Nontarget Identification of Novel Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Cord Blood Samples

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) can cross the placental barrier, potentially impacting embryonic development and leading to adverse birth outcomes.
• Identifying novel PFASs in cord blood is crucial for assessing prenatal exposure risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify legacy and novel PFASs in cord blood samples from pregnant women in Jinan, China.
• To investigate the presence of emerging and OECD-defined PFASs.
• To explore the relationship between PFASs levels and birth outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 326 cord blood samples using advanced identification techniques.
• Quantification of 16 legacy and 12 novel PFASs, including perfluoropolyether carboxylic acids and fipronil sulfone.
• Statistical analysis to correlate PFASs concentrations with maternal age and infant birth parameters.

Main Results:

• The first-time detection of perfluoropolyether carboxylic acids, hydrogen-substituted polyfluoroetherpropane sulfate, and 3:3 chlorinated polyfluoroalkyl ether alcohol in cord blood.
• Emerging and OECD-defined PFASs constituted 9.4% and 9.7% of total PFASs, respectively.
• Legacy PFASs like PFOA, PFOS, and PFHxS remained the most abundant.
• Higher levels of certain PFASs (C9-C12 PFCAs, C6-C8 PFSAs, 6:2 Cl-PFESA) were observed in older mothers.
• PFHxS levels showed a positive association with birth weight and ponderal index.

Conclusions:

• This study provides comprehensive data on the presence and exposure levels of novel PFASs in early life.
• Findings underscore the need for continued monitoring and risk assessment of emerging PFASs during pregnancy.
• The association between PFHxS and improved birth metrics warrants further investigation into specific PFASs' developmental impacts.