Human biomonitoring follow-up study on PFOA contamination and investigation of possible influencing factors on PFOA exposure in a German population originally exposed to emissions from a fluoropolymer production plant

Heidi Lahne ¹, Doris Gerstner ¹, Wolfgang Völkel ¹

⁰Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Institute for Occupational Health and Product Safety, Environmental Health, Munich, Germany.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health +

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May 4, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels in blood serum significantly decreased after drinking water purification. Age was identified as a key factor influencing PFOA exposure, highlighting the success of environmental remediation efforts.

Area Of Science

Environmental Health
Toxicology
Human Biomonitoring

Background

Historical release of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from a fluoropolymer plant contaminated local drinking water in Bavaria, Germany.
Human biomonitoring in 2018 revealed elevated PFOA blood serum levels in residents compared to a control group.
The primary exposure source was identified as contaminated local drinking water.

Purpose Of The Study

To assess the effectiveness of drinking water purification in reducing internal PFOA exposure.
To investigate the association between internal PFOA exposure and potential influencing factors.

Main Methods

A follow-up human biomonitoring study was conducted in 2022, including participants from the 2018 survey.
Blood samples were collected to determine PFOA serum concentrations.
A questionnaire gathered data on sociodemographic characteristics, health, diet, and lifestyle factors.

Main Results

Median PFOA blood levels decreased significantly across all groups: 56.9% in the general population, 59.8% in women of reproductive age, and 73.4% in children.
Older age was associated with a higher probability of elevated PFOA levels (PFOA > 10 μg/l).
No significant influence of fish and game meat consumption on PFOA levels was observed.

Conclusions

The observed decrease in PFOA serum levels confirms the cessation of drinking water contamination.
Age is a significant predictor of internal PFOA exposure.
Further research is needed to elucidate the role of dietary habits in PFOA exposure.

Keywords:

HBM values Human biomonitoring Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)