Grantee Research Project Results
Characterizing Residential PFAS Exposure Pathways among Children and Adults using Multimedia Measurements and Questionnaires
EPA Grant Number: CR840430Title: Characterizing Residential PFAS Exposure Pathways among Children and Adults using Multimedia Measurements and Questionnaires
Investigators: Dodson, Robin , Knappe, Detlef , Schaider, Laurel , Salamova, Amina
Institution: Silent Spring Institute , Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University , North Carolina State University
EPA Project Officer: Barrow, Flora
Project Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024
Project Amount: $250,000
RFA: COLLECTION OF CONCORDANT MULTIMEDIA MEASUREMENTS TO EVALUATE PFAS HUMAN EXPOSURE PATHWAYS (2021) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Air , Children's Health , Endocrine Disruptors , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , Human Health , PFAS Treatment , Safer Chemicals , Urban Air Toxics
Description:
The primary goal of this study is to better characterize important exposure pathways of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) among vulnerable groups (e.g., children), in impacted communities (e.g., communities with drinking water contamination), and in the general population. Specifically, we aim to collect data that will allow us to evaluate how much variability in PFAS serum levels can be explained by water consumption and other residential and dietary exposure sources/pathways that we can measure, and how much is not explained. These data will inform research priorities and mitigation actions related to PFAS.
Objective:
Our first objective is to characterize residential PFAS exposures by measuring volatile and semivolatile PFAS in air and dust and total fluorine (TF) and extractable organofluorine (EOF) in dust in homes with children and adults. Our second objective is to evaluate associations between PFAS concentrations in air and dust and home characteristics, including flooring type and reported consumer product use.
Approach:
For the proposed study (PFAS-HOME), we will measure concentrations of 37 volatile and semivolatile PFAS in indoor air and house dust samples collected in 50 homes with at least one child and one adult participating in the Massachussets (MA) PFAS and Your Health Study, one of seven ATSDR-funded Multi-Site Studies. To evaluate the degree to which the total PFAS load in dust is accounted for by targeted analysis, we will also measure TF and EOF in dust. We will also collect information on residential and dietary exposures sources by questionnaire.
Expected Results:
Outputs: 1. Exposure measurements (indoor air concentrations, household dust concentrations) for 37 PFAS chemicals and questionnaire data from 50 homes concordant with biomonitoring data in the MA PFAS and Your Health study; 2. TF and EOF concentrations in 50 house dust samples; 3. Evaluated protocols and SOPs for measuring a targeted set of PFAS in the residential environment; and 4. Preliminary assessment of residential exposures, including relationship between measured indoor air and house dust concentrations and associations with housing characteristics and behaviors related to consumer products within the home.
Outcomes: 1. Improved understanding of the relationship between PFAS levels in indoor air and house dust; 2. Greater understanding of the degree to which current targeted PFAS analyses may underestimate total PFAS in house dust; 3. Greater understanding of the contribution of residential exposure pathways to PFAS exposures; and 4. Improved interpretation of PFAS biomonitoring data. The proposed study will advance scientific knowledge on PFAS exposures and can be used to support risk-based decision making at EPA and elsewhere.
Supplemental Keywords:
exposure; risk assessment; Massachusetts; childrenProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.