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Endocrine-disrupting substances: I. Relative risks of PFAS in drinking water
Francisco Alberto Tomei Torres1, Susan J Masten2
1Ibero-American Society of Environmental Health (SIBSA), Zabala 3555, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA), Rep. Argentina, CP 1427
Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water are present at much lower concentrations than naturally occurring hormones. Their estrogenic activity is insignificant compared to other exposures, making removal efforts unwarranted.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Per and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are environmental contaminants.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of PFAS.
- Endogenous hormones and other environmental exposures represent significant sources of estrogenic activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the estrogenic activity of PFAS in drinking water to endogenous hormone levels and other environmental exposures.
- To evaluate the significance of removing PFAS from drinking water based on their estrogenic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and comparative analysis of reported concentrations and potencies.
- Comparison of PFAS levels in drinking water with in vivo hormone levels and dietary phytoestrogens.
- Assessment of estrogenic potencies relative to target hormones and common human tissue levels.
Main Results:
- PFAS concentrations in drinking water are orders of magnitude lower than endogenous hormone levels.
- The estrogenic activity of PFAS is negligible compared to phytoestrogens in soy-based formulas and hormone therapies.
- Even when corrected for transactivation, PFAS estrogenicity is minimal compared to target hormones and human tissue levels.
Conclusions:
- Removing PFAS from drinking water solely due to their estrogenic activity is not scientifically justified.
- The contribution of PFAS to overall endocrine disruption is insignificant compared to other exposures.
- Resource allocation for PFAS removal should consider their low estrogenic potency relative to other sources.
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