Perfluorohexanoic acid toxicity, part I: Development of a chronic human health toxicity value for use in risk assessment

Luz, AL; Anderson, JK; Goodrum, P; Durda, J

HERO ID

5080589

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2019

Language

English

PMID

30639337

HERO ID 5080589
In Press No
Year 2019
Title Perfluorohexanoic acid toxicity, part I: Development of a chronic human health toxicity value for use in risk assessment
Authors Luz, AL; Anderson, JK; Goodrum, P; Durda, J
Journal Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology
Volume 103
Page Numbers 41-55
Abstract Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) is a short-chain, six-carbon perfluoroalkyl acid (PFAA) and is a primary impurity, degradant, and metabolite associated with the short-chain fluorotelomer-based chemistry used globally today. The transition to short-chain fluorotelomer-based products as a cornerstone in replacement fluorochemistry has raised questions regarding potential human health risks associated with exposure to fluorotelomer-based substances and therefore, PFHxA. Here, we present a critical review of data relevant to such a risk assessment, including epidemiological studies and in vivo and in vitro toxicity studies that examined PFHxA acute, subchronic, and chronic toxicity. Key findings from toxicokinetic and mode-of-action studies are also evaluated. Sufficient data exist to conclude that PFHxA is not carcinogenic, is not a selective reproductive or developmental toxicant, and does not disrupt endocrine activity. Collectively, effects caused by PFHxA exposure are largely limited to potential kidney effects, are mild and/or reversible, and occur at much higher doses than observed for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). A chronic human-health-based oral reference dose (RfD) for PFHxA of 0.25 mg/kg-day was calculated using benchmark dose modeling of renal papillary necrosis from a chronic rat bioassay. This RfD is four orders of magnitude greater than the chronic oral RfD calculated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for PFOA. The PFHxA RfD can be used to inform public health decisions related to PFHxA and fluorotelomer precursors for which PFHxA is a terminal degradant. These findings clearly demonstrate that PFHxA is less hazardous to human health than PFOA. The analyses presented support site-specific risk assessments as well as product stewardship initiatives for current and future short-chain fluorotelomer-based products.
Doi 10.1016/j.yrtph.2019.01.019
Pmid 30639337
Wosid WOS:000476683100005
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Comments Scopus URL: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85059949361&doi=10.1016%2fj.yrtph.2019.01.019&partnerID=40&md5=555b550b830f844d9dffc4ad5f924c8b
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword PFHxA; Perfluorohexanoic acid; Fluorotelomers; Human health; Benchmark dose; Oral reference dose