Community exposure to perfluorooctanoate: relationships between serum concentrations and exposure sources

J Occup Environ Med. 2006 Aug;48(8):759-70. doi: 10.1097/01.jom.0000232486.07658.74.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine serum (perfluorooctanoate [PFOA]) in residents near a fluoropolymer production facility: the contributions from air, water, and occupational exposures, personal and dietary habits, and relationships to age and gender.

Methods: The authors conducted questionnaire and serum PFOA measurements in a stratified random sample and volunteers residing in locations with the same residential water supply but with higher and lower potential air PFOA exposure.

Results: Serum (PFOA) greatly exceeded general population medians. Occupational exposure from production processes using PFOA and residential water had additive effects; no other occupations contributed. Serum (PFOA) depended on the source of residential drinking water, and not potential air exposure. For public water users, the best-fit model included age, tap water drinks per day, servings of home-grown fruit and vegetables, and carbon filter use.

Conclusions: Residential water source was the primary determinant of serum (PFOA).

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Air Pollutants / blood*
  • Air Pollutants / poisoning
  • Caprylates / blood*
  • Caprylates / poisoning
  • Environmental Exposure / analysis*
  • Environmental Monitoring / methods
  • Female
  • Fluorocarbons / blood*
  • Fluorocarbons / poisoning
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multivariate Analysis
  • Residence Characteristics*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / blood*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / poisoning
  • Water Supply
  • West Virginia

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Caprylates
  • Fluorocarbons
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • perfluorooctanoic acid