Odd-numbered perfluorocarboxylates predominate over perfluorooctanoic acid in serum samples from Japan, Korea and Vietnam

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) has recently attracted attention as a potential health risk following environmental contamination. However, information detailing exposure to perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) other than PFOA is limited. We measured the concentrations of PFCAs (from perfluorohexanoic acid to perfluorotetradecanoic acid) in serum samples obtained from patients in Japan (Sendai, Takayama, Kyoto and Osaka) between 2002 and 2009, Korea (Busan and Seoul) between 1994 and 2008 and Vietnam (Hanoi) in 2007/2008. Total PFCA levels (geometric mean) were increased from 8.9 ng mL− 1 to 10.3 ng mL− 1 in Japan; from 7.0 ng mL− 1 to 9.2 ng mL− 1 in Korea; and were estimated at 4.7 ng mL− 1 in Vietnam. PFCAs of greater length than PFOA were significantly increased in Sendai, Takayama and Kyoto, Japan, and levels of long-chain PFCAs exceeded PFOA levels in serum. Among these PFCAs, perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) was the predominant component (28.5%), followed by perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA 17.5%), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA 7.9%), perfluorotridecanoic acid (PFTrDA 6.1%) and perfluorododecanoic acid (PFDoDA 1.8%). Odd-numbered PFCAs (PFNA, PFUnDA and PFTrDA) were also observed in Korea and Vietnam and their presence increased significantly in Korea between 1994 and 2007/2008. The proportion of long-chain PFCAs in serum was relatively high compared to reports in Western countries. Further investigations into the sources and exposure routes are needed to predict the future trajectory of these serum PFCA levels.

► Odd-numbered PFCAs were predominant in serum in East Asian countries.
► The proportion of long-chain PFCAs in serum was high in East Asian countries.
► Long-chain PFCAs levels were significantly elevated in around a decade.