Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in matched parental and cord serum in Shandong, China

Background: Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) have been widely detected in different populations. However, limited data is available about exposure among family members. Objectives: To investigate the PFASs levels in parents and their newborns and to understand their correlation and health implications of in utero exposure to PFASs. Methods: Ten PFASs were measured in matched parental and cord serum (N= 369 families) from a birth cohort in Shandong, one of the regions seriously polluted by PFASs in China. The correlation of PFASs levels within families was examined. A questionnaire survey on maternal factors and risk assessment using the hazard quotients (HQs) approach based on maternal PFASs levels was conducted. Results: Within a family, the father had the highest levels of all PFASs. Among the 10 PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was the highest, with 103.38, 42.83, and 34.67 ng/ml in paternal, maternal and cord serum, respectively. PFASs levels were positively correlated among family members (r= 0.14-0.91, p < 0.01). Maternal age, body mass index (BMI); smoking history; and intake of fish, milk, poultry, vegetables and tap water were significantly related to PFASs concentrations in cord serum. Twenty-seven (7.3%) HQ values exceeded 1 for both PFOA and the sum of PFOA and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), indicating potential concern for developmental toxicity in the local newborns. Conclusions: PFASs, and especially PFOA levels were extremely high and positively correlated between parents, indicating heavy pollution in this region and common sources of exposure. In utero exposure to PFASs might pose potential concern for developmental toxicity in the local newborns.