Perfluorochemical (PFC) Exposure in Children: Associations with Impaired Response Inhibition

Abstract

Background Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) have been used widely in consumer products since the 1950s and are currently found at detectable levels in the blood of humans and animals across the globe. In stark contrast to this widespread exposure to PFCs, there is relatively little research on potential adverse health effects of exposure to these chemicals. Objectives We performed this cross-sectional study to determine if specific blood PFC levels are associated with impaired response inhibition in children. Methods Blood levels of 11 PFCs were measured in children (N = 83) and 6 PFCs: perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorohexane sulfate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorooctanesulfonamide (PFOSA), and perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA) – were found at detectable levels in most children (87.5% or greater had detectable levels). These levels were analyzed in relation to the differential reinforcement of low rates of responding (DRL) task. This task rewards delays between responses (i.e., longer inter-response times; IRTs) and therefore constitutes a measure of response inhibition. Results Higher levels of blood PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, and PFOSA were associated with significantly shorter IRTs during the DRL task. The magnitude of these associations was such that IRTs during the task decreased by 29–34% for every 1 SD increase in the corresponding blood PFC. Conclusions This study suggests an association between PFC exposure and children’s impulsivity. Although intriguing, there is a need for further investigation and replication with a larger sample of children.

Biomonitoring of Danish school children and mothers including biomarkers of PBDE and glyphosate

“…Effects on reproduction in females have also been reported for compounds measured in the present study (64)(65)(66)(67). Furthermore, neurological and immunological effects have been associated to chemical exposure (28,58,68,69).…”

“…(55,(58)(59)(60), Simultaneous exposure to chemicals within the same class indicates that the compounds are either used together in the same products, or that similar products are often used by the same consumers. The presence of persistent chemicals is a result of many years of exposure, accumulation, and metabolism of the chemicals.…”

Experimental and molecular dynamic simulation study of perfluorooctane sulfonate adsorption on soil and sediment components

“…PFOS can bind to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors which are associated with carcinogenesis, affect growth and development, and even disrupt the hormone and immune systems (Betts, 2007). Hence, a long-term and high exposure to PFOS can lead to severe symptoms such as endocrine disruption and cancer (Betts, 2007), physical development delay (Gump et al, 2011), and neonatal mortality (Kannan et al, 2010;Luebker et al, 2005).…”

Perfluoroalkyl substances measured in breast milk and child neuropsychological development in a Norwegian birth cohort study

“…Human evidence is limited with only eight epidemiological studies published investigating the possible effects of PFASs on child neuropsychological development. Three were cross-sectional studies of highly exposed populations (Gump et al, 2011;Hoffman et al, 2010;Stein and Savitz, 2011). Among these studies, two reported increased attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prevalence and symptomatology associated with PFASs exposure (Gump et al, 2011;Hoffman et al, 2010).…”