Serum perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) and associations with behavioral attributes

- PFASs were measured in serum samples collected from North Carolina adults.
- PFHxS levels were higher than other U.S. cohorts and were related to behavior.
- PFOA, PFHxS and PFHxA were associated with the use of water filtration devices.

The ubiquitous use of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in a variety of industrial and consumer products has resulted in chronic exposure in most industrialized nations, and led to measurable concentrations in blood and other tissues in humans across all life stages; however, behavioral attributes that relate to exposure are not well studied. To further investigate how behavior may relate to PFAS exposure, 37 adults were recruited from central North Carolina. Participants provided blood samples and behavioral questionnaires were administered, asking questions about a variety of household, dietary, and behavioral outcomes. Six PFAAs, including PFHxA (geometric mean: 0.14 ng/mL), PFOA (1.57 ng/mL), PFNA (0.67 ng/mL), PFDA (0.28 ng/mL), PFHxS (3.17 ng/mL) and PFOS (4.96 ng/mL) were detected in >50% of the samples. Generally, males had higher serum levels than females across all chemicals, and levels were very similar to NHANES levels; however, PFHxS and PFDA levels were higher in our study population. Several personal characteristics and behaviors were associated with serum PFAS levels. Reported use of filtration devices was associated with lower levels of PFOA (28% lower, p = 0.03), but higher levels of PFHxA (122% higher, p = 0.04). Serum PFHxS levels were also elevated in individuals that vacuumed less often, and in individuals that reported consuming more microwavable foods. These results suggest that personal behaviors may be important determinants of PFAS exposures.