Human placental transfer of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors: Levels and profiles in paired maternal and cord serum. (February 2016) - Yang, Lin
Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) precursors, the indirect source of PFAA exposure, have been observed in environmental and human samples. However, the maternal–fetal transfer of these chemicals has not been well examined. In this study, 50 paired maternal and cord serum samples collected in Jiangsu province of China were analyzed for fifteen PFAA precursors. Among the detected PFAAs, 6:2 fluorotelomer sulfonate (6:2 FTS), N -methyl- and N -ethyl-perfluorooctanesulfonamidoacetates had comparable detection rate in both maternal and cord sera, while the mean concentrations and detection rates of 8:2 FTS and perfluorooctane sulfonamide (PFOSA) were higher in maternal sera compared to cord sera (Mann–Whitney U test, P < 0.05). Analysis of variance and least significant difference tests showed that the youngest maternal age group (21–24 years old) had the highest concentration of 6:2 FTS in cord sera. Maternal serum PFOSA was found significantly correlated with the cord serum perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) (Spearman test, r = 0.361, P = 0.010), indicating that maternal serum PFOSA might be an indirect source of PFOS in fetuses. The obtained results suggested the potential prenatal exposure and human placental transfer of perfluoroalkyl acid precursors. Highlights: Fifty paired maternal and cord serum samples were analyzed for fifteen PFAA precursors and eight PFAAs. Among precursors, 6:2 FTS, 8:2 FTS, PFOSA, NMeFOSAA and NEtFOSAA were detected in both maternal and cord serum samples. The five detected PFAA precursors showed different concentration levels and placenta transfer ratios. The youngest maternal age group (21–24 years old) had the highest level of the cord serum 6:2 FTS. Maternal serum PFOSA was correlated with the cord serum PFOS.