center , Aberdeen Proving Ground , MD , USA
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25
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Koshy TT, Attina TM, Ghassabian A, Gilbert J, Burdine LK, Marmor M, Honda M, Chu DB, Han X, Shao Y, Kannan K, Urbina EM, Trasande L. Serum perfluoroalkyl substances and cardiometabolic consequences in adolescents exposed to the World Trade Center disaster and a matched comparison group. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2017; 109:128-135. [PMID: 28890218 PMCID: PMC5660646 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/04/2017] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large amounts of various chemical contaminants, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), were released at the time of the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster. Thousands of children who lived and/or attended school near the disaster site were exposed to these substances but few studies have examined the possible consequences related to these exposures. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship of PFASs serum levels with cardiometabolic profile in children and adolescents enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Registry (WTCHR) and a matched comparison group. METHODS We evaluated WTCHR enrollees who resided in New York City and were born between September 11, 1993 and September 10, 2001, and a matched comparison group consisting of individuals who were ineligible for WTCHR participation upon distance of their home, school or work from the WTC and lack of participation in rescue and recovery activities. Matching was based on date of birth, sex, race, ethnicity, and income. We assessed exposure to PFASs, as measured by serum levels and association with cardiometabolic profile as measured by arterial wall stiffness, body mass index, insulin resistance, fasting total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides. RESULTS A total of 402 participants completed the study and serum samples were analyzed from 308 participants, 123 in the WTCHR group and 185 in the comparison group. In multivariable regression analysis, after adjusting for relevant confounders, we observed a significant, positive association of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) with triglycerides (beta coefficient=0.14, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.27, 15.1% change), total cholesterol (beta coefficient=0.09, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.14, 9.2% change), and LDL cholesterol (beta coefficient=0.11, 95% CI: 0.03, 0.19, 11.5% change). Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid levels were associated with decreased insulin resistance (beta coefficient=-0.09, 95% CI: -0.18, -0.003, -8.6% change); PFOA and perfluorononanoic acid were associated with increased brachial artery distensibility. CONCLUSIONS This research adds to our knowledge of the physical health impacts in a large group of children exposed to the WTC disaster. Abnormal lipid levels in young adults might be an early marker of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases and our findings highlight the importance of conducting longitudinal studies in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony T Koshy
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa M Attina
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Gilbert
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren K Burdine
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Marmor
- Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masato Honda
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Dinh Binh Chu
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Han
- Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Elaine M Urbina
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Leonardo Trasande
- Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
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26
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Occupational exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances and serum levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in an aging population from upstate New York: a retrospective cohort study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2017; 91:145-154. [PMID: 29027000 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-017-1267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are environmentally persistent amphiphilic compounds. Exposure to two PFASs, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is linked to specific occupations and industries. This study examines the contribution of past occupational PFAS exposure to serum PFOS and PFOA levels among 154 older adults in New York State. METHODS Serum PFOS and PFOA levels were compared to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Potential occupational exposure to any PFAS was determined from work histories, reviewed by an industrial hygienist, and assessed in relation to current serum PFOS and PFOA levels using exposure probability, duration and cumulative exposure. RESULTS We observed 25% higher serum PFOS and 80% higher PFOA levels in study participants compared to NHANES. No participants reported PFAS chemical manufacturing work, but n = 68 reported work in occupations and industries known to use PFASs. We found that participants with high cumulative workplace exposure had 34% higher serum PFOS levels compared to participants without occupational exposure, adjusted for age, sex and income. Serum PFOS levels were 26% higher for participants with longer occupational exposure durations. The probability of occupational PFAS exposure metric was not associated with serum PFOS. Serum PFOA was not associated with any measure of occupational exposure. CONCLUSION Occupational exposure may contribute to total PFOS body burden in this study population, even among workers not directly involved in manufacturing PFASs. PFAS exposure assessments should evaluate the workplace as a potential source, even when workplace exposures are assumed to be low or moderate.
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27
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Dong T, Peng Y, Zhong N, Liu F, Zhang H, Xu M, Liu R, Han M, Tian X, Jia J, Chang LK, Guo LH, Liu S. Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) promotes gastric cell proliferation via sPLA2-IIA. Oncotarget 2017; 8:50911-50920. [PMID: 28881615 PMCID: PMC5584216 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The association of perfluorodecanoicacid (PFDA) with tumor promotion and associated effects is not clear. Given that PDFA is mostly consumed with food and drinking water, we evaluated the effects of PFDA on a gastric cell line. When added to cell cultures, PFDA significantly increased growth rate and colony forming ability compared with control treatment. We found that suppression of cell senescence, but not apoptosis or autophagy was associated with PFDA-induced promotion of cell amount. To determine the molecular mechanism that was involved, DNA microarray assays was used to analyze changes in gene expression in response to PFDA treatment. Data analysis demonstrated that the vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway had the lowest p-value, with sPLA2-IIA (pla2g2a) exhibits the most altered expression pattern within the pathway. Moreover, sPLA2-IIA and its transcription factor TCF4, known as a direct target and a binding partner of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in gastric cells respectively, were the third and second most varied genes globally. Cells transfected with expression plasmids pENTER-tcf4 and pENTER-pla2g2a show reduced cell proliferation by more than 60% and 30% respectively. Knockdown with sPLA2-IIA siRNA provided additional evidence that sPLA2-IIA was a mediator of PFDA-induced cell senescence suppression. The results suggest for the first time that PFDA induced suppression of cell senescence through inhibition of sPLA2-IIA protein expression and might increased the proliferative capacity of an existing tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Dong
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.,Department of Breast Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Yanping Peng
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Ning Zhong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fengyan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mengchen Xu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Rutao Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250100, China
| | - Mingyong Han
- Cancer Therapy and Research Center, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong university, Jinan, Shandong 250021, China
| | - Xingsong Tian
- Department of Breast Thyroid Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Jihui Jia
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lap Kam Chang
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Liang-Hong Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Shili Liu
- School of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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28
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Zhou X, Dong T, Fan Z, Peng Y, Zhou R, Wang X, Song N, Han M, Fan B, Jia J, Liu S. Perfluorodecanoic acid stimulates NLRP3 inflammasome assembly in gastric cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45468. [PMID: 28367997 PMCID: PMC5377303 DOI: 10.1038/srep45468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), a perfluorinated carboxylic acid, presents in the environment and accumulates in human blood and organs, but its association with tumor promotion are not clear. Given that inflammation plays a significant role in the development of gastric malignancies, we evaluated the effects of PFDA on activation of the inflammasome and inflammation regulation in the gastric cell line AGS. When added to cell cultures, PFDA significantly stimulated IL-1β and IL18 secretion and their mRNA levels compared with control cells. By RT-PCR and western-blot we found that up-regulation of NLRP3 were associated with promotion of IL-1β and IL-18 production. Then expression variation of cIAP1/2, c-Rel and p52 were analyzed, the results demonstrated raised mRNA expression in all the tested genes concomitant with enhanced inflammasome activity after exposure to PFDA. Assays with cIAP2 siRNA and NFκB reporter provided additional evidence that these genes were involved in PFDA-induced inflammasome assembly. Furthermore, increased secretion of IL-1β and IL-18 were detected in stomach of PFDA-treated mice, disorganized alignment of epithelial cells and inflammatory cell infiltration were also observed in the stomach tissues upon PFDA treatment. This study reports for the first time that PFDA regulates inflammasome assembly in human cells and mice tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhou
- Department of medical microbiology, School of basic medical science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Tianyi Dong
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Ziyan Fan
- China National Tobacco Quality Supervision &Test Center, 2 Fengyang Street, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yanping Peng
- Department of medical microbiology, School of basic medical science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Institute of Immunology and CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Xiaqiong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230027, China
| | - Ning Song
- Department of medical microbiology, School of basic medical science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Mingyong Han
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Bingbing Fan
- School of Public Health, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jihui Jia
- Department of medical microbiology, School of basic medical science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Shili Liu
- Department of medical microbiology, School of basic medical science, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
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29
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Trasande L, Koshy TT, Gilbert J, Burdine LK, Attina TM, Ghassabian A, Honda M, Marmor M, Chu DB, Han X, Shao Y, Kannan K. Serum perfluoroalkyl substances in children exposed to the world trade center disaster. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2017; 154:212-221. [PMID: 28104511 PMCID: PMC5328959 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 01/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The World Trade Center (WTC) disaster released large amounts of various chemical substances into the environment, including perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). Yet, no studies have examined exposures in children living or attending schools near the disaster site. We measured serum PFASs in WTC Health Registry (WTCHR) respondents who were ≤8 years of age on September 11, 2001 and a sociodemographically-matched comparison group. We also examined the relationship of PFASs levels with dust cloud exposure; home dust exposure, and with traumatic exposure, the latter to take into account differences related to possible mental health consequences and associated behavioral problems. Serum samples, collected between 2014 and 2016, were analyzed from 123 WTCHR participants and from 185 participants in the comparison group. In the WTCHR group, median perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) levels were 1.81ng/mL and 3.72ng/mL, respectively. Controlling for sex, caloric intake, race/ethnicity, and date of birth, significant increases among WTCHR participants compared with the matched comparison group were detected for perfluorohexanesulfonate (0.23ng/mL increase or 0.24log unit increase, p=0.006); PFOS (0.86ng/mL increase or 0.16log unit increase, p=0.011); PFOA (0.35ng/mL increase or 0.18log unit increase, p<0.001); perfluorononanoic acid (0.12ng/mL increase or 0.17log unit increase, p=0.003); perfluorodecanoic acid (0.06ng/mL increase or 0.42log unit increase, p<0.001); and perfluoroundecanoic acid (0.03ng/mL increase or 0.32log unit increase, p=0.019). Stronger associations were identified for home dust exposures and traumatic exposures than dust cloud. These findings highlight the importance of conducting longitudinal studies in this population to assess possible cardiometabolic and renal consequences related to these exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Trasande
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; NYU Wagner School of Public Service, New York, NY, USA; NYU College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Tony T Koshy
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren K Burdine
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Teresa M Attina
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Pediatrics, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Masato Honda
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Michael Marmor
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dinh Binh Chu
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Han
- Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yongzhao Shao
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Anumol T, Dagnino S, Vandervort DR, Snyder SA. Transformation of polyfluorinated compounds in natural waters by advanced oxidation processes. CHEMOSPHERE 2016; 144:1780-1787. [PMID: 26524147 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/16/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The presence of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in source and finished drinking waters is a concern with studies showing bioaccumulation and adverse toxicological effects in wildlife and potentially humans. Per/Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as fluorotelomer alcohols have been identified as precursors for PFCAs in biological pathways. In this study, we investigated the fate of 6:2 and 8:2 homologues of the fluorotelomer unsaturated carboxylic acids (FTUCAs) during advanced oxidation process (AOPs). Results showed 6:2 FTUCA and 8:2 FTUCA transformed into 6-C PFCA (PFHxA) and 8-C PFCA (PFOA) respectively with very little other PFCA formation for all AOPs. The degradation of 6:2 FTUCA and 8:2 FTUCA was greater in the GW compared to SW for the ozone processes but similar for UV/H2O2. The formation of n-C PFCA followed O3>O3/H2O2 at same dose and UV/H2O2 had much lower formation at the doses tested. Non-targeted analysis with the LC-MS-qTOF indicated the production of other PFCAs which contribute to the total mass balance, although no intermediate product was discovered indicating a rapid and direct transformation from the FTUCAs to the PFCAs and/or significant volatilization of intermediates. With the use of AOPs essential to water reuse treatment schemes, this work raises concerns over the risk of potential formation of PFCAs in the treatment and their adverse health effects in finished drinking water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarun Anumol
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Sonia Dagnino
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Darcy R Vandervort
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States
| | - Shane A Snyder
- Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, United States.
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Gribble MO, Bartell SM, Kannan K, Wu Q, Fair PA, Kamen DL. Longitudinal measures of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in serum of Gullah African Americans in South Carolina: 2003-2013. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2015; 143:82-8. [PMID: 25819541 PMCID: PMC4583839 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Charleston Harbor has elevated concentrations of PFAS in dolphins, but local human exposure data are limited. OBJECTIVES We sought to describe PFAS serum concentrations' temporal trends among Gullah African American residents of coastal South Carolina. METHODS Longitudinal measures of PFAS in blood serum from a Gullah clinical sample, without lupus, were examined using spaghetti plots and visit-to-visit change scores (e.g., differences in concentrations between visits) among the 68 participants with repeated measures available. We also modeled population-level trends among the 71 participants with any data using proportionate percentile models, accounting for clustering through robust standard errors. In a post-hoc analysis we examined heterogeneity of temporal trends by age through mixed-effects models for the log-transformed PFAS compounds. RESULTS Population concentrations of PFOS dropped approximately 9 (95% CI: 8, 10) percent each year over 2003-2013. This was concordant with individual PFOS trajectories (median PFOS change score -21.7 ng/g wet weight, interquartile range of PFOS change scores: -32.8, -14.9) and reports for other populations over this time period. Several other compounds including PFOA, PFHxS, and PFuNDA also showed a population-level decrease. However, examination of individual trajectories suggested substantial heterogeneity. Post-hoc analyses indicated that PFAS trajectories were heterogeneous by age. CONCLUSIONS Many PFAS compounds are decreasing in a sample of Gullah African Americans from coastal South Carolina. There may be age differences in the elimination kinetics of PFASs. The possible role of age as a modifier of PFAS serum trends merits further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew O Gribble
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Division of Biostatistics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Scott M Bartell
- Program in Public Health and Department of Statistics; University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, State University of New York at Albany, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Qian Wu
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Patricia A Fair
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Ocean Service, Center for Coastal Environmental Health & Biomolecular Research, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Diane L Kamen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston, SC, USA
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Yamazaki E, Yamashita N, Taniyasu S, Miyazawa Y, Gamo T, Ge H, Kannan K. Emission, Dynamics and Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Substances from Land to Ocean by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2015; 49:11421-11428. [PMID: 26321264 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Water samples collected along the Japanese coast and in the open Pacific Ocean in 2010, 2011, and 2012 were analyzed for perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to evaluate the effect of Great East Japan Earthquake (EQ 3.11), which occurred on March 11, 2011, on the dispersion of chemical pollutants. Ultratrace analysis of PFASs in water, a super computer simulation, and an inventory analysis from industrial records revealed the sources and dynamics of PFASs during the EQ 3.11 disaster. In this respect, EQ 3.11 destroyed solid infrastructure on land, and within minutes, PFASs stocked therein were released into the open environment. The historically significant tsunami backwash swept them away from their origin to the coastal water within several hours. It was estimated that from 0.8 to 1.0 tons of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and 4.8 to 5.1 tons of PFOA were discharged into the coastal waters after EQ 3.11 and the tsunami that followed. The reconstruction of EQ 3.11 also traced the influence of this pollution in open ocean water until March 2012, and a statistical and finger printing analysis revealed that there were different distribution mechanisms in coastal regions than in the open ocean for PFOS, other shorter chain perfluorinated sulfonic acids and perfluorinated carboxylic acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Yamazaki
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
- College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University , Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Nobuyoshi Yamashita
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Sachi Taniyasu
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
| | - Yasumasa Miyazawa
- Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, 3173-25 Showamchi, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama 236-0001, Japan
| | - Toshitaka Gamo
- Department of Chemical Oceanography, Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, The University of Tokyo , 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8564, Japan
| | - Hui Ge
- National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), 16-1 Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8569, Japan
- College of Science and Engineering, Kanazawa University , Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health, Empire State Plaza, PO Box 509, Albany, New York 12201-0509, United States
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Abstract
Objective: To assess California firefighters' blood concentrations of selected chemicals and compare with a representative US population. Methods: We report laboratory methods and analytic results for cadmium, lead, mercury, and manganese in whole blood and 12 serum perfluorinated chemicals in a sample of 101 Southern California firefighters. Results: Firefighters' blood metal concentrations were all similar to or lower than the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) values, except for six participants whose mercury concentrations (range: 9.79 to 13.42 μg/L) were close to or higher than the NHANES reporting threshold of 10 μg/L. Perfluorodecanoic acid concentrations were elevated compared with NHANES and other firefighter studies. Conclusions: Perfluorodecanoic acid concentrations were three times higher in this firefighter group than in NHANES adult males. Firefighters may have unidentified sources of occupational exposure to perfluorinated chemicals.
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Firefighters' exposure to perfluoroalkyl acids and 2-butoxyethanol present in firefighting foams. Toxicol Lett 2014; 231:227-32. [PMID: 25447453 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2014] [Revised: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess eight firefighters' exposure to Sthamex 3% AFFF (aqueous film forming foam) in the simulation of aircraft accidents at Oulu airport in Finland. Study was conducted in 2010 before limitation for the use of PFOA and PFOS in AFFFs. Due to prospective limitation also eight commercially available AFFFs were evaluated from occupational and environmental point of view to find substitutive AFFFs for future. The firefighters' exposure to twelve perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAS) was analyzed in order to observe the signs of accumulation during three consecutive training sessions. The firefighters' short-term exposure to 2-butoxyethanol (EGBE) was analyzed by urinalysis of 2-butoxyacetic acid (2-BAA). For the background information also the concentration of PFAS in used AFFF-liquid was analyzed. Fire fighters' serum PFHxS and PFNA concentrations seemed to increase during the three training sessions although they were not the main PFAS in used AFFF. The statistical significance for the elevations was not able to test due to limited size of test group. In two training sessions, the average urinary excretions of 2-BAA exceeded the reference limit of the occupationally unexposed population. In the evaluations of the firefighting foams, non-fluorine based products were favored and the alcohol resistance properties of foams were recommended for consideration due to the increasing use of biofuels.
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Analysis of Short-Term Effects of World Trade Center Dust on Rat Sciatic Nerve. J Occup Environ Med 2014; 56:1024-8. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000000296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Human biomonitoring of emerging pollutants through non-invasive matrices: state of the art and future potential. Anal Bioanal Chem 2014; 406:4063-88. [DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-7748-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 02/24/2014] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Shaw SD, Berger ML, Harris JH, Yun SH, Wu Q, Liao C, Blum A, Stefani A, Kannan K. Persistent organic pollutants including polychlorinated and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in firefighters from Northern California. CHEMOSPHERE 2013; 91:1386-94. [PMID: 23395527 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.12.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/28/2012] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs) were measured in serum of twelve firefighters sampled after a fire event in San Francisco, California, along with polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), bisphenol-A (BPA) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA). TEQPCDD/F concentrations were relatively low (mean 5pgg(-1) (lipid weight), lw, range 1-11pgg(-1)lw), but concentrations of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD, a congener indicative of exposure during firefighting, were elevated. Tentative WHO2005-TEQs calculated for PBDD/Fs in our samples (mean 104pgg(-1)lw, range 0.2-734pgg(-1)lw) suggested that PBDD/Fs may contribute substantially to dioxin-like toxicity in individual firefighters. PBDE concentrations were elevated in firefighter serum (mean 135ngg(-1)lw, range 48-442ngg(-1)lw). PBDE-209, PBDE-47 and PBDE-153 were prevalent congeners; PBDE-209 contributed >50% of the total PBDE concentration in four individuals, implying continuous occupational exposure to deca-BDE. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) was the dominant PFC in serum (mean 12ngml(-1) (wet weight), ww, range 3ngml(-1)ww to 59ngml(-1)ww), followed by perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) (mean 7ngml(-1)ww, range 2ngml(-1)ww to 12ngml(-1)ww). Concentrations of perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) (mean 2ngml(-1)ww, range 1-4ngml(-1)ww) were higher than those reported in the high-smoke exposure group of World Trade Center fire responders, suggesting that the California firefighters were exposed to PFNA in smoke during firefighting. Given their elevated rates of cancers, these results illustrate the importance of monitoring halogenated contaminants including PBDD/Fs in firefighters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan D Shaw
- Marine Environmental Research Institute, Center for Marine Studies, P.O. Box 1652, Blue Hill, ME 04614, USA.
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Lin S, Mauer MP, Jones R, Herdt-Losavio ML, Hwang SAA, Fitzgerald EF. Lessons learned from the september 11th disaster: a state health agency perspective. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2012; 6:27-31. [PMID: 22563247 PMCID: PMC3342077 DOI: 10.4137/ehi.s9237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The New York State Department of Health has conducted a number of studies over the past 10 years investigating health impacts related to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) disaster among New York City residents and New York State World Trade Center (WTC) responders. Efforts to evaluate the health effects of WTC exposures in these cohorts presented numerous challenges, including study design and associated concerns about bias, identifying the affected populations, gaining community support and participation, and determining the most appropriate clinical testing and follow-up approaches. The unique position of a state public health agency provided multiple points of support for these efforts. An overview of what was found and the lessons learned during the response to the 9/11 disaster is presented, from the viewpoint of a state public health agency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Lin
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180
- University at Albany, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Matthew P. Mauer
- Bureau of Occupational Health, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180
- University at Albany, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Rena Jones
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180
| | - Michele L. Herdt-Losavio
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180
- University at Albany, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144
| | - Syni-An A. Hwang
- Bureau of Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Troy, NY 12180
- University at Albany, School of Public Health, Rensselaer, NY 12144
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Horii Y, Jiang Q, Hanari N, Lam PKS, Yamashita N, Jansing R, Aldous KM, Mauer MP, Eadon GA, Kannan K. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, biphenyls, and naphthalenes in plasma of workers deployed at the World Trade Center after the collapse. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:5188-94. [PMID: 20455569 DOI: 10.1021/es100282d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Blood plasma samples (n = 43) collected retrospectively from New York State employees and National Guard personnel who had been assigned to work in the vicinity of the World Trade Center (WTC) during the week after the collapse of the buildings were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). On the basis of algorithms developed to rank individual exposures to dust and debris and to smoke, we categorized the samples as: more smoke exposure (MSE), more dust exposure (MDE), less smoke exposure (LSE), and less dust exposure (LDE). Mean concentrations of PCDDs were 1070, 223, 3690, and 732 pg/g lipid wt, and mean concentrations of PCDFs were 910, 1520, 230, and 117 pg/g lipid wt, for the MSE, MDE, LSE, and LDE groups, respectively. The concentrations of PCDFs were higher in the two "more exposure" groups than in the two "less exposure" groups. Calculated TEQ concentrations of coplanar PCBs and PCDD/Fs in plasma samples were, on average, 1.12 and 41.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g lipid wt, respectively. TEQ concentrations of PCDFs were higher than those of PCDDs in both "more exposure" groups but lower than those of PCDDs in "less exposure" groups. This result is suggestive of exposure of the WTC responders to PCDFs after the WTC collapse. PCDFs contributed the majority of TEQs and are therefore the critical dioxin-like compounds in MSE/MDE groups, whereas PCDDs are the critical compounds in the LSE/LDE groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Horii
- Center for Environmental Science in Saitama, Kazo, Saitama 347-0115, Japan
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Zhang T, Sun HW, Wu Q, Zhang XZ, Yun SH, Kannan K. Perfluorochemicals in meat, eggs and indoor dust in China: assessment of sources and pathways of human exposure to perfluorochemicals. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:3572-9. [PMID: 20377175 DOI: 10.1021/es1000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In this study, 10 perfluorochemicals (PFCs) were measured in meat, meat products, and eggs, and in indoor dust, collected in China. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were the most frequently detected PFCs in these samples. Mean concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in foodstuffs were in the range of 0.05-1.99 ng/g fresh wt and 0.06-12.5 ng/g fresh wt, respectively. The mean concentrations of PFOA, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), and PFOS in indoor dust were 205, 14.0, and 4.86 ng/g, dry wt, respectively. The estimated daily intake of PFOS and PFOA from meat, meat products and eggs (EDI(meat&eggs)) ranged from 6.00 to 9.64 ng/d and from 254 to 576 ng/d, respectively, when the values below the limit of quantitation (LOQ) were assigned as 0, and from 8.80 to 15.0 ng/d and from 255 to 577 ng/d, respectively, when the values below the LOQ were set at 1/2LOQ. The EDI(meat&eggs) of PFOS and PFOA increased with increasing family income. The estimated daily intake of PFOS and PFOA through inhalation of dust (EDI(dust)) ranged from 0.23 to 0.31 ng/d and from 9.68 to 13.4 ng/d, respectively. The daily intakes of PFOS and PFOA from the consumption of meat, meat products, and eggs, and from dust ingestion, as calculated from our samples in this study, were compared with estimated daily intake of PFCs reported from the concentrations in drinking water, fish and seafood from China. Our calculations indicate that dietary sources (EDI(dietary)) account for the overwhelming proportion of (>99% for PFOS and 98% for PFOA) total daily intake (TDI) in adults. The analyzed foodstuffs (meat, meat products, and eggs) were not the major contributors to dietary exposure to PFOS, whereas, meat was the primary contributor to dietary exposure to PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
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Kärrman A, Domingo JL, Llebaria X, Nadal M, Bigas E, van Bavel B, Lindström G. Biomonitoring perfluorinated compounds in Catalonia, Spain: concentrations and trends in human liver and milk samples. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2010; 17:750-758. [PMID: 19458971 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-009-0178-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND, AIM AND SCOPE Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are global environmental pollutants that bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans. Laboratory experiments have revealed toxic effects such as delayed development, humoral suppression, and hepatotoxicity. Although numerous human blood levels have been reported, little is known about distribution in the human body. Knowledge about PFC distribution and accumulation in the human body is crucial to understanding uptake and subsequent effects as well as to conduct risk assessments. The present study reports PFC levels in human liver and breast milk from a general population living in Catalonia, Spain. Liver and milk levels are compared to previously reported levels in blood from the same geographic area as well as to other existing reports on human liver and milk levels in other countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human liver (n = 12) and milk (n = 10) samples were collected in 2007 and 2008 in Catalonia, Spain. Liver samples were taken postmortem from six males and six females aged 27-79 years. Milk samples were from healthy primipara women (30-39 years old). Both liver and milk were analyzed by solid-phase extraction and ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS Six PFCs were detected in liver, with perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS, 26.6 ng/g wet weight) being the chemical with the highest mean concentration. Other PFCs such as perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and acids with chain lengths up to C11 were also detected, with mean levels ranging between 0.50 and 1.45 ng/g wet weight. On the other hand, PFOS and PFHxS were the only PFCs detected in human milk, with mean concentrations of 0.12 and 0.04 ng/mL, respectively. DISCUSSION While milk concentrations were similar to reported levels from other countries, liver samples contained more PFCs above quantification limits and higher PFOS concentrations compared to the only two other reports found in the literature. Differences between the results of the present study and those concerning previous investigations can be due to declining levels of some PFCs, which have been reported for the USA. The relationship between PFC concentrations in human liver, milk, and blood was assessed using blood concentrations previously determined in Catalonia. Those levels resulted in liver/serum ratios of 1.7:1, 1.4:1, and 2.1:1 for PFOS, perfluorodecanoic acid, and perfluoroundecanoic acid, respectively. Accumulation in liver is suggested for PFOS and the perfluorocarboxylic acids with carbon chain lengths C9, C10, and C11. For PFOA and PFHxS, fivefold and 14-fold higher concentrations, respectively, were seen in serum as compared to liver. The mean concentration of PFOS and PFHxS in milk was only 0.8% and 0.6% of the reported mean serum level, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show that several PFCs could be detected in human liver samples of subjects living in Tarragona. Concerning human milk, the mechanism by which PFCs are transferred from mother's blood to breast milk is still unclear. Considering that PFCs are strongly bound to the protein fraction in blood, the possibility of PFCs entering the milk and accumulating to levels observed in maternal plasma is limited. RECOMMENDATIONS AND PERSPECTIVES Interestingly, the potential accumulation difference for PFCs with different chain lengths might be of great importance for risk assessment. Continuing studies on the distribution of different PFCs in human tissue are therefore justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kärrman
- Man-Technology-Environment Research Center (MTM), School of Science and Technology, Orebro University, 701 82, Orebro, Sweden
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Mauer MP, Herdt-Losavio ML, Carlson GA. Asthma and lower respiratory symptoms in New York State employees who responded to the World Trade Center disaster. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2009; 83:21-7. [PMID: 19890659 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-009-0474-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 10/16/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate whether New York State employees who responded to the World Trade Center disaster were more likely to report asthma or lower respiratory symptoms (LRS; cough, wheeze, chest tightness, shortness of breath) than non-exposed employees, 2 years post-September 11. METHODS Participants (578 exposed, 702 non-exposed) completed mailed questionnaires in 2003. A unique exposure assessment method was used; exposure scores were divided at the mean (at/below, above). Poisson regression was used. RESULTS Exposure was associated with LRS, but not asthma. Participants with exposure scores at/below the mean had a twofold increased risk of most LRS. Those with scores above the mean had a three to fourfold increased risk. For scores above the mean, the magnitude of effect was consistently higher for smoke exposure. CONCLUSIONS Moderately exposed responders may experience health impacts from exposures in later stages of a disaster. Exposure to smoke may have had a greater lower respiratory impact than resuspended dust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Mauer
- Bureau of Occupational Health, Center for Environmental Health, New York State Department of Health, Flanigan Square, 547 River Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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Chen H, Chen S, Quan X, Zhao Y, Zhao H. Sorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on oil and oil-derived black carbon: influence of solution pH and [Ca2+]. CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 77:1406-1411. [PMID: 19793606 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2009] [Revised: 08/30/2009] [Accepted: 09/01/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Sorption of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) to oil and oil-derived black carbon (BC) from solutions varying in pH and [Ca(2+)] was investigated. Oil is a strong sorbent for PFOS, together with the independence of oil-water distribution coefficient (K(oil)) on solution parameters (pH values and [Ca(2+)]), suggesting that hydrophobic interactions of the hydrophobic moieties of PFOS with oil played a dominant role. BC sorption for PFOS is not stronger or more nonlinear than other natural organic carbon from solution in the case of 0.5mM [Ca(2+)] and pH 5.05, indicating that specific adsorption sites on BC were probably not fit for PFOS. However, both sorption capacity and nonlinearity of PFOS increased obviously with decreasing solution pH and increasing [Ca(2+)], resulting in the potential importance of BC at environmentally low PFOS level, from solution at high [Ca(2+)] or low pH. The role of BC in PFOS sorption was significantly influenced by environmental conditions and solute aqueous concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (Ministry of Education), School of Environmental and Biological Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China.
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Vestergren R, Cousins IT. Tracking the pathways of human exposure to perfluorocarboxylates. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:5565-75. [PMID: 19731646 DOI: 10.1021/es900228k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 291] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent analyses of perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) in human blood sera show that the background-exposed population in industrialized countries worldwide exhibits a narrow concentration range; arithmetic means of published studies range between 2 and 8 microg/L PFOA, with the exception of a few outlier studies. The globally comparable human serum concentrations of PFOA and characteristic dominance of PFOA with respect to other perfluorocarboxylate (PFCA) homologues indicate that exposure pathways of humans differ from those of wildlife, where perfluorononanoate (PFNA) is often the dominant homologue. The observed correlations between perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and PFOA in human serum together with a simultaneous downward time trend of these compounds in human blood sera and blood spots from the year 2000 onward indicate a connection between historical perfluorooctanesulfonyl (POSF) production (phased out by the major manufacturer in 2000-2002) and exposure to both PFOS and PFOA. A comparison of estimated daily intakes to humans based on samples from exposure media (collected post 2000) indicates that food intake is the major contemporary exposure pathway for the background population, whereas drinking water exposure is dominant for populations near sources of contaminated drinking water. A one-compartment pharmacokinetic model used to back-calculate daily intakes from serum levels is shown to provide agreement within a factor of 1.5-5.5 of the daily intakes derived from exposure media, which provides further supporting evidence that dietary exposure is a major ongoing exposure pathway of PFOA to the background population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Vestergren
- Department of Applied Environmental Science (ITM), Stockholm University, Svante Arrhenius väg 8c, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
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von Ehrenstein OS, Fenton SE, Kato K, Kuklenyik Z, Calafat AM, Hines EP. Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals in the serum and milk of breastfeeding women. Reprod Toxicol 2009; 27:239-245. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2009.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2009] [Revised: 02/27/2009] [Accepted: 03/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Chan E, Sandhu M, Benskin JP, Ralitsch M, Thibault N, Birkholz D, Martin JW. Endogenous high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry interferences and the case of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) in human serum; are we overestimating exposure? RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2009; 23:1405-10. [PMID: 19347969 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.4012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Perfluorinated acids have received increasing scientific attention due to their widespread global distribution, environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in wildlife and humans. For perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS, C(6)F(13)SO(3) (-), m/z 399), all existing human data have been generated using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and its most sensitive tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) transitions (m/z 399/80 [SO(3)](-) or m/z 399/99 [SO(3)F](-)), but this may be problematic because of co-eluting endogenous steroid sulfates that share common fragmentation pathways. We examined the magnitude of over-reporting for PFHxS in pregnant women (n = 29), and in pooled serum of males, non-pregnant and pregnant females (n = 3, 100 samples per pool), by comparing m/z 399/80 and 399/99 data with an interference-free transition, m/z 399/119. PFHxS concentrations in pregnant women determined using m/z 399/80 and 399/99 (p < 0.05), but not m/z 399/119, were positively correlated to the response of the steroid sulfates. This led to an average overestimation of PFHxS by 1.5- and 4.7-fold, using m/z 399/80 and 399/99, respectively, and validated the use of m/z 399/119 for the first time. The interferences were a problem in all human serum samples, and analysis of pooled serum revealed statistically significant over-reporting by m/z 399/80 and 399/99 for pregnant women > non-pregnant women > men. The magnitude of over-reporting here represents a worst-case scenario, but the extent to which the published literature values are biased is unknown due to limited details of methods in existing reports. Instead of using the less sensitive m/z 399/119 transition, we showed that an alternative selection of column and mobile phase can allow for sufficient chromatographic separation of the interferences. In conclusion, it was shown that routine analytical methods are prone to systematically overestimating PFHxS concentrations in serum of men or women, but that this can be avoided by alternative chromatographic steps or MS/MS transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Chan
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta - Public Health Sciences10-111 Clinical Sciences Building, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada
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Kato K, Calafat AM, Wong LY, Wanigatunga AA, Caudill SP, Needham LL. Polyfluoroalkyl compounds in pooled sera from children participating in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2002. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2009; 43:2641-2647. [PMID: 19452929 DOI: 10.1021/es803156p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
To assess exposure of polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFCs) among children, we measured the concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, and 8 other PFCs in 24 pooled serum samples. The individual serum samples used to make the pools were collected from U.S. children who were participants in the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. These children were from three major races/ethnicities (non-Hispanic blacks, non-Hispanic whites, and Mexican Americans), two age categories (3-5 and 6-11 years), and both sexes. PFCs were extracted from 100 microL of serum using online solid-phase extraction coupled to isotope dilution high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry; detection limits ranged from 0.1 to 0.4 ng/mL In the final ANOVA models, race was the only significant demographic factor, and concentrations appeared to be lower for Mexican Americans than for the other two racial groups. For example, for Mexican American children 6-11 years old, the least-squares means (LSM) estimates were 30.45 ng/mL (PFOS) and 6.125 ng/mL (PFOA), while for non-Hispanic white children of the same age group, the LSM estimates were 42.45 ng/mL (PFOS) and 7.575 ng/mL (PFOA). However, after adjusting for the potential underestimation of variance associated with the sampling design, race did not remain a significantfactor. Nevertheless,these findings suggestthat human exposure to PFCs among the population groups of children examined may differ and stress the importance of identifying the environmental sources and routes of exposure to PFCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayoko Kato
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Cheng X, Klaassen CD. Critical role of PPAR-alpha in perfluorooctanoic acid- and perfluorodecanoic acid-induced downregulation of Oatp uptake transporters in mouse livers. Toxicol Sci 2008; 106:37-45. [PMID: 18703564 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfn161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) have been detected globally in wildlife and humans. Data from a gene array indicate that PFOA decreases organic anion transporting polypeptides (Oatps) in liver. Na(+)-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) and Oatp1a1, 1a4, and 1b2 are major transporters responsible for uptake of bile acids (BAs) and other organic compounds into liver. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of two perfluorinated fatty acids, PFOA and PFDA, on mRNA and protein expression of hepatic uptake transporters Oatps and Ntcp, and to determine the underlying regulatory mechanisms by using peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha), constitutive androstane receptor, pregnane-X receptor, NF-E2-related factor 2, and farnesoid X receptor-null mouse models. After 2 days following a single i.p. administration, PFOA did not alter serum BA concentrations, but PFDA increased serum BA concentrations 300%. Furthermore, PFOA decreased mRNA and protein expression of Oatp1a1, 1a4, and 1b2, but not Ntcp in mouse liver. In contrast, PFDA decreased mRNA and protein expression of all four transporters, and decreased the mRNA expression in a dose-dependent manner, with the decrease of Oatp1a4 occurring at lower doses than the other three transporters. Multiple mechanisms are likely involved in the down-regulation of mouse Oatps and Ntcp by PFDA. By using the various transcription factor-null mice, PPAR-alpha was shown to play a central role in the down-regulation of Oatp1a1, 1a4, 1b2, and Ntcp by PFDA. The current studies provide important insight into understanding the mechanisms by which PFDA regulate the expression of hepatic uptake transporters. In conclusion, PFOA and PFDA decrease mouse liver uptake transporters primarily via activation of PPAR-alpha.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingguo Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
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