Citation:

STRYNAR, M. J. AND A. B. LINDSTROM. PERSISTENT PERFLUORINATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS. Presented at LSU School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, March 09, 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:

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have gained notoriety in the recent past. Global distribution of PFCs in wildlife, environmental samples and humans has sparked a recent increase in new investigations concerning PFCs. Historically PFCs have been used in a wide variety of consumer and industrial applications including paints, adhesives, surfactant, carpet/upholstery/paper coatings, and lubricants. The two most notable PFCs in this class of compounds are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Ongoing investigations by academia, private industry and government as to the fate, disposition and toxicity of these compounds are currently underway.

This presentation will give an overview of PFC background information, current literature findings and activities at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ORD/HEASD/MDAB.

Although this work was reviewed by EPA and approved for publication, it may not necessarily reflect official Agency policy.

Record Details: