The transplacental transfer efficiency of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): a first meta-analysis

Mareike Appel, Martin Forsthuber, Romualdo Ramos, Raimund Widhalm, Sebastian Granitzer, Maria Uhl, Markus Hengstschläger, Tanja Stamm, Claudia Gundacker

Research output: Journal article (peer-reviewed)Review article

54 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS), ubiquitously present in the environment and biota, are transferred to the fetus via the placenta. PFAS can be distinguished, among other things, by their different carbon chain lengths and functional groups. The aim of this study was to provide comprehensive evidence on PFAS transfer rates across the human placental barrier by means of a meta-analysis based upon a systematic review. The available literature up to April 2021 was reviewed and transplacental transfer efficiencies (TTEs) of PFAS assessed. A total of 39 studies reporting data on 20 PFAS were included in the systematic review. Of these, 20 studies with data on 19 compounds were included in the meta-analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA v3.0) was used for quantitative, statistical analyses with random effects models. A curvilinear relationship was found with short and long chains of perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) exhibiting higher TTE than compounds with intermediate chain length. Among the less well studied PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), 6:2 fluorotelomersulfonic acid (6:2 FTS) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) stood out the most with a high TEEs. The dependence of TTEs on chain length and functional group is clearly shown in this first meta-analysis on PFAS transfer across the human placenta. More data on effects of less well studied PFAS in pregnant women and neonates are needed to assess the potential risk for fetal exposure.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)23-42
Number of pages20
JournalJournal of Toxicology and Environmental Health - Part B: Critical Reviews
Volume25
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022

Keywords

  • Pfas meta-analysis per- and polyfluorinated substances placenta transplacental transfer efficiency
  • Environmental Pollutants/adverse effects
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Humans
  • Placenta/metabolism
  • Female
  • Caproates/metabolism
  • Fluorocarbons/chemistry
  • Environmental Exposure/adverse effects
  • Infant, Newborn

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The transplacental transfer efficiency of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS): a first meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this