Exploring per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances exposure risk in indoor air and PM2. 5: Correlations with respiratory health in university environments
By Yuanhang Zhang, Kai Liu, Wanru Yang, Yu Zhou, Qin’geng Wang, Xin Qian, Shuang Xia, and Huiming L
Env. Poll.
March 9, 2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2026.127891
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely present in the environment and organisms globally, and pose health risks. This study assessed gas–particle partitioning and health risks of PFAS in indoor air and PM2.5 at a university, and evaluated the potential utility of exhaled breath condensate (EBC) as a bioindicator for indoor PFAS exposure. The average ∑PFAS concentrations in various indoor environments were 14.6–27.6 pg/m3 in air and 19.8–34.4 pg/m3 in PM2.5. PFAS were prevalent indoors, with short- and medium-chain PFAS dominating in air, whereas long-chain PFAS dominating in PM2.5. The average ∑PFAS concentrations in air of unrenovated dormitories (Type Ⅱ, 22.1 pg/m3) exceeded those in renovated dormitories (Types I and Ⅲ, 17.0 and 19.8 pg/m3, respectively). The detection of PFAS in EBC validates that it reflects indoor PFAS inhalation exposure, with levels correlating with indoor atmospheric PFAS. Moreover, statistically significant associations (FDR-corrected q < 0.05) were observed between specific indoor PFAS (e.g., PFPeA, PFOA, PFOcDA, PFHxDA, PFOS) and EBC inflammatory factors (e.g., IL-4, IP-10, IL-1ra, IL-17, IL-1β), with moderate correlation coefficients (r = 0.471–0.690, q < 0.05), suggesting potential links between indoor PFAS exposure and respiratory inflammatory responses. Although the health risks associated with PFAS were relatively low, the long-term health hazards associated with low-dose PFAS exposure should not be overlooked.
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