Systematic Evidence Mapping of Potential Exposure Pathways for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Based on Measured...

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Toxicology

Background:

• Human biomonitoring confirms the ubiquitous presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
• Understanding PFAS levels in residential environments is crucial for identifying human exposure routes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate significant human exposure pathways for PFAS.
• To curate and map evidence on the measured occurrence of PFAS in various exposure media.

Main Methods:

• A systematic mapping process was used to screen titles, abstracts, and full texts from 229 references.
• Data extraction focused on PECO-relevant primary data, including sampling details, detection frequencies, and occurrence statistics for 20 PFAS.
• Evidence was compiled for PFAS occurrence in indoor air, dust, drinking water, food, food packaging, products, and soil.

Main Results:

• Studies on PFAS occurrence significantly increased after 2005, with PFOA and PFOS being the most frequently studied.
• Food and drinking water were the most commonly analyzed media, with most studies detecting PFAS.
• Detectable PFAS levels were reported across a majority of US states, with indoor air and products showing high detection rates in limited studies.

Conclusions:

• The compiled databases provide valuable information for systematic reviews and prioritization of PFAS sampling.
• Findings support the need for further research into specific PFAS exposure queries and measurement studies.
• The study highlights the importance of extending search strategies for living evidence reviews in this evolving field.