Polyfluoroalkyl Research Articles

An efficient process for decomposing perfluorinated compounds by reactive species during microwave discharge in liquid

Abstract Microwave discharge plasma in liquid (MDPL) is a new type of water purification technology with a high mass transfer efficiency. It is a kind of low-temperature plasma technology. The reactive species produced by the discharge can efficiently act on the pollutants. To clarify the application prospects of MDPL in water treatment, the discharge performance, practical application, and pollutant degradation mechanism of MDPL were studied in this work. The effects of power, conductivity, pH, and Fe2+ concentration on the amount of reactive species produced by the discharge were explored. The most common and refractory perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) in water environments are degraded by MDPL technology. The highest defluorination of PFOA was 98.8% and the highest defluorination of PFOS was 92.7%. The energy consumption efficiency of 50% defluorination (G50-F) of PFOA degraded by MDPL is 78.43 mg/kWh, PFOS is 42.19 mg/kWh. The results show that the MDPL technology is more efficient and cleaner for the degradation of perfluorinated compounds. Finally, the reaction path and pollutant degradation mechanisms of MDPL production were analyzed. The results showed that MDPL technology can produce a variety of reactive species and has a good treatment effect for refractory perfluorinated pollutants.

Impact of polyfluoroalkyl chemicals and volatile organic compounds exposure on lung function of American adults

BackgroundEnvironmental chemicals, such as Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the association between the combined exposure of these chemicals and human lung function remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of mixed exposure to PFAS and VOCs on lung function in the general population of the United States and investigate their potential mechanisms. MethodsData from 30442 respondents were selected for analysis during the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2012. Linear models, weighted quantile (WQS) regression, quantile g calculation (QGC), and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) were used to evaluate the contribution of individual components. Moreover, the interactions between substances in the dose-response relationship mixture of multiple environmental chemical exposures and lung function were also evaluated. The Benjamini-Hochberg method was used to correct multiple tests. FindingsUnivariate analysis showed that nitromethane was negatively correlated with FEV1 (β =−0.052), FVC (β =−0.056), and PEF (β =−0.065), while perfluorohexanesulfonic acid was positively associated with FEV1 (β = 0.026), FVC (β = 0.024), FEF25-75% (β = 0.012), and PEF (β = 0.029). Multivariate analysis showed that chloroform and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid were positively associated with lung function (P <0.05), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid contributed the most. Nitromethane and perfluorodecanoic acid were negatively associated with lung function (P < 0.05), and perfluorodecanoic acid contributed the highest weight in the negative direction. When all chemicals were in the 50th percentile, the environmental chemical mixture had no significant consistent effect or dose-response on lung function. There were interactions among various environmental chemicals within the mixture except for 2-N-methyl-PFOSA acetate and bromodichloromethane. InterpretationThese results suggest that environmental mixture exposure is associated with abnormal lung function in American adults, and the interaction of various substances in the mixture affects its physiological and chemical effects.

Association of coexposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds and heavy metals with pregnancy loss and reproductive lifespan: The mediating role of cholesterol

Previous studies have demonstrated the toxic effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and heavy metals on the reproductive system. However, the interactions and combined effects of these substances remain unexplored. This study utilizes data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate the associations between coexposure to four types of PFASs, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and self-reported pregnancy loss and reproductive lifespan in females. Genes associated with these substances and abortion were identified via the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. The results revealed that Ln-PFOA (IRR=1.88, 95 % CI=1.42–2.50, Ln--: log transformed), Ln-PFOS (IRR=1.58, 95 % CI=1.12–2.22), Ln-PFHxS (IRR=1.99, 95 % CI=1.57–2.52), and Ln-Hg (IRR=1.92, 95 % CI=1.41–2.43) were positively associated with the risk of pregnancy loss. Ln-PFOA (β=1.27, 95 % CI=0.28–2.27), Ln-PFOS (β=1.01, 95 % CI=0.39–1.63), Ln-PFHxS (β=0.71, 95 % CI=0.12–1.63), Ln-PFNA (β=1.15, 95 % CI=0.23–2.08), Ln-Pb (β=3.87, 95 % CI=2.58–5.15), and Ln-Hg (β=1.01, 95 % CI=0.39–1.64) exposures were positively associated with reproductive lifespan. The mixed and overall effects of coexposure to PFASs and heavy metals were positively correlated with the risk of pregnancy loss and reproductive lifespan. Cholesterol partially mediated the association with the risk of pregnancy loss, whereas delay in menopause fully mediated the association with reproductive lifespan. Significant additive interactions were observed between PFOA and Pb and between PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA and Hg at high levels of coexposure. Thirty-nine overlapping genes associated with abortion were identified for these substances, and further analyses revealed that these genes significantly interact and may contribute to abortion through oxidative stress.

6669 Association Between Serum Levels of Thyroid Function and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Compounds Concentrations in Central Precocious Puberty in Girls

Abstract Disclosure: Y. Li: None. Y. Xing: None. X. Yin: None. J. Yang: None. S. Zang: None. T. Dong: None. Y. Pan: None. J. Dai: None. P. Li: None. Background: Exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may interfere with thyroid function in the general population and disturb the timing of puberty onset. Objectives: We investigated the possible relationship between PFASs and thyroid hormone (THs) exposure in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP). Methods: In a prospective study initially established for assessing CPP, 627 serum samples were collected with (n = 226) and without (n = 401) CPP. The concentrations of 25 PFASs, thyroxin (T4), 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine (T3), and 3,3’,5’-triiodothyronine (rT3) were measured. We used logistic regression to examine the association of THs with the odds of having CPP and multiple linear regression to analyze the associations between THs and various PFASs in the CPP and control groups. Results: The levels of T4 in the CPP group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the levels of T3 and rT3 were significantly higher than those in the control group. After adjusting for confounders, T3 concentrations were associated with 1.526-fold increased odds of having CPP [odds ratio (OR) = 1.526, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.216-1.914]. In the CPP cohort, perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluoro (2-ethoxyethane) sulphonic acid (PFEESA), and fluorotelomer phosphate diester (6:2/8:2 diPAP) were inversely associated with T3; perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was inversely associated with T4, and PFEESA and 6:2/8:2 diPAP positively associated with T4; PFBA was positively associated with rT3, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) was inversely associated with rT. In the control cohort, perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS) was positively associated with T3, and PFEESA and 6:2/8:2 diPAP were inversely associated with T3, and these PFASs had an adverse association with T4. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was positively associated with rT3, and 6:2/8:2 diPAP was negatively associated with rT3. Conclusion: In this study, different measurements of PFASs and THs were observed in the CPP and control groups. Discrepancies in exposure to PFASs were associated with THs in the CPP cohort and healthy girls. Further research is necessary to investigate the mechanism by which PFASs affect the timing of puberty onset and thyroid function. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Toxicokinetic of perfluorinated compounds - A study of liver sequestration in Baltic cod (Gadus morhua callarias) and human dietary exposure

This study assessed the concentrations and temporal trends of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the muscle and liver tissues of Baltic cod (Gadus morhua) from 2017 to 2023. The Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) for biota and the Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI) for human consumers were calculated to evaluate potential health risks associated with PFC exposure. Significant variations in PFC concentrations were observed across different compounds and sampling years. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) had a mean concentration ranging from 0.03 ng g⁻1 wet weight (ww) to 0.17 ng g⁻1 ww (mean: 0.093 ng g⁻1 ww), while perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) ranged from 0.05 ng g⁻1 ww to 0.97 ng g⁻1 ww (mean: 0.46 ng g⁻1 ww). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) demonstrated mean concentrations between 1.98 ng g⁻1 ww and 9.03 ng g⁻1 ww (mean: 4.78 ng g⁻1 ww). PFOSA exhibited the lowest liver sequestration factor, indicating a higher elimination potential. The EQS for biota, expressed in PFOA-equivalents, ranged from 9.36 ng g⁻1 ww to 28.5 ng g⁻1 ww (mean: 18.5 ng g⁻1 ww), showing an overall increasing trend over the study period. The EWI for Baltic cod muscle (ΣPFAS-4) indicated an average exposure of 1.84 ng kg⁻1 body weight (bw) per week for adults, with a maximum of 3.46 ng kg⁻1 bw per week. For cod liver consumers, the maximum exposure reached 6.45 ng kg⁻1 bw per week, exceeding the Tolerable Weekly Intake (TWI) in some cases. The rising PFC concentrations in Baltic cod, especially in liver tissues, pose health risks to consumers. Ongoing monitoring and risk assessments are essential to reduce the impacts of PFC exposure from seafood.

Analyzing the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on the reproductive system using network toxicology and molecular docking

Growing evidence suggests that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) contribute to reproductive toxicity, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the most extensively studied. These chemicals are known to lower testosterone levels and compromise the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. However, the specific mechanisms of their reproductive toxicity remain largely unknown due to research limitations. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology to pinpoint the core genes and signaling pathways implicated in the reproductive toxicity caused by PFOA and PFOS. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interactions between these compounds and their targets. Key targets identified include CCL2, CXCR4, RPS27A, RPL5, PSMA7, and PSMC1, which are crucial in mediating reproductive toxicity. These genes are primarily involved in the chemokine signaling pathway, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, and ribosomal functions. This study underscores the effectiveness of combining network toxicology and molecular docking to analyze the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of mixed environmental pollutants.

Molecular mechanism of immunotoxicity: Binding interaction between perfluorinated compounds and human immunoglobulin G

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) can induce immunotoxicity effect via binding with proteins. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) is a common four chain monomer protein in serum, and plays an important role in long-term body fluid immunity. Whether PFCs can bind with IgG and further induce immunotoxicity is not clear. Herein, fluorescence quenching assay was used to verify the PFCs-IgG binding interactions. The occurrence of fluorescence quenching phenomenon suggested that PFCs could bind to IgG. Linear fitting curves demonstrated that the binding constants (KA) for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) were 2.51 × 106 L/mol and 1.58 × 105 L/mol, respectively. UV–vis spectral analysis results showed that the PFCs-IgG interactions mainly proceeded via the intercalation binding mode. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results revealed that PFCs preferentially bound to the C=O/N-H of IgG structure. Circular dichroism results revealed that PFCs-IgG binding induced the decrease of α-helix. Moreover, hydrogen bonds and van der Waals force dominated PFCs-IgG binding interactions. This binding process was a stable process, and its stability depended on the number of hydrogen bonds formation. This study reveals the mechanism of interaction between PFCs and IgG at the molecular level, providing a theoretical basis for the immunotoxic mechanism of PFCs.

Heterogeneous evolution and driving forces of multiple hazardous air pollutants and GHGs emissions from China's primary aluminum industry

The booming of China's primary aluminum industry (PAI) brought substantial emissions of hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) and greenhouse gases (GHGs). By using life cycle assessment and bottom-up method, a comprehensive emission inventory for multiple typical HAPs and GHGs from China's PAI during 1990–2021 was developed and explored for the first time. Our results show that spatial-temporal emissions trends of HAPs and GHGs from PAI in China diverse significantly. The conventional atmospheric pollutants (including SO2, NOx and particulate matter (PM)), fluoride and per fluorinated compound (PFCs) had been effectively suppressed since 2007 due to the implementation of various environmental policies; while, emissions of CO, VOCs, CH4, heavy metals and CO2 had increased at different rates unexpectedly. From the spatial distribution perspective, Henan, Shanxi, Guizhou, Guangxi and Shandong dominated the emissions of PAI in China, but with consumption expansion and environmental constrains, PAI plants start to expand to northwest and southwest areas where are richer in sufficient and cheaper power resources, thus bring significant emission increasing there, particular for conventional atmospheric pollutants in northwest and CO and VOCs in southwest China. By underlying driving forces of PAI emissions, results show that end-of-pipe control measures at various stages have played different roles to reduce emissions of the concerned species at each period, but its reduction effect diminished gradually. Future reduction should seek underlying changes in production technology and energy system. Under constrains of environmental regulation and resource endowment, promoting circular economic development for PAI would be a key strategy to reduce HAPs and GHGs emissions simultaneously in PAI.

A toxicogenomics-based identification of potential mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in PFCs-induced cancer in human.

The number of new diagnosed cancer cases and cancer deaths are increasing worldwide. Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are synthetic chemicals, which are possible inducers of cancer in human and laboratory animals. Studies showed that PFCs induce breast, prostate, kidney, liver and pancreas cancer by inducing genes being involved in carcinogenic pathways. This study reviews the association between PFCs induced up-regulation/down-regulation of genes and signaling pathways that are important in promoting different types of cancer. To obtain chemical-gene interactions, an advanced search was performed in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database platform. Five most prevalent cancers were studied and the maps of their signaling pathways were drawn, and colored borders indicate significantly differentially expressed genes if there had been reports of alterations in expression in the presence of PFCs. In general, PFCs are capable of inducing cancer in human via altering PPARα and PI3K pathways, evading apoptosis, inducing sustained angiogenesis, alterations in proliferation and blocking differentiation. However, more epidemiological data and mechanistic studies are needed to better understand the carcinogenic effects of PFCs in human.

P12-11 Understanding the impact of a real-life mixture of poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) on the liver metabolism: insights from a dynamic 3D in vitro model

P12-11 Understanding the impact of a real-life mixture of poly- and perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) on the liver metabolism: insights from a dynamic 3D in vitro model

Initial Understanding of Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Compounds (PFAS): Synopsis

Initial Understanding of Per and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Compounds (PFAS): Synopsis

P07-16 Exposure level of alternative Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds in Koreans

P07-16 Exposure level of alternative Per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds in Koreans

Perfluorooctane sulfonate causes damage to L-02 cells via Wnt/β-catenin signal path and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is one of the most widely used perfluorinated compounds, and as an environmental endocrine disruptor and environmental persistent pollutant, the threat of PFOS to human health is of increasing concern. Exposure to PFOS has been shown to be closely associated with liver disease, but the intrinsic molecular targets and mechanisms of PFOS-induced liver damage are not well understood. This study was conducted to explore whether the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling pathway are involved in damage of PFOS to the liver. In this study, we used the CCK-8 method to detect cell viability, a microscope and DAPI staining to observe cell morphology, flow cytometry to detect cell ROS and apoptosis levels; and Western blot to detect the expressions of proteins in the WNT/β-Catenin, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis-related pathways. We found that PFOS activated WNT/β-Catenin and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related pathways in L-02 cells and could lead to the development of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Our findings showed that PFOS could cause damage to L-02 cells, and the WNT/β-Catenin signaling and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways were involved in the changes caused by PFOS to L-02 cells, which provided a new theoretical basis for studying the hepatotoxicity and mechanism of PFOS. PFOS can lead to increased intracellular ROS levels, causing oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress and activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our experimental results showed that PFOS can cause damage to L-02 cells, and the WNT/β-Catenin signaling pathway and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway are involved in the process of damage caused by PFOS to L-02 cells.

A rapid and accurate fluorescent sensor array based on lanthanide metal-organic framework for identification and determination of perfluorinated compounds

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), as an important class of environmental pollutants, have chemical and structural similarities that make their detection a great technical challenge. This study synthesized three species of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) using different lanthanide metal ions or organic ligands, which were integrated into a fluorescent sensor array. This innovative approach offers a straightforward, rapid, and precise detection strategy for PFCs. Different ionization properties and fluorinated hydrophobic tails of PFCs lead to different electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic effects between PFCs and sensing elements, which become the basis for differential sensing. Furthermore, the fluorescence signal is more convenient to collect, making the sensor array simple to complete the identification. Combined with pattern recognition methods, the array successfully identified seven kinds of PFCs and mixtures with a classification accuracy of 100 % and a detection limit as low as 51 nM. Finally, the utility of the sensor array in river water sample analysis was verified. The strategy provides an effective method for identifying and determining PFCs and offers new opportunities for developing sensor arrays based on lanthanide MOFs.

Photolytic decomposition of PFOS by electrospun nanofiber composites of Fe(III)/PVDF Under UV-C light

Per- and polyfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging pollutants that have contaminated various water streams of the world. Besides polluting the environment, it is related to several human diseases, including cancer. Various methods have been proposed to remove PFAS from water streams including, photocatalytic or photolytic decomposition of PFAS which decomposes PFAS in a quasi-perpetual fashion and does not generate secondary pollution. In this work, perfluoroctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is used as a model PFAS to study its photolytic decomposition by nanofiber composites (NFC) of Fe (III) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) under ultraviolet (UV)-C light. The nanofiber composite was fabricated using an electrospinning technique with PVDF and iron precursor on the conductive surface of indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. The composite was characterized with SEM-EDX, AFM, XRD, and TGA. It was found that a significant amount, 70 % of aqueous PFOS solution is decomposed by the composites in the presence of traces of hydrogen peroxide and UV-C light. The kinetics of PFOS degradation was fit with pseudo-first order rate constant of 0.056 hr−1. It is proposed that PFOS binds with Fe(III) to form an unstable complex that is decomposed under UV-C light and Fe(III) is reduced Fe(II). Hydrogen peroxide provides the simultaneous benefits of further decomposing the PFOS complex and regenerating Fe(III). The overall results suggest that this nanofiber composite can be used for the photolytic decomposition of PFOS. It is also revealed that two composite mats showed the optimal performance and the increase in concentration of hydrogen peroxide increased the degradation of PFOS monotonically.

Efficient photocatalytic decomposition of PFOA over BiOI1-x with low power LED light

In recent years, the academic community has shown significant interest in per- or polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS) due to their challenging degradation and potential health risks. Photocatalysis has been investigated for PFAS decomposition due to its environmentally friendly nature. In this study, BiOI with abundant iodine vacancies was synthesized through solvothermal and calcination methods (referred to as BiOI1-x), and was used for PFAS degradation with a low power UV light source. Compared to pure BiOI, BIOI1-x showed higher photocatalytic activity towards PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). Within 5 h under 5 W LED light irradiation, the degradation rate of PFOA reached 51.9 % with BiOI1-x calcined at 440 °C (No significant degradation of PFAS was observed with pure BiOI). Capture experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, and electrochemical experiments revealed that the main active species in the system were photogenerated holes, followed by hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the presence of iodine vacancies significantly improved the efficiency of charge carrier separation and enhanced the photocatalytic performance. Finally, a hypothetical degradation pathway for PFOA in this system was suggested. This study achieved efficient degradation of PFAS under low power LED light (5 W), emphasizing its significant practical importance in terms of energy conservation.

Adsorption and decomposition of perfluorinated compounds using NiSBA-15 and CuSBA-15 catalysts for greenhouse gas reduction

BackgroundThe persistence of the environmental effects of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) and fluorinated compounds (FCs) has raised concerns due to their widespread use and long-term impact on ecosystems and human health. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the use of NiSBA-15 and CuSBA-15 catalysts for the adsorption and decomposition of PFCs/FCs (CF₄, SF₆, NF₃, C₃F₈, and C₄F₈) by varying parameters such as weight percentage and contact time. The catalysts were synthesized through an impregnation method with stirring at 300 rpm for 24 h, followed by calcination at 550 °C for 6 h. The catalytic decomposition of NF₃ was conducted using a glass reactor with precise flow rate control and FT-IR monitoring. Variations in acid concentration during synthesis led to structural changes, transitioning from elongated rods to doughnut-like shapes and eventually spherical structures. Impregnation with nickel and copper nitrates successfully modified SBA-15, forming NiSBA-15 and CuSBA-15, as confirmed by HR-TEM images displaying black spots. Catalytic PFC decomposition experiments using unmodified SBA-15 showed limited efficiency, achieving only 15 % NF₃ removal at 500 ppm and 500 °C over 1000 min. Subsequent modification with nickel and copper significantly improved NF₃ removal efficiency. Significant ResultsCuSBA-15 exhibited superior performance compared to NiSBA-15, reaching a remarkable 95 % removal efficiency of NF3. Kinetic analysis using a pseudo-first-order reaction model demonstrated the enhanced catalytic efficiency of the modified SBA-15 catalysts, with increased reaction rate constants (K) for NF3 decomposition. This study reveals the potential of NiSBA-15 and CuSBA-15 catalysts for the adsorption and decomposition of specific PFCs/FCs, offering valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms and practical applications of these catalysts.

Multi‐Scenario Applications of Fluoro‐Free Super Liquid‐Repellent Particles Prepared Through Excluded Volume Effect

AbstractSuperhydrophobic surfaces garner tremendous research attention due to their potential applications in the fields of oil–water separation membrane, self‐cleaning, and anti‐icing systems. However, the reported superhydrophobic materials that achieve low‐surface‐tension (&lt;60 mN m−1) liquid repellency are typically prepared using perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which pose significant risks to the natural environment and human health. Here a concept based on the excluded volume effect in polymer dilute solutions is explored to achieve a hydrophobic flexible polymer‐chain wrapping of multidimensional particles, which forms a nonadherent soft‐shell‐hard‐core structure and maintains the original structural integrity of particles. The prepared fluoro‐free super‐repellent multidimensional particles can be spray‐coated and dip‐coated on different substrates to prepare large‐scale superhydrophobic coatings, which exhibit excellent low‐surface‐tension (42.6−50 mN m−1) liquid repellency superior to the reported fluoro‐free superhydrophobic materials. Benefiting from the strong interaction of super‐repellent particles with flexible polymer chains, the superhydrophobic coatings show unexpected wear resistance and durability. This first demonstration of hydrophobic polymer‐wrapped particles for repelling low‐surface‐tension liquids provides insights into next‐generation fluoro‐free superhydrophobic materials.

Strategies for Managing Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs) in Semiconductor Manufacturing: A Supply Chain and Public Management Approach

The semiconductor industry stands as a pillar of modern technological progression, yet it grapples with significant environmental challenges, predominantly due to the emissions of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs, critical in semiconductor manufacturing processes like dry etching and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber cleaning, present a dire environmental concern given their high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and persistent nature. This treatise delves into a comprehensive analysis of how supply chain management and astute public policy can mitigate the deleterious impact of PFCs. It methodically scrutinizes the current challenges in curbing these emissions, assesses the efficacy of prevailing strategies, and champions the inception of trailblazing abatement technologies alongside forward-thinking regulatory frameworks. The research presents a critical evaluation of the interplay between stringent environmental requirements and the semiconductor industry's economic and innovation imperatives. It underscores the intricacies of aligning the sector's operations with sustainable practices while maintaining its economic vitality and capacity for innovation. Through a meticulous exploration of advanced material alternatives, state-of-the-art emissions control technologies, and progressive policy initiatives, this paper endeavors to steer the semiconductor industry towards a future where environmental sustainability becomes a cornerstone of its developmental ethos without stifling its technological evolution or economic robustness.

Impact of antenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants on intellectual development

ObjectiveStrong experimental evidence exists that several endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have neurobehavioral toxicity. However, evidence of associations between prenatal exposure and child's cognitive development is inconsistent. Moreover, toxicants are generally analyzed one by one without considering aggregate effects. We examined here the impact of a prenatal exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on intellectual abilities in preschool children, and compared their effects to those described in the literature. MethodsSixty-two children were included in a longitudinal cohort. Four organochlorine pesticides, four polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) were measured in cord blood. Intellectual abilities were assessed at 6 years of age using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence 4th ed. (WPPSI-IV). We examined the associations between a mixture of POPs and cognitive performances using principal components approach (PCA) and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression taking sex difference into account. ResultsNo negative correlation was found when analyses were performed on boys and girls together. In sex-stratified analyses, lower scores in full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) and fluid reasoning index (FRI) were observed in boys most exposed to a mixture of POPs. Increase of the WQS index was also associated with lower verbal comprehension index (VCI) scores in girls only. No other negative correlation was found using both WQS and PCA models. ConclusionOur study suggests deleterious associations between antenatal exposure to a mixture of POPs and sex-specific cognitive level, clarifying some trends described in the literature.