Biological and Environmental Levels of PFAS Species in Two Communities
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ATSDR and EPA conducted an exposure assessment (EA) and subsequent exposure investigation (EI) of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in participant’s serum and homes in New Castle, DE and Westfield, MA. DE had higher levels of PFAS contamination in the pre-mitigated drinking water supply than MA and a history of industrial activities in the area. The drinking water supplies at both sites were mitigated between 2014 and 2016 to meet the 2016 EPA health advisory level. Blood samples and limited indoor settled dust samples were collected in the 2019 EA. For the 2022 EI, a broader range of residential environmental media samples were collected from a subset of the EA participant’s homes including settled dust, home vacuum dust, surface wipes, soil, indoor air, and silicone wristbands. We also tested community outdoor air and produce. Blood serum levels were higher in DE than in MA in the PFAS EA. Similarly, higher detection rates of PFAS were found in environmental media in DE. MeFOSAA levels in settled dust were correlated with serum levels in both DE and MA; PFOA levels in settled dust were correlated with serum levels in DE. The results of the analysis indicate that higher levels of PFAS in the environment in DE may result in a higher body burden of PFAS.