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Application of the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances

Author

Listed:
  • Alexis M. Temkin

    (Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA)

  • Barbara A. Hocevar

    (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

  • David Q. Andrews

    (Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA)

  • Olga V. Naidenko

    (Environmental Working Group, Washington, DC 20009, USA)

  • Lisa M. Kamendulis

    (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA)

Abstract

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) constitute a large class of environmentally persistent chemicals used in industrial and consumer products. Human exposure to PFAS is extensive, and PFAS contamination has been reported in drinking water and food supplies as well as in the serum of nearly all people. The most well-studied member of the PFAS class, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), induces tumors in animal bioassays and has been associated with elevated risk of cancer in human populations. GenX, one of the PFOA replacement chemicals, induces tumors in animal bioassays as well. Using the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens framework for cancer hazard identification, we considered the existing epidemiological, toxicological and mechanistic data for 26 different PFAS. We found strong evidence that multiple PFAS induce oxidative stress, are immunosuppressive, and modulate receptor-mediated effects. We also found suggestive evidence indicating that some PFAS can induce epigenetic alterations and influence cell proliferation. Experimental data indicate that PFAS are not genotoxic and generally do not undergo metabolic activation. Data are currently insufficient to assess whether any PFAS promote chronic inflammation, cellular immortalization or alter DNA repair. While more research is needed to address data gaps, evidence exists that several PFAS exhibit one or more of the key characteristics of carcinogens.

Suggested Citation

  • Alexis M. Temkin & Barbara A. Hocevar & David Q. Andrews & Olga V. Naidenko & Lisa M. Kamendulis, 2020. "Application of the Key Characteristics of Carcinogens to Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(5), pages 1-30, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:5:p:1668-:d:328246
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chen-Yu Liu & Pau-Chung Chen & Pei-Chen Lien & Yi-Peng Liao, 2018. "Prenatal Perfluorooctyl Sulfonate Exposure and Alu DNA Hypomethylation in Cord Blood," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-10, May.
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    Cited by:

    1. Blake Langenbach & Mark Wilson, 2021. "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): Significance and Considerations within the Regulatory Framework of the USA," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-17, October.
    2. Judith M. Graber & Taylor M. Black & Nimit N. Shah & Alberto J. Caban-Martinez & Shou-en Lu & Troy Brancard & Chang Ho Yu & Mary E. Turyk & Kathleen Black & Michael B. Steinberg & Zhihua Fan & Jeffere, 2021. "Prevalence and Predictors of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Serum Levels among Members of a Suburban US Volunteer Fire Department," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-13, April.

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