Serum concentrations of PFASs and exposure-related behaviors in African American and non-Hispanic white women

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are used in a wide range of consumer products for their water- and grease-resistant properties, but few studies have explored this exposure route. We used multiple regression to investigate associations between six self-reported behaviors hypothesized to influence PFAS exposure and serum concentrations of six PFAS chemicals in 178 middle-aged women enrolled in the Child Health and Development Studies, about half of whom are African American. Blood samples were collected in 2010–2013, and participants were interviewed about behavior in 2015–2016. Results showed that African American women had lower levels of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) compared with non-Hispanic white women. In African Americans, but not others, frequent consumption of prepared food in coated cardboard containers was associated with higher levels of four PFASs. Flossing with Oral-B Glide, having stain-resistant carpet or furniture, and living in a city served by a PFAS-contaminated water supply were also associated with higher levels of some PFASs. Product testing using particle-induced γ-ray emission (PIGE) spectroscopy confirmed that Oral-B Glide and competitor flosses contained detectable fluorine. Despite the delay between blood collection and interview, these results strengthen the evidence for exposure to PFASs from food packaging and implicate exposure from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-based dental floss for the first time.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and their effects on the ovary

“…At least one type of PFAS chemical was detected in the blood of nearly every person sampled in the US National Biomonitoring Program ( CDC, 2019 ). Specific members of this family of chemicals are found in many consumer products, such as non-stick cookware (Teflon) ( Bradley et al , 2007 ; Sinclair et al , 2007 ), food packaging materials ( Begley et al , 2005 ; Trier et al , 2011 ; Schaider et al , 2017 ), stain- and water-resistant coating for clothing, furniture and carpets (Scotchgard and GoreTex) ( Hill et al , 2017 ; Lee et al , 2017 ) and cosmetics and personal care products ( Danish EPA, 2018 ; Boronow et al , 2019 ). PFAS are also present in fire-fighting foams (or aqueous film-forming foam, AFFF) widely used in military bases for crash and fire training ( Butenhoff et al , 2006 ; Trudel et al , 2008 ; Kantiani et al , 2010 ; Kissa, 2011 ).…”

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) induce epigenetic alterations and promote human breast cell carcinogenesis in vitro

“…The exposure levels of PFAS vary among populations and over time. In blood, PFAS concentrations are often reported to be in the nanomolar range (Bartell et al 2010 ; Karrman et al 2007 ; Boronow et al 2019 ). The tissue levels may be several times higher since the compounds are not metabolized in the body and are poorly eliminated (human half-life is estimated between 4 and 5 years) (Lau et al 2007 ).…”

Associations between sociodemographic characteristics and exposures to PBDEs, OH-PBDEs, PCBs, and PFASs in a diverse, overweight population of pregnant women

“…Poorer dietary quality and food availability, as measured by food insecurity, may be indicators for higher consumption of PFAS-contaminated foods. PFAS compounds have been detected in food packaging materials [40,41], can migrate into food items [42], and have been associated with fast food consumption [43] and takeaway containers [44]. Given the variability in concentrations across food sources, future consideration should be given to account for dietary quality.…”