Systematic Evidence Map for Over One Hundred and Fifty Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
Laura M Carlson1, Michelle Angrish2, Avanti V Shirke3
1Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Health & Environmental Effects Assessment Division (HEEAD), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), Durham, North Carolina, USA.
Environmental Health Perspectives
|May 17, 2022
Summary
Systematic evidence maps characterized Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) toxicity data. Many PFAS lack sufficient epidemiological and animal evidence, highlighting research needs for understanding potential health effects.
Area of Science:
- Environmental health sciences
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread synthetic chemicals with diverse applications.
- The U.S. EPA's Action Plan prioritizes research to address PFAS challenges.
- Systematic Evidence Maps (SEM) are employed to assess the evidence base for numerous PFAS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the available evidence on PFAS toxicity using SEM methods.
- To summarize epidemiological and animal bioassay data for U.S. EPA-prioritized PFAS.
- To identify data gaps and research needs for PFAS hazard identification.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review incorporating manual and machine-learning screening.
- Broad Populations, Exposures, Comparators, and Outcomes (PECO) criteria used for study inclusion.
- Detailed data extraction and evaluation for key animal bioassay and epidemiological studies.
Main Results:
- Over 40,000 studies were initially identified; 44 animal and 148 epidemiology studies met criteria from peer-reviewed literature.
- Epidemiological evidence was available for 15 PFAS, focusing on reproductive, endocrine, developmental, metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune systems.
- Animal evidence was available for 40 PFAS, assessing reproductive, developmental, urinary, immunological, and hepatic systems; 45 PFAS had evidence from both streams.
Conclusions:
- A significant number of PFAS are data-poor, with limited epidemiological and animal evidence.
- The SEM approach identified critical research needs for data-poor PFAS.
- Further research is essential to fully understand the potential health impacts of PFAS exposures.
