Potential human health effects of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prevalent in aquatic environment: a review

Abstract

The widespread incorporation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various daily-use items has garnered considerable attention regarding environmental and health hazards in the last decade. Among different categories of PFAS, a paradigm shift has occurred towards short-chain PFAS alternatives like GenX, ADONA, and F53B, driven by environmental considerations and regulatory changes. Exposure to PFAS can happen through consuming contaminated food and drink, inhaling contaminated dust, or skin contact with PFAS-containing objects. Furthermore, occupational exposure might result from manufacturing and firefighting operations employing fluorinated compounds. In humans and monkeys, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) exhibit an increased affinity for plasma proteins. However, the exact extent of this affinity is still a matter of research. The buildup of PFOS in the liver might cause injury or dysfunction by interfering with its regular operation. Compared to other human tissues, the liver has been shown to accumulate higher amounts of PFOS. Although there is an absence of epidemiological studies on PFOS, a possible connection between the health disorder and elevated cholesterol levels has been established by many researchers. Considering the transition as a future environmental burden, this review aims to bring together ongoing research compilations on short-chain PFAS, delving into their persistence, prevalence, and bioaccumulative toxicity in aquatic environments and focusing on critical areas of research gaps. An extensive literature analysis assessed the relative abundance of short-chain compounds compared to their long-chain counterparts within aquatic ecosystems. US EPA has setup new guidelines specifically for drinking water for PFOA and PFOS compounds which is 4 ppt. Furthermore, this review highlights emerging regulatory measures being implemented worldwide to safeguard public health. These measures encompass a range of strategies, from the European Union's emphasis on banning certain manufacturing and production practices under the REACH regulations to establishing exposure limits and disposal protocols in the United States.