Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 5, 2026

Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow
09:04

Identifying Per- and Polyfluorinated Chemical Species with a Combined Targeted and Non-Targeted-Screening High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Workflow

Published on: April 18, 2019

13.3K

Predictors of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance (PFAS) Plasma Concentrations in 6-10 Year Old American Children

Maria H Harris1,2, Sheryl L Rifas-Shiman3, Antonia M Calafat4

  • 1Center for Environmental Research and Children's Health, University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health , Berkeley, California, United States.

Environmental Science & Technology
|March 23, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are linked to developmental toxicity. This study found predictors like child age, home environment, and maternal factors influenced PFAS levels in children, but explained only modest variability.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Health

Background:

  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widespread environmental contaminants with suspected developmental toxicity.
  • Limited data exist on PFAS concentrations and exposure routes specifically in children.
  • Understanding childhood exposure is crucial for assessing health risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure plasma PFAS concentrations in children aged 6-10 years.
  • To identify sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related predictors of childhood PFAS levels.
  • To examine associations between maternal and childhood PFAS concentrations.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of plasma samples from the Boston-area Project Viva prebirth cohort (children aged 6-10 years, sampled 2007-2010).
  • Application of multivariable linear regression to assess associations with various factors.
  • Comparison of Project Viva cohort data with National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) youth data.

Main Results:

  • PFAS concentrations in Project Viva children were similar to NHANES youth; most PFAS levels declined from 2007-2010.
  • Higher childhood PFAS concentrations were associated with older child age, lower adiposity, bedroom carpeting, higher maternal education, and higher neighborhood income.
  • PFAS levels were lower in children of Black mothers compared to White mothers and increased with maternal pregnancy PFAS levels; breastfeeding duration was not a significant predictor.

Conclusions:

  • Sociodemographic, environmental, and maternal factors are associated with childhood PFAS concentrations, but explain only a modest portion of the variability.
  • Racial disparities in childhood PFAS exposure were observed.
  • Further research is needed to identify additional exposure sources and understand the full impact of PFAS on child development.

More Related Videos

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique07:06

Investigating Long-Distance Transport of Perfluoroalkyl Acids in Wheat via a Split-Root Exposure Technique

Published on: September 28, 2022

2.2K
Implementation of a Hyperbolic Vortex Plasma Reactor for the Removal of Micropollutants in Water06:35

Implementation of a Hyperbolic Vortex Plasma Reactor for the Removal of Micropollutants in Water

Published on: July 25, 2025

1.2K

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution01:17

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the pediatric population exhibits unique challenges and considerations due to the physiological differences between children, particularly neonates and infants, and adults. A crucial aspect of pediatric pharmacology is understanding how these differences impact the pharmacokinetics of various drugs, necessitating age-specific dosing strategies to ensure efficacy and safety.Neonates and infants have a higher total body water content, ~75%–90% of their body weight,...
398
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
303