Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances: Emerging Insights Into Health Risks
Philippe Grandjean1, Richard Clapp2
1Department of Environmental Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
Summary
Perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate, widely used industrial chemicals, pose significant immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity risks. Current drinking water limits may be too high, underestimating health dangers from incompletely tested substances.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Toxicology
- Public Health
Background:
- Perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been used for over 60 years, initially perceived as inert and non-toxic.
- Emerging toxicity data on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) indicate potential health risks.
- These chemicals are detected in humans and the environment, raising public health concerns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolving understanding of PFOA and PFOS toxicity.
- To assess the adequacy of current regulatory limits for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water.
- To highlight the public health implications of underestimating risks from incompletely tested chemicals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of toxicological studies on PFOA and PFOS.
- Analysis of historical and recent research publications.
- Comparison of current toxicological data with existing regulatory standards.
Main Results:
- Early studies from over 30 years ago indicated immunotoxicity and carcinogenicity of PFOA and PFOS.
- Recent research has intensified, revealing these risks are relevant at prevalent exposure levels.
- Existing drinking water limits, based on pre-2008 data, may be over 100-fold too high.
Conclusions:
- Carcinogenicity and immunotoxicity are significant risks associated with PFOA and PFOS exposure.
- Current regulatory standards for PFOA and PFOS may not adequately protect public health.
- Assuming the safety of incompletely tested industrial chemicals can lead to underestimated health risks and public health implications.
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