| Since the 1950s, Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) have been used in multiple industrial and consumer products, such as protective coatings for fabrics and carpet, paper coatings, paints, cosmetics and surfactants. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) are the most commonly studied PFCs around the world. In recent years, these compounds have been detected in various environmental matrices, biota and human globally, resulting from their environmental persistence, resistance to biological degradation, chemical and thermal stability.As a result, PFOS was added to Annex B of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in 2009, due to their potential environmental risks to the ecosystems and human.Previous studies on PFCs in China have mainly focused on water bodies, sediment, precipitation, biota and nonoccupationally exposed populations, yet limited information available on the distribution and levels of various PFCs in the general population in China. Furthermore, no human health reference values for PFOA and PFOS were recommended so far, as the basic regulations and policies for assessing the health risk assessment of PFCs. The aims of present study were to investigate the serum PFCs levels and distribution in the general population from southern coastal city (Shenzhen), southwestern inland areas (Chongqing and Yibin), northeastern inland area (Shenyang) and coastal area (Dalian) of China, evaluate the PFCs background levels, determine the regional and rural-urban differences, assess gender-and age-related differences of the serum PFCs concentrations in the Chinese general population and recommended the human health reference values for PFOA and PFOS of the general population exposed to PFCs. As a result, conclusions could be drawn as follows.No significant gender differences of serum PFOS and PFOA concentrations were found in the general population of China. GM concentrations of PFOS and PFOA in the general population of China were 4.25 and 3.64 ng/mL, respectively. Statistically, PFOS and PFOA concentrations showed a good mutual correlation, suggesting a similar source of human exposure in China. In addition, significant positive correlations were observed between age and serum concentrations of PFOS and PFOA with both genders. For PFOA and PFOS the concentrations in the groups aged<14 years were much lower than those in the group aged ≥14 years. Regional differences of serum PFOS and PFOA concentrations in the general population were found in China. Serum PFOS concentration in Shenyang had the highest GM at 14.0 ng/mL, and Shenzhen had the highest serum PFOA concentration with a GM of 6.38 ng/mL. Rural-urban differences of serum PFOS and PFOA concentrations in general population of China were also observed. Serum PFOS concentrations in the urban population were significantly higher than those in the rural population. For instance, serum PFOS concentrations in urban areas of Shenyang and Chongqing were significantly higher than those in rural areas of the two cities. However, serum PFOA concentrations in urban areas of Dalian and Chongqing were much lower than those in rural areas of the two cities. The preliminary reference values for PFOS and PFOA of the general population of China could be recommended as follows:5.74 ng/mL and 2.28 ng/mL for urban males in the group aged<14 years, and 6.67 and 2.61 ng/mL for urban females in the same age group aged<14 years; 13.5 ng/mL and 3.99 ng/mL for urban males in the group aged≥14 years, and 13.3 ng/mL and 3.47 ng/mL for urban females in the same age group. For rural area,1.75 ng/mL and 3.84 ng/mL for males in the group aged<14 years, and 1.49 and 3.12 ng/mL for females in the same age; 5.97 ng/mL and 3.21 ng/mL for males in the group aged≥14 years, and 2.14 ng/mL and 3.94 ng/mL for females in the same age group.The recommendation of the human health standard reference value for PFOS and PFOA could provide a scientific basis for human health risk assessment and the establishment of legal regulations and policies. |
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