Assessment of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (pfas) in maternal blood

AUTORI

ABSTRACT

Introduction: per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals widely used in various industrial applications and consumer products due to their water and oil-repellent properties, since the ’50s. Their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts have raised significant concerns, particularly regarding their presence in human blood. This study focuses on the analysis of PFAS in maternal blood, given the potential implications for both maternal and fetal health.
Methods: by using liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution accurate mass spectrometry (LC-HRAMS), we quantitatively analyzed the concentrations of 23 PFAS compounds in maternal blood samples. The study cohort consisted of 16 pregnant women from different demographic backgrounds, providing a comprehensive overview of PFAS exposure.
Results: detectable levels of multiple PFAS compounds across all samples, namely PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS. PFBS, PFHxA have been identified. Total PFAS content in samples ranged between 0.18 ng/mL and 3.84 ng/mL. Among the single molecule, PFOS was the compound found at the highest concentrations (2.15 ng/mL), followed by PFHxA
(1.41 ng/mL).
Discussion: the presence of PFAS in maternal blood underscores the potential for prenatal exposure, raising concerns about the developmental and long-term health effects on offspring. This research highlights the urgent need for regulatory measures to reduce PFAS exposure and calls for further studies to explore the mechanisms of PFAS transfer from mother to fetus and the subsequent health impacts.

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