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Humphrey CP, Iverson G, Hvastkovs E, Pradhan S. Occurrence and concentrations of traditional and emerging contaminants in onsite wastewater systems and water supply wells in eastern North Carolina, USA. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2024; 22:550-564. [PMID: 38557570 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2024.299] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTSs) and private wells are commonly used in Eastern North Carolina, USA. Water from private wells is not required to be tested after the initial startup, and thus persons using these wells may experience negative health outcomes if their water is contaminated with waste-related pollutants including bacteria, nitrate or synthetic chemicals such as hexafluoropropylne oxide dimer acid and its ammonium salt (GenX). Water samples from 18 sites with OWTSs and groundwater wells were collected for nitrate, Escherichia coli (E. coli), total coliform, and GenX concentration analyses. Results showed that none of the 18 water supplies were positive for E. coli, nitrate concentrations were all below the maximum contaminant level of 10 mg L-1, and one well had 1 MPN 100 mL-1 of total coliform. However, GenX was detected in wastewater collected from all 18 septic tanks and 22% of the water supplies tested had concentrations that exceeded the health advisory levels for GenX. Water supplies with low concentrations of traditionally tested for pollutants (nitrate, E. coli) may still pose health risks due to elevated concentrations of emerging contaminants like GenX and thus more comprehensive and routine water testing is suggested for this and similar persistent compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles P Humphrey
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, 200 Curry Ct, Greenville, NC 27858, USA E-mail:
| | - Guy Iverson
- Department of Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University, 200 Curry Ct, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Eli Hvastkovs
- Department of Chemistry, East Carolina University, 512 Science and Technology Bldg, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Sushama Pradhan
- NC Division of Public Health, Environmental Health Section, 5605 Six Forks Rd, 1632 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1632, USA
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2
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Ayodele A, Obeng-Gyasi E. Exploring the Potential Link between PFAS Exposure and Endometrial Cancer: A Review of Environmental and Sociodemographic Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:983. [PMID: 38473344 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This exploratory narrative review paper delves into the intricate interplay between per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure, sociodemographic factors, and the influence of stressors in the context of endometrial cancer. PFAS, ubiquitous environmental contaminants notorious for their persistence in the ecosystem, have garnered attention for their potential to disrupt endocrine systems and provoke immune responses. We comprehensively examine the various sources of PFAS exposure, encompassing household items, water, air, and soil, thus shedding light on the multifaceted routes through which individuals encounter these compounds. Furthermore, we explore the influence of sociodemographic factors, such as income, education, occupation, ethnicity/race, and geographical location and their relationship to endometrial cancer risk. We also investigated the role of stress on PFAS exposure and endometrial cancer risk. The results revealed a significant impact of sociodemographic factors on both PFAS levels and endometrial cancer risk. Stress emerged as a notable contributing factor influencing PFAS exposure and the development of endometrial cancer, further emphasizing the importance of stress management practices for overall well-being. By synthesizing evidence from diverse fields, this review underscores the need for interdisciplinary research and targeted interventions to comprehensively address the complex relationship between PFAS, sociodemographic factors, stressors, and endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aderonke Ayodele
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
| | - Emmanuel Obeng-Gyasi
- Department of Built Environment, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
- Environmental Health and Disease Laboratory, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
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3
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Kotlarz N, Guillette T, Critchley C, Collier D, Lea CS, McCord J, Strynar M, Cuffney M, Hopkins ZR, Knappe DRU, Hoppin JA. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids in well water and blood serum from private well users residing by a fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024; 34:97-107. [PMID: 38195989 PMCID: PMC10976930 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00626-x] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A fluorochemical facility near Fayetteville, North Carolina, emitted per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs), a subgroup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), to air. OBJECTIVE Analyze PFAS in private wells near the facility and in blood from well users to assess relationships between PFEA levels in water and serum. METHODS In 2019, we recruited private well users into the GenX Exposure Study and collected well water and blood samples. We targeted 26 PFAS (11 PFEAs) in water and 27 PFAS (9 PFEAs) in serum using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. We used regression modeling to explore relationships between water and serum PFAS. For the only PFEA detected frequently in water and serum, Nafion byproduct 2, we used generalized estimating equation (GEE) models to assess well water exposure metrics and then adjusted for covariates that may influence Nafion byproduct 2 serum concentrations. RESULTS We enrolled 153 participants ages 6 and older (median = 56 years) using 84 private wells. Most wells (74%) had ≥6 detectable PFEAs; median ∑PFEAs was 842 ng/L (interquartile range = 197-1760 ng/L). Low molecular weight PFEAs (PMPA, HFPO-DA [GenX], PEPA, PFO2HxA) were frequently detected in well water, had the highest median concentrations, but were not detectable in serum. Nafion byproduct 2 was detected in 73% of wells (median = 14 ng/L) and 56% of serum samples (median = 0.2 ng/mL). Cumulative dose (well concentration × duration at address) was positively associated with Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels and explained the most variability (10%). In the adjusted model, cumulative dose was associated with higher Nafion byproduct 2 serum levels while time outside the home was associated with lower levels. IMPACT PFAS are a large class of synthetic, fluorinated chemicals. Fluorochemical facilities are important sources of environmental PFAS contamination globally. The fluorochemical industry is producing derivatives of perfluoroalkyl acids, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl ether acids (PFEAs). PFEAs have been detected in various environmental samples but information on PFEA-exposed populations is limited. While serum biomonitoring is often used for PFAS exposure assessment, serum biomarkers were not good measures of long-term exposure to low molecular weight PFEAs in a private well community. Environmental measurements and other approaches besides serum monitoring will be needed to better characterize PFEA exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kotlarz
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Theresa Guillette
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Research Participation Program, Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | | | - David Collier
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, NC, USA
| | - C Suzanne Lea
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, ECU, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael Cuffney
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Zachary R Hopkins
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Detlef R U Knappe
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Jane A Hoppin
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University (NC State), Raleigh, NC, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, NC State, Raleigh, NC, USA
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4
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Ojha S, Li Y, Rezaei N, Robinson A, Hoover A, Pennell KG. A geospatial and binomial logistic regression model to prioritize sampling for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in public water systems. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2023; 19:163-174. [PMID: 35373458 PMCID: PMC9888445 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4614] [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: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As health-based drinking water standards for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) continue to evolve, public health and environmental protection decision-makers must assess exposure risks associated with all public drinking water systems in the United States (US). Unfortunately, current knowledge regarding the presence of PFAS in environmental systems is limited. In this study, a screening approach was established to: (1) identify and direct attention toward potential PFAS hot spots in drinking water sources, (2) prioritize sampling locations, and (3) provide insights regarding the potential PFAS sources that contaminate groundwater and surface water. Our approach incorporates geospatial data from public sources, including the US Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory, to identify locations where PFAS may be present in drinking water sources. An indicator factor (also known as "risk factor") was developed as a function of distance between potential past and/or present PFAS users (e.g., military bases, industrial sites, and airports) and the public water system, which generates a heat map that visualizes potential exposure risks. A binomial logistic regression model indicates whether PFAS are likely to be detected in public water systems. The results obtained using the developed screening approach aligned well (with a 76% overall model accuracy) with PFAS sampling and chemical analysis data from 81 public drinking water systems in the state of Kentucky. This study proposes this screening model as an effective decision aid to assist key decision-makers in identifying and prioritizing sampling locations for potential PFAS exposure risks in the public drinking water sources in their service areas. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2023;19:163-174. © 2022 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Ojha
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Ying Li
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Nader Rezaei
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Ariel Robinson
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Anna Hoover
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
| | - Kelly G. Pennell
- University of Kentucky, College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
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Bil W, Zeilmaker MJ, Bokkers BG. Internal Relative Potency Factors for the Risk Assessment of Mixtures of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Human Biomonitoring. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2022; 130:77005. [PMID: 35881550 PMCID: PMC9320915 DOI: 10.1289/ehp10009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In human biomonitoring, blood is often used as a matrix to measure exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Because the toxicokinetics of a substance (determining the steady-state blood concentration) may affect the toxic potency, the difference in toxicokinetics among PFAS has to be accounted for when blood concentrations are used in mixture risk assessment. OBJECTIVES This research focuses on deriving relative potency factors (RPFs) at the blood serum level. These RPFs can be applied to PFAS concentrations in human blood, thereby facilitating mixture risk assessment with primary input from human biomonitoring studies. METHODS Toxicokinetic models are generated for 10 PFAS to estimate the internal exposure in the male rat at the blood serum level over time. By applying dose-response modeling, these internal exposures are used to derive quantitative internal RPFs based on liver effects. RESULTS Internal RPFs were successfully obtained for nine PFAS. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA), perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide-dimer acid (HFPO-DA, or GenX) were found to be more potent than perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) at the blood serum level in terms of relative liver weight increase, whereas perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were found to be less potent. The practical implementation of these internal RPFs is illustrated using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) biomonitoring data of 2017-2018. DISCUSSION It is recommended to assess the health risk resulting from exposure to PFAS as combined, aggregate exposure to the extent feasible. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP10009.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wieneke Bil
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Marco J. Zeilmaker
- Centre for Nutrition, Prevention and Health Services, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Bas G.H. Bokkers
- Centre for Safety of Substances and Products, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands
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Mahoney H, Xie Y, Brinkmann M, Giesy JP. Next generation per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances: Status and trends, aquatic toxicity, and risk assessment. ECO-ENVIRONMENT & HEALTH (ONLINE) 2022; 1:117-131. [PMID: 38075527 PMCID: PMC10702929 DOI: 10.1016/j.eehl.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Widespread application of poly- and per-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) has resulted in some substances being ubiquitous in environmental matrices. That and their resistance to degradation have allowed them to accumulate in wildlife and humans with potential for toxic effects. While specific substances of concern have been phased-out or banned, other PFAS that are emerging as alternative substances are still produced and are being released into the environment. This review focuses on describing three emerging, replacement PFAS: perfluoroethylcyclohexane sulphonate (PFECHS), 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFAES), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA). By summarizing their physicochemical properties, environmental fate and transport, and toxic potencies in comparison to other PFAS compounds, this review offers insight into the viabilities of these chemicals as replacement substances. Using the chemical scoring and ranking assessment model, the relative hazards, uncertainties, and data gaps for each chemical were quantified and related to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) based on their chemical and uncertainty scores. The substances were ranked PFOS > 6:2 Cl-PFAES > PFOA > HFPO-DA > PFECHS according to their potential toxicity and PFECHS > HFPO-DA > 6:2 Cl-PFAES > PFOS > PFOA according to their need for future research. Since future uses of PFAS remain uncertain in the face of governmental regulations and production bans, replacement PFAS will continue to emerge on the world market and in the environment, raising concerns about their general lack of information on mechanisms and toxic potencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Mahoney
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Yuwei Xie
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
| | - Markus Brinkmann
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
- School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5C8, Canada
- Global Institute for Water Security, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 3H5, Canada
- Centre for Hydrology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 1K2, Canada
| | - John P. Giesy
- Toxicology Center, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5B3, Canada
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Integrative Biology and Center for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
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Siddiqui S, Fitzwater M, Scarpa J, Conkle JL. Comparison of bioconcentration and kinetics of GenX in tilapia Oreochromis mossambicus in fresh and brackish water. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 287:132289. [PMID: 34562710 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132289] [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: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) are a broad suite of chemicals commonly found in the environment, aquatic organisms and even drinking water. They include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, industrial chemicals and compounds added to consumer products. The CEC ammonium 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-heptafluoropropoxy propanoic acid, which is more commonly known as generic name GenX, is a replacement of common processing aid longer chain perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) due to a manufacturing shift in 2002 following the EPA stewardship program of 2015/16 in USA (USEPA, 2006). However, recently reported in North Carolina drinking water, GenX raising concerns about its accumulation in aquatic organisms, both wild and cultured, which could be a pathway for human exposure. To examine GenX accumulation and potential for human exposure, tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) fingerlings were dosed with GenX for up to 96 h in fresh (0 ppt) or brackish (16 ppt) water to determine uptake and bioconcentration. Depuration values were also determined after a 96 h exposure followed by 96 h without exposure. Bioconcentration was in decreasing order of plasma > liver > carcass > muscle, with higher distribution to liver followed by carcass and muscle. Muscle was found to have the highest half-life (1278 h) followed by carcass (532 h), plasma (106 h), and liver (152 h). The rate of uptake and depuration was positively affected by the salinity. As bioconcentration in all tissues increased with increasing salinity, this may raise concern for marine organisms and human exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samreen Siddiqui
- Oregon State University, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
| | - Mason Fitzwater
- Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
| | - John Scarpa
- Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA
| | - Jeremy L Conkle
- Texas A & M University - Corpus Christi, Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA.
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8
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Pan Y, Qin H, Zheng L, Guo Y, Liu W. Disturbance in transcriptomic profile, proliferation and multipotency in human mesenchymal stem cells caused by hexafluoropropylene oxides. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 292:118483. [PMID: 34763017 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As alternatives to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA) and hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA) have raised concerns of their potential health risks. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell was employed as an in vitro model to investigate the molecular targets and the adverse effects of HFPOs in stem cells in concentrations range starting at human relevant levels. Unsupervised transcriptomic analysis identified 1794 and 1429 DEGs affected by HFPO-TA and HFPO-DA, respectively. Cell cycle-associated biological processes were commonly altered by both chemicals. 18 and 35 KEGG pathways were enriched in HFPO-TA and HFPO-DA treatment group, respectively, among which multiple pathways were related to cancer and pluripotency. Few genes in PPAR signalling pathway were disturbed by HFPOs suggesting the involvement of PPAR-independent toxic mechanism. HFPO-TA promoted cell proliferation with significance at 1 μM mRNA levels of CDK and MYC were down-regulated by HFPOs, suggesting the negative feedback regulation to the abnormal cell proliferation. Decreased expression of CD44 protein, and ENG and THY1 mRNA levels demonstrated HFPOs-caused changes of hBMSCs phenotype. The osteogenic differentiation was also inhibited by HFPOs with reduced formation of calcium deposition. Furthermore, gene and protein expression of core pluripotency regulators NANOG was enhanced by HFPO-TA. The present study provides human relevant mechanistic evidence for health risk assessment of HFPOs, prioritizing comprehensive carcinogenicity assessment of this type of PFOA alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Pan
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Hui Qin
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China
| | - Yong Guo
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 345 Lingling Lu, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Ecology and Environmental Engineering (MOE), School of Environmental Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116024, Liaoning, China.
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Legacy and Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: Analytical Techniques, Environmental Fate, and Health Effects. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030995. [PMID: 33498193 PMCID: PMC7863963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their unique chemical properties, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been used extensively as industrial surfactants and processing aids. While several types of PFAS have been voluntarily phased out by their manufacturers, these chemicals continue to be of ecological and public health concern due to their persistence in the environment and their presence in living organisms. Moreover, while the compounds referred to as “legacy” PFAS remain in the environment, alternative compounds have emerged as replacements for their legacy predecessors and are now detected in numerous matrices. In this review, we discuss the historical uses of PFAS, recent advances in analytical techniques for analysis of these compounds, and the fate of PFAS in the environment. In addition, we evaluate current biomonitoring studies of human exposure to legacy and emerging PFAS and examine the associations of PFAS exposure with human health impacts, including cancer- and non-cancer-related outcomes. Special focus is given to short-chain perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and ether-substituted, polyfluoroalkyl alternatives including hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA; tradename GenX), 4,8-dioxa-3H-perfluorononanoic acid (DONA), and 6:2 chlorinated polyfluoroethersulfonic acid (6:2 Cl-PFESA; tradename F-53B).
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Lohmann R, Cousins IT, DeWitt JC, Glüge J, Goldenman G, Herzke D, Lindstrom AB, Miller MF, Ng CA, Patton S, Scheringer M, Trier X, Wang Z. Are Fluoropolymers Really of Low Concern for Human and Environmental Health and Separate from Other PFAS? ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:12820-12828. [PMID: 33043667 PMCID: PMC7700770 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c03244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Fluoropolymers are a group of polymers within the class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The objective of this analysis is to evaluate the evidence regarding the environmental and human health impacts of fluoropolymers throughout their life cycle(s). Production of some fluoropolymers is intimately linked to the use and emissions of legacy and novel PFAS as polymer processing aids. There are serious concerns regarding the toxicity and adverse effects of fluorinated processing aids on humans and the environment. A variety of other PFAS, including monomers and oligomers, are emitted during the production, processing, use, and end-of-life treatment of fluoropolymers. There are further concerns regarding the safe disposal of fluoropolymers and their associated products and articles at the end of their life cycle. While recycling and reuse of fluoropolymers is performed on some industrial waste, there are only limited options for their recycling from consumer articles. The evidence reviewed in this analysis does not find a scientific rationale for concluding that fluoropolymers are of low concern for environmental and human health. Given fluoropolymers' extreme persistence; emissions associated with their production, use, and disposal; and a high likelihood for human exposure to PFAS, their production and uses should be curtailed except in cases of essential uses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Lohmann
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI 02882, USA
| | - Ian T. Cousins
- Department of Environmental Science, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jamie C. DeWitt
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Juliane Glüge
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- NILU in Fram Centre, Tromsø, Norway
- Institute for Arctic and Marine Biology; The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Andrew B. Lindstrom
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Mark F. Miller
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences & U.S. Public Health Service, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Carla A. Ng
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
- Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Sharyle Patton
- Health and Environment Program Commonweal, Bolinas, CA 94924, USA
| | - Martin Scheringer
- Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics, ETH Zürich, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Xenia Trier
- European Environment Agency, Kgs. Nytorv 6, DK-1050 Copenhagen K, Denmark
| | - Zhanyun Wang
- Chair of Ecological Systems Design, Institute of Environmental Engineering, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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11
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Kotlarz N, McCord J, Collier D, Lea CS, Strynar M, Lindstrom AB, Wilkie AA, Islam JY, Matney K, Tarte P, Polera M, Burdette K, DeWitt J, May K, Smart RC, Knappe DR, Hoppin JA. Measurement of Novel, Drinking Water-Associated PFAS in Blood from Adults and Children in Wilmington, North Carolina. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:77005. [PMID: 32697103 PMCID: PMC7375159 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From 1980 to 2017, a fluorochemical manufacturing facility discharged wastewater containing poorly understood per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the Cape Fear River, the primary drinking water source for Wilmington, North Carolina, residents. Those PFAS included several fluoroethers including HFPO-DA also known as GenX. Little is known about the bioaccumulation potential of these fluoroethers. OBJECTIVE We determined levels of fluoroethers and legacy PFAS in serum samples from Wilmington residents. METHODS In November 2017 and May 2018, we enrolled 344 Wilmington residents ≥ 6 years of age into the GenX Exposure Study and collected blood samples. Repeated blood samples were collected from 44 participants 6 months after enrollment. We analyzed serum for 10 fluoroethers and 10 legacy PFAS using liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry. RESULTS Participants' ages ranged from 6 to 86 y, and they lived in the lower Cape Fear Region for 20 y on average (standard deviation: 16 y). Six fluoroethers were detected in serum; Nafion by-product 2, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoA were detected in > 85 % of participants. PFO3OA and NVHOS were infrequently detected. Hydro-EVE was present in a subset of samples, but we could not quantify it. GenX was not detected above our analytical method reporting limit (2 ng / mL ). In participants with repeated samples, the median decrease in fluoroether levels ranged from 28% for PFO5DoA to 65% for PFO4DA in 6 months due to wastewater discharge control. Four legacy PFAS (PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS, PFNA) were detected in most (≥ 97 % ) participants; these levels were higher than U.S. national levels for the 2015-2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The sum concentration of fluoroethers contributed 24% to participants' total serum PFAS (median: 25.3 ng / mL ). CONCLUSION Poorly understood fluoroethers released into the Cape Fear River by a fluorochemical manufacturing facility were detected in blood samples from Wilmington, North Carolina, residents. Health implications of exposure to these novel PFAS have not been well characterized. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6837.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Kotlarz
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - James McCord
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Collier
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University (ECU), Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - C. Suzanne Lea
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Public Health, ECU, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mark Strynar
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew B. Lindstrom
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Adrien A. Wilkie
- Department of Biological Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Y. Islam
- Department of Biological Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katelyn Matney
- New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Phillip Tarte
- New Hanover County Health Department, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - M.E. Polera
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kemp Burdette
- Cape Fear River Watch, Wilmington, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jamie DeWitt
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, ECU, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Katlyn May
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Robert C. Smart
- Department of Biological Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Detlef R.U. Knappe
- Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University (NCSU), Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jane A. Hoppin
- Department of Biological Sciences, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, NCSU, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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12
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Cannon RE, Richards AC, Trexler AW, Juberg CT, Sinha B, Knudsen GA, Birnbaum LS. Effect of GenX on P-Glycoprotein, Breast Cancer Resistance Protein, and Multidrug Resistance-Associated Protein 2 at the Blood-Brain Barrier. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:37002. [PMID: 32212926 PMCID: PMC7137913 DOI: 10.1289/ehp5884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ammonium 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-2-(heptafluoropropoxy)propanoic acid (GenX) is a replacement for perfluorooctanoic acid in the production of fluoropolymers used in a variety of consumer products. GenX alters fetal development and antibody production and elicits toxic responses in the livers and kidneys of rodents. The GenX effect on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is unknown. The BBB protects the brain from xenobiotic neurotoxicants and harmful endogenous metabolites. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the effects of GenX on the transport activity and expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2) at the BBB. METHODS Transporter activities were measured in isolated rat brain capillaries by a confocal microscopy-based method. ATPase (enzymatic hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate to inorganic phosphate) levels were measured in vitro. Western blotting determined P-gp and BCRP protein levels. Cell survival after GenX exposure was determined for two human cell lines. RESULTS Nanomolar levels of GenX inhibited P-gp and BCRP but not MRP2 transport activities in male and female rat brain capillaries. P-gp transport activity returned to control levels after GenX removal. GenX did not reduce P-gp- or BCRP-associated ATPase activity in an in vitro transport assay system. Reductions of P-gp but not BCRP transport activity were blocked by a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ ) antagonist. GenX reduced P-gp and BCRP transport activity in human cells. CONCLUSION In rats, GenX at 0.1 - 100 nM rapidly (in 1-2 h) inhibited P-gp and BCRP transport activities at the BBB through different mechanisms. PPAR γ was required for the GenX effects on P-gp but not BCRP transport activity. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP5884.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald E Cannon
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Alicia C Richards
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew W Trexler
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Christopher T Juberg
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Birandra Sinha
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Gabriel A Knudsen
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Linda S Birnbaum
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Toxicokinetics, National Cancer Institute at National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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13
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Calafat AM, Kato K, Hubbard K, Jia T, Botelho JC, Wong LY. Legacy and alternative per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the U.S. general population: Paired serum-urine data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 131:105048. [PMID: 31376596 PMCID: PMC7879379 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Concerns are heightened from detecting environmentally persistent man-made per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water systems around the world. Many PFAS, including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), remain in the human body for years. Since 1999-2000, assessment of exposure to PFOS, PFOA, and other select PFAS in the U.S. general population has relied on measuring PFAS serum concentrations in participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Manufacturers have replaced select chemistries ("legacy" PFAS) with PFAS with shorter biological half-lives (e.g., GenX, perfluorobutanoate [PFBA]) which may efficiently eliminate in urine. However, knowledge regarding exposure to these compounds is limited. We analyzed 2682 urine samples for 17 legacy and alternative PFAS in 2013-2014 NHANES participants ≥6 years of age. Concentrations of some of these PFAS, measured previously in paired serum samples from the same NHANES participants, suggested universal exposure to PFOS and PFOA, and infrequent or no exposure to two short-chain PFAS, perfluorobutane sulfonate and perfluoroheptanoate. Yet, in urine, PFAS were seldom detected; the frequency of not having detectable concentrations of any of the 17 PFAS was 67.5%. Only two were detected in >1.5% of the population: PFBA (13.3%) and perfluorohexanoate (PFHxA, 22.6%); the 90th percentile urine concentrations were 0.1 μg/L (PFBA), and 0.3 μg/L (PFHxA). These results suggest that exposures to short-chain PFAS are infrequent or at levels below those that would result in detectable concentrations in urine. As such, these findings do not support biomonitoring of short-chain PFAS or fluorinated alternatives in the general population using urine, and highlight the importance of selecting the adequate biomonitoring matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia M Calafat
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Kayoko Kato
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kendra Hubbard
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tao Jia
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Julianne Cook Botelho
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lee-Yang Wong
- Division of Laboratory Sciences, National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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