Grantee Research Project Results
Multimedia measurement and dose reconstruction of PFAS in an Atlanta African American birth cohort
EPA Grant Number: CR840429Title: Multimedia measurement and dose reconstruction of PFAS in an Atlanta African American birth cohort
Investigators: Panuwet, Parinya , Barr, Dana Boyd , Ryan, P. Barry , Dunlop, Anne
Current Investigators: Barr, Dana Boyd , Panuwet, Parinya , Ryan, P. Barry , Dunlop, Anne
Institution: Emory University
EPA Project Officer: Davey, Elisa
Project Period: July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024 (Extended to June 30, 2025)
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 , Drinking Water , Endocrine Disruptors , Heavy Metal Contamination of Soil/Water , Human Health , PFAS Treatment , Urban Air Toxics
Description:
Although PFAS exposure and outcomes, especially in pregnant women and their infants, have been widely studied, fewer studies have focused on specific pathways of exposure and their contribution to overall body burden. Multi-media pathway studies are less common because: (1) biomonitoring measurements have been widely regarded as the “goldstandard” for PFAS exposure studies; (2) Multi-media studies are more labor intensive and costly because more samples and more analyses are required; and (3) the availability of standardized, validated methods for multiple matrices is lacking. With their extensive experience in multi-matrix PFAS measurements and given the need to mitigate exposures, especially in vulnerable populations, this research team proposes to fill these critical research gaps. This project aims to develop a validated, standardized protocol for measuring a targeted set of PFAS in the residential environment and exposure measurement data concordant with biomonitoring data for a targeted set of PFAS chemicals in an African American pregnant study population.
Objective:
Objective 1: Integrate, adapt and validate standardized protocols for measuring PFAS in multiple media including biological, water (domestic water and commercial drinking water) dust, personal care products, silicone wristband, dermal wipes, and air;
Objective 2: Quantify levels of PFAS in 100 previously collected dust and air samples and 40 prospectively collected water, dust, and air samples from the homes, including 40 dried blood spot and personal silicon wristband samples in an existing African American birth cohort in Atlanta GA, where serum levels of some PFAS are higher than US population averages;
Objective 3: Estimate the potential contribution of food, food packaging, personal care products, water, dust and air PFAS to overall body burden using measured dust and air levels, dietary data, personal care product data and other environmental pathway data in an existing African American birth cohort in Atlanta, GA.
Approach:
Researchers will leverage an existing African American birth cohort in Atlanta, Georgia for this study. The research team has previously collected serum, dust and air samples and will prospectively collect water, dust, and air samples including dried blood spot samples. Wristbands will also be deployed to collect personal exposure levels. We will use dietary and questionnaire data to estimate exposures from personal care products and foods and food packaging. Researchers will measure concentrations of PFAS in all samples using a fully validated, multi-faceted LC-MS/MS method with isotope dilution calibration, then estimate overall exposures using the environmental data described above and will reconcile these with biological measurements.
Expected Results:
The research team will provide individual-level estimates of exposures through each of the multiple media exposure estimates. Researchers will define population aggregate exposure estimates and distributional characteristics of the exposure which will enable us to identify individuals and characteristics expected to receive the greatest exposure. This will enable improved interpretation of PFAS serum data, a greater understanding of the important pathways related to PFAS exposures, and important mitigation pathways to reduce exposures
Supplemental Keywords:
PFAS, wristbands, water, serum, food, dust, air, analytical methods, Atlanta, African American, pregnant women, pathway apportionmentProgress 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.