Correlates of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances among reproductive-aged Black women

Abstract

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in commercial and consumer goods. Methods: We identified correlates of PFAS among 1,499 participants from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle, and Fibroids (SELF), a Detroit-based prospective cohort study of Black women aged 23-35 years (2010-2012). We collected socio-demographic, behavioral, and reproductive history data via self-administered questionnaires, telephone interviews, and in-person clinic visits. At baseline, we measured seven PFAS in non-fasting plasma using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (MeFOSAA, PFDA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFUnDA, PFOA, PFOS). We fit linear regression models to calculate percent differences (%D) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for each baseline correlate with PFAS concentrations. Results: PFHxS, PFNA, PFOA, and PFOS were detected in ≥97% of women; PFDA in 85%, MeFOSAA in 69%; and PFUnDA in 47%. PFAS were positively correlated with each other (range: 0.09-0.68), but MeFOSAA showed the weakest correlations (range: 0.09-0.16). In models adjusted for all other correlates, age (32-35 vs. 23-25 years) was positively associated with PFAS (range of %D: 10.2 for PFOS to 23.6 for PFDA), except PFHxS (%D=-14.2, 95% CI: -24.1, -3.1). Current alcohol intake (≥14 drinks/week vs. none) was positively associated with PFAS (range of %D: 6.6 for PFOA to 28.2 for PFUnDA) but not PFHxS. Current smoking (≥10 cigarettes/day vs. never) was inversely associated with PFAS (range of %D: -4.3 for PFOA to -12.2 for PFNA), except MeFOSAA (%D=33.6, 95% CI: 11.1, 60.6). Annual household income (>$50,000 vs. <$20,000) was positively associated with most PFAS (range of %D: 8.8 for PFDA to 22.5 for PFHxS), but not MeFOSAA. Education, BMI, parity, and lactation were weakly inversely associated with PFAS, while birth order and having been breastfed in infancy showed little association. Conclusions: We identified several correlates of PFAS concentrations in Black women, including age, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, and income.