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

Katherine E Boronow,Laurie Havas,Julia Green Brody,Laurel A Schaider,Graham F Peaslee,Barbara A Cohn

doi:10.1038/s41370-018-0109-y

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.

Highlights

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a commercially important group of chemicals with wide applications because of their unique ability to resist both water and lipids
Consumer product sources of PFASs are difficult to untangle, and this study extends work identifying consumer product pathways for exposure to these chemicals and draws attention to food packaging and dental floss as modifiable sources
Among African Americans, but not other participants, eating prepared food from coated cardboard containers was associated with higher levels of four of the six PFAS chemicals evaluated (PFOA, PFNA, perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDeA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS))

Summary

Introduction

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a commercially important group of chemicals with wide applications because of their unique ability to resist both water and lipids. Berkeley, CA, USA 4 Child Health and Development Studies, Public Health Institute, Berkeley, CA, USA consumer products Most commonly, they are used in nonstick and water-, stain-, or grease-resistant coatings, which are applied to a diverse range of products, including food packaging, cookware, carpet, furniture, textiles, and outdoor performance gear. They are used in nonstick and water-, stain-, or grease-resistant coatings, which are applied to a diverse range of products, including food packaging, cookware, carpet, furniture, textiles, and outdoor performance gear Given their extensive use and persistent nature, it is unsurprising that PFASs have been detected in water and soil [1], and in the bodies of almost all Americans [2]. Serum PFAS levels in the general population differ by race. Serum concentrations of PFASs and exposure-related behaviors in African American and non-Hispanic white

Participants eligible for MyCHDSReport Study

Methods

Results

Discussion

Compliance with ethical standards