Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are a class of anthropogenic chemicals classified as contaminants of emerging concern. While human exposure routes such as ingestion or inhalation (in the case of volatile precursors) are the primary subject of investigation, only a few peer-reviewed papers have addressed dermal exposure. Exposure through dermal uptake is generally disregarded as a pathway for human exposure to PFASs. A laboratory study was designed to quantify the percutaneous absorption of PFASs from three different matrices including upholstery fabric, facial treatment pads, and water. Silicone rubber was used as a surrogate for human skin for direct contact experiments to demonstrate ability for PFASs to migrate from each matrix into silicone. Additionally, diffusion experiments were conducted using silicone rubber in order to estimate flux and permeability coefficients for select PFASs across a membrane. Dramatically variable fluxes were observed, consistent with varying thermodynamic activity in the matrices tested and with simulated exposure activities varying from active to passive. Further examination of these phenomena is warranted and will be discussed.<br/>

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs): Percutaneous absorption and implications for total human exposure

2019 Fall National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.