Biomonitoring for perfluorochemicals in a Minnesota community with known drinking water contamination

Perfluorochemicals (PFCs) are pervasive and persistent environmental contaminants with uncertain public health implications. Following the discovery of PFC contamination in public and private drinking water supplies in Washington County, Minnesota, the authors conducted a pilot biomonitoring study. Serum samples from 196 residents of two communities were analyzed for seven PFCs. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), and perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS) were detected in all serum samples collected. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) were found in 28% and 3% of the samples, respectively. The geometric mean for PFOA was 15.4 ng/mL (range: 1.6-177 ng/mL), PFOS was 35.9 ng/mL (range: 3.2-448 ng/mL), and PFHxS was 8.4 ng/mL (range 0.32-316 ng/mL). Mean levels for PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS were higher in males and increased with age. Mean PFC serum levels for three PFCs were significantly elevated when compared to levels found in the U.S. population.