Multi-site study of communities with PFAS-contaminated drinking water: Methods, demographics, and PFAS serum
Marian Pavuk1, John L Adgate2, Scott M Bartell3
1Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), Atlanta, GA, USA.
Environment International
|June 26, 2025
Summary
This study investigated health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in communities with contaminated water. Adults had higher PFHxS and PFOA levels, while children showed elevated PFHxS.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widespread contaminants.
- Contaminated drinking water poses risks to human health.
- Understanding PFAS exposure and health impacts is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the design, methods, demographics, and PFAS serum concentrations of a nationwide study.
- To investigate health outcomes linked to PFAS exposure in communities with contaminated drinking water.
- To establish a resource for exploring PFAS-health associations.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide cross-sectional study (2019-2023) involving 8 US sites.
- Recruited 5826 adults and 710 children from PFAS-contaminated communities.
- Collected demographic, lifestyle, and medical history data; conducted clinical and neurobehavioral tests; quantified PFAS in serum.
Main Results:
- Adults showed elevated geometric mean concentrations of PFHxS and PFOA compared to NHANES data.
- Children exhibited elevated geometric mean concentrations of PFHxS.
- Serum PFAS levels varied, reflecting diverse exposure sources like firefighting foam and industrial emissions.
Conclusions:
- The study provides valuable data on PFAS exposure levels in affected communities.
- Findings highlight elevated PFAS concentrations in adults and children residing in contaminated areas.
- This research serves as a critical resource for future studies on PFAS-related health effects.
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