A time trend study of significantly elevated perfluorocarboxylate levels in humans after using fluorinated ski wax

Nilsson, H; Kärrman, A; Westberg, H; Rotander, A; van Bavel, B; Lindström, G

HERO ID

1290891

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2010

Language

English

PMID

20158198

HERO ID 1290891
In Press No
Year 2010
Title A time trend study of significantly elevated perfluorocarboxylate levels in humans after using fluorinated ski wax
Authors Nilsson, H; Kärrman, A; Westberg, H; Rotander, A; van Bavel, B; Lindström, G
Journal Environmental Science & Technology
Volume 44
Issue 6
Page Numbers 2150-2155
Abstract A time trend study focusing on ski waxing technicians' exposure to perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) from fluorinated wax fumes was performed in 2007/2008. Levels of eight perfluorocarboxylates and three perfluorosulfonates were analyzed in monthly blood samples from eight technicians. Samples were collected before the ski season, i.e., preseason, then at four FIS World Cup competitions in cross country skiing, and finally during an unexposed 5-month postseason period. The perfluorinated carboxylates perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnDA) bioaccumulate, and continued exposure may contribute to elevated levels in ski technicians compared to the general population. The wax technicians' median blood level of PFOA is 112 ng/mL compared to 2.5 ng/mL in the general Swedish population. A significant correlation was found between number of working years and levels of perfluorocarboxylates. The PFOA levels in three technicians with "low" initial levels of PFOA (<10.0 ng/mL in preseason blood) increased by 254, 134, and 120%, whereas five technicians with "high" initial levels (>100 ng/mL in preseason sample) were at steady state. PFHxA is suggested to have a short half-life in humans relative the other perfluorocarboxylates. The levels of perfluorosulfonates were unaffected by the wax exposure.
Doi 10.1021/es9034733
Pmid 20158198
Wosid WOS:000275325600044
Url /pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es9034733
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Pollution Abstracts; Environment Abstracts; technicians; competition; Chemicals; Blood levels; P 0000:AIR POLLUTION; ENA 02:Toxicology & Environmental Safety