Machine learning–enhanced molecular network reveals global exposure to hundreds of unknown PFAS
24 May 2024 | Sci Adv
Using machine learning, an automatic PFAS identification platform accurately identified unknown PFAS chemicals in environmental samples, offering improved performance over current methods and revealing numerous previously undetected PFAS in wastewater and other global samples.
Current understanding on the transformation and fate of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances before, during, and after thermal treatment of biosolids
24 May 2024 | J. Chem. Eng.
Thermal treatment methods like incineration, pyrolysis, and gasification can potentially destroy PFAS in biosolids, but optimizing treatment conditions and understanding the complete process remains challenging.
Immune cell profiles associated with human exposure to perfluorinated compounds (PFAS) suggest changes in Natural Killer, T helper and T cytotoxic cell subpopulations
23 May 2024 | Environ Res
Exposure to various PFAS chemicals, even at low levels, is associated with changes in immune cell subpopulations, potentially explaining the immunosuppressive effects observed in epidemiological studies.
A multi-platform approach for the comprehensive analysis of per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and fluorine mass balance in commercial ski wax products
21 May 2024 | Analytica Chimica Acta
The fluorine content of ski waxes was tested, finding that while traditional analytical methods identified only a small fraction of fluorine as extractable organic fluorine, the majority remained unidentified, suggesting the presence of other PFAS not detected by standard techniques, which highlights the need for more comprehensive analysis methods in assessing PFAS exposure risks in consumer products.
[Report] Recycling of Solar Panels: Comparison of scenarios for a more circular and safe product chain
20 May 2024 | RIVM
The Netherlands aims for a circular economy by 2050 and is developing recycling technologies for solar panels, with a focus on addressing hazardous substances like PFAS found in the panels' backsheets, to ensure safe and sustainable disposal as large-scale panel retirement begins in five years.
Use of Tox21 screening data to profile PFAS bioactivities on nuclear receptors, cellular stress pathways, and cytochrome p450 enzymes
17 May 2024 | J Hazard Mater
Analyzing Tox21 screening data, researchers identified new potential targets/pathways and confirmed known ones for non-legacy PFAS, notably revealing their inhibition of cytochromes P450s (CYPs), particularly one that plays a role in metabolizing drugs and toxins, shedding light on PFAS toxicity mechanisms.
Linking exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in house dust and biomonitoring data in eight impacted communities
17 May 2024 | Environ Int
In communities impacted by drinking water contamination from PFAS, household dust was found to significantly correlate with serum PFAS levels, suggesting residential exposure via indoor pathways, with factors like age, duration of residence, cleaning habits, and product usage influencing exposure levels.
Occurrence and Fate of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Atmosphere: Size-Dependent Gas-Particle Partitioning, Precipitation Scavenging, and Amplification
16 May 2024 | Environ. Sci. Technol.
Researchers in Shijiazhuang, China examined the distribution of PFAS in the atmosphere, finding that FCAs were the most prevalent, with their concentrations linked to the organic matter fraction across various particle sizes. Temperature influenced gas-particle partitioning and precipitation played a key role in removing PFAS from the atmosphere, despite temporary increases during rainfall events.
The Ins and Outs of Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Great Lakes: The Role of Atmospheric Deposition
16 May 2024 | Environmental Science and Technology
Air, water, and precipitation samples from the Great Lakes region revealed varying levels of PFAS, with atmospheric deposition as a significant PFAS source to the lakes. Mass transfer analysis suggests net accumulation of PFAS in northern lakes and elimination in southern ones.
Considerations and challenges in support of science and communication of fish consumption advisories for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
16 May 2024 | Integr Environ Assess Manag
Inconsistent state guidelines for environmental contaminants for PFAS create challenges for public health agencies. The authors therefore call for unified, science-based approaches to improve risk assessment and communication.
PFAS-Contaminated Pesticides Applied near Public Supply Wells Disproportionately Impact Communities of Color in California
14 May 2024 | ACS ES&T Water
Communities of Color in California face a higher risk of PFAS contamination in drinking water due to disproportionate pesticide applications near their water sources, highlighting the need for increased PFAS monitoring and remediation in these areas.
Investigation of the Link between Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Stress Biomarkers in Bottlenose Dolphins
14 May 2024 | Environ Sci Technol
Exposure to various PFAS chemicals in bottlenose dolphins from South Carolina and Florida correlates with changes in stress-related cortisol levels, suggesting PFAS may impact their stress response and highlighting the need for further long-term research.
Association of diet with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in plasma and human milk in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study
11 May 2024 | Sci Total Environ
Certain dietary factors during pregnancy, such as increased consumption of fish/seafood, eggs, coffee, or white rice, were found to be associated with higher concentrations of PFAS in both maternal plasma and human milk, indicating the importance of understanding food-related sources of PFAS exposure for pregnant individuals and their offspring. Fruit, whole grain, and fiber consumption was associated with lower levels of PFAS in maternal plasma.
Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Construction and Demolition Debris (CDD): Discerning Sources and Fate During Waste Management
10 May 2024 | J Hazard Mater
Sampling at a construction and demolition debris processing facility revealed elevated PFAS concentrations in materials like carpeting and drywall, raising concerns about leaching from landfills in light of limited oversight.
Can Bees Detect Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)?
9 May 2024 | Environ Toxicol Chem
Bee behavior testing revealed that bees avoid syrup spiked with high levels of PFOS when given a choice between contaminated and uncontaminated food. This may have implications for bee health, pollination, and human health as PFOS has been detected in honey.