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High serum perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations and interstitial lung disease in former and current workers in a fluorochemical company
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This study examines health outcomes in populations with elevated serum concentrations of PFOA, a persistent per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). Findings link high PFOA exposure to a range of adverse health effects, adding to the evidence base for PFAS regulation.
In 2002, Daikin Industries' Yodogawa Plant (DIYP) in Settsu City in Japan had contaminated drinking water in Hanshin area with (PFOA), leading to the complete cessation of PFOA production in 2012. In 2023, local residents conducted a voluntary Blood Monitoring Campaign with 1,182 general residents. Blood monitoring was also conducted for former or current workers from DIYP and farming residents in Settsu City. Serum PFOA concentrations determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry [number: ng/ml: median (25th-75th percentile)] were as follows: former and current workers [N=7: 192.6 (23.3-596.6)] >farming residents [N=5: 70.2 (50.4-98.8)] >general residents [N=1182: 5.0 (3.3-7.0)] with significant differences (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.001). In a study, 4 out of 5 farming residents showed a serum PFOA decline (half-life: 2.2 yr, 95% CI: 1.4-4.6) after stopping local agricultural product consumption. However, 3 former workers exhibited no decrease over 0.8-0.9 yr. An investigation found that 5 of the 7 subjects were likely exposed to dust from the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene or handling its particulate matters, with 3 showing Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) signs. This suggests PFOA-laden dust may delay excretion and contribute to ILD, though the mechanistic link remains unclear, requiring further research.
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This paper evaluates plastic pollution and synthetic chemical contamination against the planetary boundaries framework, which defines safe operating limits for Earth systems. The analysis concludes that humanity has already exceeded the safe boundary for novel entities, including plastics, due to the pace of chemical production and global dispersal of persistent pollutants. The authors argue that current regulatory systems are inadequate to prevent irreversible harm to Earth's biosphere.
Insight into the Impacts and Removal Pathways of Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) in Anaerobic Digestion
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Researchers found that PFOA at concentrations of 0.5-3.0 mg/L inhibited methane recovery from anaerobic digestion of sludge by 7.6-19.7% and disrupted key microbial community members responsible for acetogenesis and methanogenesis. PFOA was partially removed by adsorption to sludge solids during digestion, though a significant fraction remained in the effluent.
Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in the Environment: Uptake, Bioaccumulation and Impact on Plants, Animals and Human Health
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A comprehensive review documents that PFAS compounds have been detected in virtually every environmental compartment and human matrix, causing reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, metabolic disruption, and immune effects across aquatic organisms, terrestrial animals, and humans. PFAS and microplastics share key exposure pathways and are frequently co-contaminants, as plastic surfaces sorb and transport PFAS into food chains and human bodies.
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