Longitudinal measures of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in serum of Gullah African Americans in South Carolina: 2003-2013

Gribble, MO; Bartell, SM; Kannan, K; Wu, Q; Fair, PA; Kamen, DL

HERO ID

2850305

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2015

Language

English

PMID

25819541

HERO ID 2850305
In Press No
Year 2015
Title Longitudinal measures of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in serum of Gullah African Americans in South Carolina: 2003-2013
Authors Gribble, MO; Bartell, SM; Kannan, K; Wu, Q; Fair, PA; Kamen, DL
Journal Environmental Research
Volume 143
Issue Pt B
Page Numbers 82-88
Abstract Background Charleston Harbor has elevated concentrations of PFAS in dolphins, but local human exposure data are limited. Objectives We sought to describe PFAS serum concentrations’ temporal trends among Gullah African American residents of coastal South Carolina. Methods Longitudinal measures of PFAS in blood serum from a Gullah clinical sample, without lupus, were examined using spaghetti plots and visit-to-visit change scores (e.g., differences in concentrations between visits) among the 68 participants with repeated measures available. We also modeled population-level trends among the 71 participants with any data using proportionate percentile models, accounting for clustering through robust standard errors. In a post-hoc analysis we examined heterogeneity of temporal trends by age through mixed-effects models for the log-transformed PFAS compounds. Results Population concentrations of PFOS dropped approximately 9 (95% CI: 8, 10) percent each year over 2003–2013. This was concordant with individual PFOS trajectories (median PFOS change score −21.7 ng/g wet weight, interquartile range of PFOS change scores: −32.8, −14.9) and reports for other populations over this time period. Several other compounds including PFOA, PFHxS, and PFuNDA also showed a population-level decrease. However, examination of individual trajectories suggested substantial heterogeneity. Post-hoc analyses indicated that PFAS trajectories were heterogeneous by age. Conclusions Many PFAS compounds are decreasing in a sample of Gullah African Americans from coastal South Carolina. There may be age differences in the elimination kinetics of PFASs. The possible role of age as a modifier of PFAS serum trends merits further research.
Doi 10.1016/j.envres.2015.03.012
Pmid 25819541
Wosid WOS:000365931300011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword PEAS; Gullah; PFOA; PFOS; Biomonitoring; Contaminant trends