Latest Science
Holistic assessment of chemical and biological pollutants in a mediterranean wastewater effluent-dominated stream: Interactions and ecological impacts
12 Feb 2025 | Environ. Pollut.
PFAS were detected in wastewater effluent on the Onyar River, in the northeast Spain, with PFOS showing the highest PFAS concentrations. PFPeA was the only PFAS detected downstream but not upstream, suggesting that its primary source was wastewater.
Number of Carbons Is a Critical Parameter for Accumulation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Human Brain
10 Feb 2025 | Environ Sci Technol
Longer-chain PFAS accumulate more in the human brain than shorter-chain PFAS, indicating that carbon chain length plays a crucial role in their distribution and raising concerns about potential neurological effects.
Maternal per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance concentrations and placental DNA methylation of thyroid hormone-related genes
8 Feb 2025 | J Hazard Mater
Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy may alter how certain genes in the placenta function, potentially affecting thyroid hormones in the developing baby and raising concerns about impacts on growth and health.
Surface soil PFAS mixtures dominated by PFOS: Prioritization for ecotoxicity testing and ecological risk assessment at current and former US Air Force Bases
7 Feb 2025 | Environ Toxicol Chem
PFAS mixtures in soil were dominated by PFOS (approximately 82%) but also included 5% to 12% of PFHxS, PFOA, PFOSA, and PFHxA. Additionally the study identified high concentrations but inconsistent prevalence of the 6:2 and 8:2 fluorotelomer sulfonates. These results highlight the need for toxicity testing of mixtures dominated by PFOS but including combinations of other PFAS.
Investigation of common and unreported parabens alongside other plastic-related contaminants in human milk using non-targeted strategies
6 Feb 2025 | Chemosphere
A study of human milk in Canada and South Africa detected multiple paraben-related contaminants, including restricted and uncommon ones, as well as a tire-related chemical, PFAS, and phthalate metabolites. The results emphasize the need to utilize non-target analysis as well as further research the usage, biotransformation, and potential toxicity of a number of contaminants.
[Report] Notes from the Field: Serum Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Among First Responders to the Maui Wildfires - Hawaii, September 2023
6 Feb 2025 | MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep
First responders to the 2023 Maui wildfires had elevated serum levels of PFAS, particularly firefighters, likely due to exposure from fire effluents, contaminated gear, and firefighting foams, raising concerns about long-term health risks such as cancer and metabolic disorders.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and global water resources: an in-depth review of existing regulatory frameworks worldwide
5 Feb 2025 | Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol.
Global efforts to regulate PFAS are hindered by inconsistent policies, political and economic barriers, and scientific uncertainties, despite increasing evidence of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity in water resources; the study emphasizes the need for stronger international collaboration and enforcement to effectively manage PFAS pollution.
Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Sediment: a Source of PFAS to the Food Web?
4 Feb 2025 | Integr Environ Assess Manag
While treatment of wastewater treatment plant effluent initially decreased PFAS levels in Kent Lake fish in Michigan, high contamination levels were found to continue due to PFAS accumulation in sediment acting as a persistent contamination source.
Emerging PFAS Exposure Is More Potent in Altering Childhood Lipid Levels Mediated by Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number
3 Feb 2025 | Environ Sci Technol
Exposure to emerging PFAS, such as 6:2 Cl-PFESA, PFO4DA, and PFO5DoDA, is linked to higher triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoproteins in Chinese children aged 7–10 years, suggesting an increased risk of metabolic disorders, including obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
PFAS exposure during pregnancy: Implications for placental health and functioning
30 Jan 2025 | Environ. Int.
Exposure to PFAS during pregnancy has been linked to impaired placental health, including reduced placental weight, altered fetal-maternal exchange, and disrupted vascularization, which may contribute to pregnancy complications such as fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia.
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Twin Growth Discordance: New Insights from a Twin Birth Cohort Study
29 Jan 2025 | Environ Sci Technol
Prenatal exposure to PFAS is associated with greater differences in birth weight and height between twin siblings, with non-identical twins being more affected than identical twins.
Emerging Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Tap Water from the American Healthy Homes Survey II
29 Jan 2025 | Environ Sci Technol
Non-targeted analysis of American tap water samples revealed widespread contamination with emerging PFAS, many of which are not detected by standard monitoring methods, highlighting the need for broader PFAS screening to assess human exposure risks.
Anti-icing properties of polar bear fur
29 Jan 2025 | Sci Adv
Polar bear fur naturally prevents ice buildup due to its sebum composition, reducing ice adhesion similarly to fluorocarbon coatings, and providing insights for developing environmentally friendly anti-icing materials.
The Critical Role of Commercial Analytical Reference Standards in the Control of Chemical Risks: The Case of PFAS and Ways Forward
29 Jan 2025 | Environ Health Perspect
Through a PFAS case study, the authors argue that the limited availability of reference standards undermines the ability of scientists to produce independent scientific evidence needed for chemical risk governance and, thereby, prevents society from protecting people and the environment against chemical pollution.
Prenatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Relation to Antibody Titers and Infections in Childhood.
28 Jan 2025 | Environ Res
Higher prenatal exposure to PFAS is linked to weaker immune responses in children, leading to lower vaccine antibody levels and increased risk of infections, particularly respiratory illnesses, during early childhood.