Journal Article
Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals in the serum and milk of breastfeeding women
von Ehrenstein, OS; Fenton, SE; Kato, K; Kuklenyik, Z; Calafat, AM; Hines, EP
Reproductive Toxicology
ISSN: 0890-6238
EISSN: 1873-1708
Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFCs) comprise a group of man-made organic compounds, some of which are persistent contaminants with developmental toxicity shown in laboratory animals. There is a paucity of human perinatal exposure data. The US EPA conducted a pilot study (Methods Advancement for Milk Analysis) including 34 breastfeeding women in North Carolina. Milk and serum samples were collected at 2–7weeks and 3–4 months postpartum; 9 PFCswere assessed in milk and 7 in serum. Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) were found in nearly 100% of the serum samples. PFOS and PFOA were found at the highest concentrations. PFCswere belowthe limit of quantification in most milk samples. Serum concentrations of PFOS, PFOA and PFHxSwere lower (p < 0.01) at the second visit compared to the first visit. Living
in North Carolina 10 years or longer was related to elevated PFOS, PFOA and PFNA (p≤0.03). These pilot data support the need to further explore perinatal PFC exposures and potentially related health effects, as planned in the upcoming National Children’s Study which provided the framework for this investigation.
Polyfluoroalkyl chemicals; Perfluoroalkyl acids; Perfluorooctanoic acid; Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid; Serum; Breast milk; Lactation
Workshop on Perfluorooctanoic Acid Toxicokinetics and Mechanisms of Toxicity
Res Triangle Pk, NC
