Citation:

LINDSTROM, A. B. AND M. J. STRYNAR. (CHINA) PERFLUORINATED ORGANIC COMPOUND EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT RESEARCH . Presented at International Conference on Environmental and Genetical Damage, Chongqing, CHINA, November 03 - 06, 2005.

Impact/Purpose:

The objective of this task is to develop state-of-the-art methods for measuring xenobiotic compounds, to include the isolation of the analyte from the appropriate matrix (extraction), preconcentration (typically sorbent-based), and analysis via GC/MS and/or LC/MS. Once established, these methods will be applied in small scale pilot studies or demonstration projects. Particular emphasis will be placed on methods which are readily transferable to other laboratories, including those within the Human Exposure and Atmospheric Sciences Division (HEASD), the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL), other EPA Laboratories, Program Offices, Regions, and academic institutions.

Specific objectives of this task include the following:

1) Development of GC/MS and LC/MS methods for the measurement of key xenobiotic compounds and their metabolites (to include the pyrethroid pesticides, perfluorinated organic compounds, and the BFRs) in relevant environmental and biological matrices.

2) Development of efficient low cost methods for the extraction and clean up of these compounds collected from relevant matrices.

3) Determination of xenobiotic compound and metabolite concentrations in samples derived from laboratory and field monitoring studies to help assess exposures and evaluate associated risks.

Description:

A wide range of perfluorinated organic compounds (PFCs) has been used in a variety of industrial processes and consumer products. The most commonly studied PFCs include perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), but there are many more compounds in this class that remain to be investigated. Many of PFCs (or their degradants) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to animal species. This presentation provides a general overview of this class of compounds and a summary of some of the PFC-related research underway at the US Environmental Protection Agency's National Exposure Research Laboratory. Gas and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry methods have been developed for the most common perfluorinated alcohols, carboxylic acids and sulfonates. When applied to house dust samples, a wide range of PFCs was measured at ng /gram of dust level, concentrations which are very similar to those previously reported for residual pesticides in house dust. Overall, the house to house variability in these results suggests that there are a variety of potential residential sources of these materials, and that house dust may be an important PFC exposure route.

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