Biomonitoring result of PFAS exposure from Gabreski Air National Firefighting foam among residents in Westhampton, NY

Abstract

Background

Perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid (PFOS) and other per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are considered emerging contaminants. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) conducted a PFAS biomonitoring program for a sample of the population served by the public water supply in the Westhampton, NY area (n = 161). The objective of this study was to assess PFAS exposure levels in the study area and identify potential risk factors associated with PFAS concentrations.

Methods

Descriptive analyses were conducted to present both demographic and exposure characteristics. Mann-Whitney U Tests were conducted to compare the differences of four PFAS concentrations, PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA, respectively, between the study group and the general population age 12 years and above (NHANES 2017–2018). Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine PFAS concentration levels in relation to demographic and exposure characteristics. A sub-analysis was conducted for the female only study group to examine the associations between PFAS, risk factors and reproductive factors.

Results

The concentrations of PFAS levels in the Westhampton study group were in general higher than the 2017–2018 U.S population. A positive association was found between age, sex, length of residency (LOR) in the study area and local fish consumption and PFAS serum levels. The final model for PFOS concentrations among females in this study shows that the number of pregnancies was inversely associated with PFOS serum levels. These findings are consistent with other biomonitoring studies.

Conclusion

The PFAS serum levels among study population were slightly elevated compared to the general U.S. population, suggesting a possible relation to public drinking water exposure but not indicative of long-term, high-level exposure to PFAS in the area. For a more thorough biomonitoring surveillance, systematic monitoring with more comprehensive questionnaire should be developed for emerging contaminants such as PFAS.