US EPA

3859810 

Journal Article 

Geographical Differences in Dietary Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Acids between Manufacturing and Application Regions in China 

Zhang, H; Vestergren, R; Wang, T; Yu, J; Jiang, G; Herzke, D 

2017 

1 

Environmental Science & Technology
ISSN: 0013-936X
EISSN: 1520-5851 

AMER CHEMICAL SOC 

WASHINGTON 

51 

10 

5747-5755 

English 

28387520 

10.1021/acs.est.7b00246 

WOS:000401674400044 

https://search.proquest.com/docview/1924262634?accountid=171501
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Emissions of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) have increased in China over the past decade, but human exposure pathways are poorly understood. Here we analyzed 15 PFAAs in commonly consumed food items and calculated body weight normalized dietary intake rates (estimated dietary intake, EDIs) in an area with ongoing PFAA production (Hubei province; n = 121) and an urbanized coastal area (Zhejiang province; n = 106). Geographical differences in concentrations were primarily observed for perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) in animal food items and short-chain PFAAs in vegetable food items. The average EDI of ∑PFAAs for adults in Hubei (998 ng kg(-1) day(-1)) was more than 2 orders of magnitude higher than that in Zhejiang (9.03 ng kg(-1) day(-1)). In Hubei province, the average EDI of PFOS for adults (87 ng kg(-1) day(-1)) was close to or exceeded advisory guidelines used in other countries indicating health risks for the population from long-term exposure. Yet, PFOS could only account for about 10% of the EDI of ∑PFAAs in the Hubei province, which was dominated by short-chain PFAAs through consumption of vegetables. The large contribution of short-chain PFAAs to the total EDIs in manufacturing areas emphasize the need for improved exposure and hazard assessment tools of these substances. 

Environmental Studies; Geography; Organic chemicals; Manufacturing; Vegetables; Hazard assessment; Exposure; Body weight; Dietary intake; Food chains; Health risks; Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid; Coastal zone