Evaluating Neutral PFAS for Potential Dermal Absorption from the Gas Phase

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants.
• Current exposure assessments primarily consider ingestion and inhalation routes.
• Dermal absorption of neutral PFAS, especially from vapor, remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

• To estimate the potential for dermal absorption of neutral PFAS.
• To compare dermal absorption to inhalation exposure for neutral PFAS.
• To identify neutral PFAS where dermal absorption may be a significant exposure pathway.

Main Methods:

• Utilized SPARC-estimated physicochemical properties to calculate transdermal permeability coefficients (kp_g).
• Calculated dermal-to-inhalation (D/I) exposure ratios for neutral PFAS.
• Assessed two groups of neutral PFAS, including those on an EPA PFAS list.

Main Results:

• Calculated D/I ratios exceeded 5 for 11 neutral PFAS.
• These findings suggest transdermal absorption may be a critical exposure route for these compounds.
• The study highlights the need to consider dermal uptake in overall PFAS risk assessment.

Conclusions:

• Neutral PFAS can be absorbed through the skin, potentially contributing significantly to overall exposure.
• Further research, including data on consumer products and indoor air, is needed to verify these findings.
• Biomonitoring may be necessary to experimentally confirm dermal absorption from air for key neutral PFAS.