Occupational exposure and serum levels of per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): A review

Abstract

Background Per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a class of chemicals used in nearly all sectors of industry and many consumer products. Their resistance to degradation, however, means that PFAS are ubiquitous in the environment and bioaccumulate. PFAS exposure has also been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. Occupational PFAS exposure is of particular concern as research on PFAS exposure in worker populations has historically been limited and generally restricted to fluorochemical plant workers involved in PFAS production. Methods A comprehensive review of peer‐reviewed scientific literature was conducted to investigate which worker populations may experience occupational exposure to PFAS. Serum PFAS levels reported in various occupations were analyzed and compared to serum PFAS levels published on the general public exposed to PFAS‐contaminated drinking water and the study population of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Results Our analysis indicates that professional ski waxers and firefighters may be exposed to several different PFAS at levels often similar to or higher than levels among fluorochemical plant workers and individuals in communities with PFAS‐contaminated drinking water, and higher than levels in the general public. PFAS serum level data on other occupations were largely absent. Conclusions Results highlight a need for additional research on occupational PFAS exposures and concomitant environmental exposures in these populations. Research on exposure levels in occupations and industries known or suspected to utilize PFAS is critically needed to foster informed recommendations for exposure mitigation measures to protect workers from adverse health effects of PFAS exposure.

Occupational exposures to airborne per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—A review

“…As for the firefighter data, the dust samples provide a perspective of what PFAS firefighters may be exposed to during day‐to‐day operations in the fire station but do not account for exposures associated with firefighting activities. Firefighters' PFOS and PFHxS serum levels were, in general, higher than the median NHANES population data and similar to the levels observed in populations exposed through water contamination 32,33 . Because the levels measured in air and dust at fire stations are comparable to those measured in residential settings, firefighters are likely to be exposed to PFAS during firefighting activities.…”

“…Similar patterns were observed in studies with measured serum PFAS levels. Ski waxers were observed to have PFAS serum levels similar to populations exposed to PFAS through contaminated water 32,33 . Our analysis shows that air concentrations of PFDA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFDoDA in ski waxing facilities can exceed occupational indoor air screening levels calculated for this review (Figures 1A, 2A, and 6A).…”

“…Ski waxers were observed to have PFAS serum levels similar to populations exposed to PFAS through contaminated water. 32,33 Our analysis shows that air concentrations of PFDA, PFOA, PFNA, and PFDoDA in ski waxing facilities can exceed occupational indoor air screening levels calculated for this review (Figures 1A, 2A, and 6A). For example, PFOA ski waxing air concentration levels measured in ski waxing were above screening levels based on Texas, New Jersey, Michigan, and Minnesota's toxicity values (Figure 1A).…”

“…Because the levels measured in air and dust at fire stations are comparable to those measured in residential settings, firefighters are likely to be exposed to PFAS during firefighting activities. Other studies have shown higher levels of PFAS in firefighters' serum compared to the general population 32,33 . The high levels of PFAS in serum may suggest that firefighters either are exposed while using AFFF or other firefighting foams that contain PFAS, or from exposures associated with changing out of and cleaning their gear 6 .…”

“…Firefighters' PFOS and PFHxS serum levels were, in general, higher than the median NHANES population data and similar to the levels observed in populations exposed through water contamination. 32,33 Because the levels measured in air and dust at fire stations are comparable to those measured in residential settings, firefighters are likely to be exposed to PFAS during firefighting activities. Other studies have shown higher levels of PFAS in firefighters' serum compared to the general population.…”