First indication of perfluoroalkyl substances in human serum from Papua New Guinea

Human biomonitoring programs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been conducted around the world to assess human exposure and health risk. Inquiry into population PFAS levels in a socioeconomically and geographically unique region such as the Pacific Island Papua New Guinea, may provi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Science of the total environment 2023-04, Vol.870, p.161749, Article 161749
Main Authors: Nguyen, Hong T.M., Nilsson, Sandra, Mueller, Ava A.R., Toms, Leisa-Maree, Kennedy, Carl, Langguth, Daman, Hobson, Peter, Mueller, Jochen F.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
9Cl-F53B
Alkanesulfonic Acids - analysis
Australia
Biological Monitoring
Canada
Environmental Pollutants
Fluorocarbons - analysis
Human biomonitoring
Humans
Papua New Guinea
PFAS
Serum
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Summary:Human biomonitoring programs of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been conducted around the world to assess human exposure and health risk. Inquiry into population PFAS levels in a socioeconomically and geographically unique region such as the Pacific Island Papua New Guinea, may provide new insights into PFAS exposure pathways and sources. This study presented the first indication of PFAS exposure in the Papua New Guinea population. De-identified serum samples were pooled from surplus pathology serum samples collected between 2019 and 2020. A total of 11 PFAS were detected in the serum pools including 10 perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAA) and 9Cl-F53B (a perfluorooctane sulfonic acid - PFOS alternative). The observed PFAA profile was somewhat similar to that observed for general population data of other countries such as Australia, Malaysia, and Canada suggesting similar exposure sources and/or pathways. However, PFAS concentrations were consistently lower than concentrations in the serum measured in pools obtained from Australia. The detection of 9Cl-F53B in all pools was a new finding which might be related to exposure from locally industrial sources. [Display omitted] •The PFAS profile is similar to those observed for general population data around the world suggesting similar exposure sources/pathways.•Concentrations of PFASs were lower compared to the neighboring country Australia indicating the lower level of exposure.•PFOA, PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFHxDA, PFHxS, PFOS, and 9Cl-F53B were detected in all serum pools.•The detection of 9Cl-F53B in all serum pools which might be related to exposure from local industrial sources.
ISSN:0048-9697
1879-1026
DOI:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161749