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

Alexis M. Temkin, Barbara A. Hocevar, David Q. Andrews, Olga V. Naidenko and Lisa M. Kamendulis
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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

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 5, 1-30

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.

Keywords: key characteristics of carcinogens; PFAS; oxidative stress; immunotoxicity; environmental carcinogen (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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