Predictors of PFOA Levels in a Community Surrounding a Chemical Plant

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Kyle Steenland, Emory University; Chuangfang Jin, West Virginia University; Jessica MacNeil, Emory University; Cathy Lally, Emory University; Alan Ducatman, West Virginia University; Veronica Vieira, Boston University; Tony Fletcher, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
• Language: English
• Date: 2009-03-23
• Publisher: National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: Publication of EHP lies in the public domain and is therefore without copyright. All text from EHP may be reprinted freely.
• Final Published Version (URL): http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/0800294/
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: Environmental Health Perspectives
• ISSN: 0091-6765
• Volume: 117
• Issue: 7
• Start Page: 1083
• End Page: 1088
• Grant/Funding Information: This research is funded by the C8 Class Action Settlement Agreement (Circuit Court of Wood County, WV, USA) between DuPont and plaintiffs, which resulted from releases into drinking water of the chemical perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA, or C8).; Funds were administered by the Garden City Group (Melville, NY) that reports to the court.
• Keywords: serum levels; water contamination; PFOA
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Occupational Health and Safety; Health Sciences, Public Health

Abstract

Background Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is considered a probable human carcinogen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It does not exist in nature but has been used widely since World War II. It is present in the serum of most Americans at about 4–5 ng/mL, although the routes of exposure remain unknown. Objectives We examined predictors of PFOA in mid-Ohio Valley residents living near a chemical plant that until recently released large quantities of PFOA into the environment, contaminating drinking water. Methods We studied 69,030 residents in six contaminated water districts who participated in a 2005–2006 survey involving a questionnaire and blood tests. Of these, 64,251 had complete data on PFOA and covariates. We also analyzed a subset (71%) for whom we had occupational history. We ran linear regression models to determine serum PFOA predictors. Results Mean PFOA serum level was 83.0 ng/mL (median, 28.2). The most important predictors were current (median for all districts, 38.4; highest district, 224.1) and past (median, 18.6) residence in contaminated water districts, and current (median, 147.8) and past (median, 74.9) employment at the chemical plant (R2 model = 0.55). PFOA was higher for males, those consuming local vegetables, and those using well water rather than public water, and lower for those using bottled water. PFOA was higher at younger and older ages. Conclusions PFOA levels in this population varied with distance of residence from the plant and employment at the plant. Effects of age and sex reflected prior findings. Effects of other demographic and lifestyle covariates were relatively weak.