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Side-chain fluorotelomer-based polymers in children car seats
Yan Wu1, Gillian Z Miller2, Jeff Gearhart2
1O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, United States.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|November 22, 2020
Summary
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were found in 97% of children's car seats. These chemicals, particularly fluorotelomer-based polymers, can degrade and potentially migrate to skin, indicating exposure risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in consumer products for their water and stain-repellent properties.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential health and environmental impacts of PFAS, especially in products used by vulnerable populations like children.
- Children's car seats are a potential source of exposure due to their frequent use and proximity to children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the presence and types of PFAS in children's car seats.
- To investigate the potential for PFAS degradation and migration from car seat materials.
- To identify the sources and forms of fluorinated chemicals used in car seat manufacturing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of fabric and foam samples from children's car seats using particle-included gamma ray emission spectroscopy (PIGE) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for fluorine content.
- Detection and quantification of specific per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using liquid and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS and GC/MS).
- Assessment of fluorinated polymer degradation under UV irradiation and through the total oxidizable precursor (TOP) assay; analysis of PFAS migration into synthetic sweat.
Main Results:
- PFAS were detected in 97% of car seat samples, with total concentrations up to 268 ng/g.
- Fabric samples showed higher PFAS levels than foam.
- Evidence suggested the presence of fluorotelomer-based polymers (FTPs) capable of degrading into perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), with at least half of tested car seats containing FTP-treated fabrics.
- Ionic PFAS, particularly shorter-chain variants, demonstrated migration into synthetic sweat.
Conclusions:
- Children's car seats commonly contain PFAS, with FTPs being a significant component.
- The potential for PFAS degradation and dermal migration from car seats suggests a risk of exposure.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term health implications of PFAS exposure from car seats.
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