Relationship between dietary exposure and serum perfluorochemical (PFC) levels--a case study
Anna Kärrman1, Kouji H Harada, Kayoko Inoue
1Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Sakyo Konoe, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan.
Environment International
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Daily intake of perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) like PFOS and PFOA varied by Japanese city. Dietary intake explained serum levels differently in Osaka versus Miyagi, suggesting other exposure sources.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Human Health
Background:
- Perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) are persistent environmental contaminants.
- Understanding the relationship between dietary intake and serum levels of PFCs is crucial for human health risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess daily dietary intake of nine PFCs and their relation to serum levels in Japanese women.
- To compare PFC exposure and intake between Osaka and Miyagi residents.
Main Methods:
- Matched daily diet duplicates and serum samples were collected from 20 women in Osaka and Miyagi in 2004.
- Analysis of nine PFCs, including PFOS and PFOA, in diet and serum samples.
- Application of a one-compartment model to estimate the contribution of dietary intake to serum PFC levels.
Main Results:
- Only PFOS and PFOA were detected in diet samples; PFOA intake was higher in Osaka.
- Serum concentrations of PFOS and PFOA were significantly higher in Osaka than in Miyagi.
- Dietary intake accounted for a smaller percentage of serum PFOS and PFOA levels in Osaka (22-24%) compared to Miyagi (92-111%).
Conclusions:
- Dietary intake is a significant contributor to serum PFOS and PFOA levels, particularly in Miyagi.
- Other exposure pathways likely contribute to higher serum PFC levels observed in Osaka residents.
- Regional differences in exposure sources or metabolism may influence the relationship between PFC intake and body burden.
