Elucidating Pathways of Prenatal Household Exposures to Per- and Polyfluorylalkyl Substances
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The ubiquitous presence of PFAS in human tissues for the U.S. general population suggests multiple important exposure pathways. Studies of house dust indicate widespread presence of PFAS in residences. Using paired archived residential dust and serum samples from 2011-2014, we evaluated PFAS levels in dust and serum of people who were pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and how they relate to sociodemographic variables. Pharmacokinetic modeling was used to estimate the percentage of serum PFAS levels that could be attributed to dust exposure.
The highest geometric mean PFAS concentrations were 4.1 ng/mL for PFOS in serum and 16 µg/kg for PFOA in dust. PFOA was significantly correlated between serum and dust as was the sum of all PFAS. Associations for PFAS in serum included income and educational attainment. Associations for PFAS in dust included participant age, educational attainment, income, and membership in the military. The proportion of serum PFAS attributable to dust exposure was estimated at up to 25% across the various PFAS.
Few studies have investigated the connection between PFAS in household dust and PFAS exposure using paired dust and serum samples. This study helps build a clearer picture of PFAS exposure in the homes of a susceptible population.