Global distribution of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in potential human exposure source-A review

Jun-Meng Jian; Ying Guo; Lixi Zeng; Liu Liang-Ying; Xingwen Lu; Fei Wang; Eddy Y Zeng

doi:10.1016/j.envint.2017.07.024

Global distribution of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) in potential human exposure source-A review

Environ Int. 2017 Nov:108:51-62. doi: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.07.024. Epub 2017 Aug 9.

Authors

Jun-Meng Jian¹, Ying Guo², Lixi Zeng², Liu Liang-Ying², Xingwen Lu³, Fei Wang⁴, Eddy Y Zeng²

Affiliations

¹ School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China.
² School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
³ School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
⁴ School of Environment, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Exposure and Health, and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution and Health, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China. Electronic address: wf1984@jnu.edu.cn.

PMID: 28800414
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.07.024

Abstract

Human exposure to perfluorochemicals (PFCs) has attracted mounting attention due to their potential harmful effects. Breathing, dietary intake, and drinking are believed to be the main routes for PFC entering into human body. Thus, we profiled PFC compositions and concentrations in indoor air and dust, food, and drinking water with detailed analysis of literature data published after 2010. Concentrations of PFCs in air and dust samples collected from home, office, and vehicle were outlined. The results showed that neutral PFCs (e.g., fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs) and perfluorooctane sulfonamide ethanols (FOSEs)) should be given attention in addition to PFOS and PFOA. We summarized PFC concentrations in various food items, including vegetables, dairy products, beverages, eggs, meat products, fish, and shellfish. We showed that humans are subject to the dietary PFC exposure mostly through fish and shellfish consumption. Concentrations of PFCs in different drinking water samples collected from various countries were analyzed. Well water and tap water contained relatively higher PFC concentrations than other types of drinking water. Furthermore, PFC contamination in drinking water was influenced by the techniques for drinking water treatment and bottle-originating pollution.

Keywords: Drinking water; Exposure; Food; Indoor air; Perfluorochemical.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animals
Drinking Water / analysis
Environmental Exposure* / analysis
Environmental Monitoring*
Food Analysis
Humans
Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated / analysis*

Substances

Drinking Water
Hydrocarbons, Fluorinated